At their annual Ways & Means Gala, the Midwest City Junior Service League and local community members came together to raise over $70,000 through raffles, silent auction items, and live auction items.
Oklahoma City, OK, March 26, 2019– The Junior Service League (JSL) of Midwest City hosted its annual Ways & Mean Gala at the Hilton Skirvin hotel in Oklahoma City on March 1, 2019. The theme for this year’s gala, “A World of Pure Imagination,” was inspired by the magic and creativity of Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory. At the event, Carol Judd, Executive Director of Mid-Del Group Home Inc., was awarded with the Linda Croak Service Award, which is named after one of JSL’s founding members, Linda Croak.
At the event, there were several silent auction and live auction items donated by JSL and community members. Additionally, Storm Safe Inground Tornado Shelters, Diamonds Direct, Kendra Scott Jewelry provided raffle items. Members of the Ways & Means Gala planning committee included: Jerri Larrison (Committee Chair), Kristin Borromeo, Julie Croak Waddle, Renee’ Davis, Jamie Kolar, Tara Lindsey, Angela Maxwell, Keri McKiddie, and Amanda Wiens.
“I’m very thankful for all of the donations, volunteers, sponsors, members, and guests we had at our annual Ways & Means Gala. When you see a plan come together for the betterment of the community you realize all of the long hours put into it were well worth it,” explained Jerri Larrison, JSL Ways & Means Chair.
The Junior Service League of Midwest City has a long history of providing support to Eastern Oklahoma County, both financially and with service hours volunteered by its members. JSL uses the funds raised from the Ways & Means Gala to provide grants to local non-profit organizations and scholarships to local high school seniors. In 2018, JSL awarded over $60,000 in grants to local organizations and five $1,000 scholarships. Grant and scholarship recipients are selected through an application process. JSL is accepting applications for grants and scholarships until March 30, 2019. Applications can be found online at www.jslmwc.org.
“The grants and scholarships given out to our community are a direct result from the hard work of the JSL Gala Committee and members but also the outpouring of donations from local businesses and community members. I am so thankful to be a part of such a giving community,” said Amanda Wiens, JSL President and Ways & Means Committee Member.
Event sponsors included FNB Community Bank, Derryberry Chiropractic, Davis Paint & Collision, Suburban Cabinet Company, Dr. Arlen Foulks D.O., The Willard Group of Century 21 Goodyear Green, The Phoenix Group, Larrison Electrical Services, B & B Auto Group, Choctaw Women’s Clinic, Bobby Lewis with State Farm Insurance, Physical Therapy Central, and many more generous businesses and individuals.
The Junior Service League’s next event, Breakfast with the Easter Bunny, is a free event open to the public. It will be held at the Rose State College Wellness Center on April 13, 2019 from 9 am – 11 am. There will be pictures with the Easter Bunny, opportunities to make arts & crafts, as well as a few games to play. Don't forget your Easter egg basket because there will be two Easter egg hunts. Ages 3 and under will hunt at 9:30 am and ages 4 and up will begin at 10:15 am. Donuts, juice, and coffee will be served.
Each year, the Junior Service League accepts applications for membership. If you have a heart for service and are interested in joining a group of outstanding women that work to make our community a better place, please consider applying for JSL when applications become available on our website (jslmwc.org) in May.
