Junior Auxiliary of Taney County (JATC) held their annual dinner last week to install new board members for the 2015-2016 year, induct new Active Members and recognize several women for their contributions during the 2014-2015 year. In attendance were approximately 40 members, including several Life and Charter Members.

Board members serve one-year terms and are selected from the membership. The new board members are Nina Grayson, President, Paula Gillispie, Vice President, Bobbie Wydeen, Recording Secretary, Sheryl Schiller, Corresponding Secretary, Selina West, Treasurer, Paula Eighmy, Assistant Treasurer, Joyce Wood, Finance Director, Becky Koehler, Projects Director, Donna Harris, Education Director, Linda Lewis, Membership Director and Joan Anderson, Ex Officio.

The women who were inducted into the organization as Active Members had participated in service and finance projects, attended Chapter meetings and completed training during the 2014-2015 year. Women initially join as Provisional Members to determine if they wish to make a commitment to become Active Members with the organization to serve the community. The new Active Members are Paula Eighmy, Bobbie Gilpin, Sara Henderson, Sam Law, Teresa Russell, Marcia Vanderlaan and Lajean Wild. Renee Benson and Jennifer Mobley were unable to attend the induction ceremony.

Several members were recognized at the dinner for their contributions. The Gift of Service award was given to Selina West for the member with the most service hours. Sheila Martin received the Gift of Time award for the most total hours. The Crown Award was given to Ronni Haston, the member chosen by the current President who represents the 5 jewels on the NAJA Crown: Charity, Youth, Health, Leadership and Service. Bobbie Gilpin received an award for the Provisional member with the most service hours.

Selina West receives Gift of Service from President Paula Gillispie.

Sheila Martin receives Gift of Time from President Paula Gillispie.

Ronni Haston receives the Crown Award from President Paula Gillispie

JATC is more than a nonprofit organization, it’s a group of women united by a single cause and dedicated to helping the children of Taney County. That’s the magic of JATC. It was chartered by a group of caring, enthusiastic women in 1998 and continues to grow and thrive throughout Taney County. Approximately 50 members annually contribute more than 4,000 volunteer hours and thousands of dollars as they strive to improve the mental, physical, social and emotional well-being of children in Taney County.

JATC projects include Prom Dress Project, Tender Critters, Santa’s Gift House, School Supplies in January, College Readiness, Scholarships, Scholar Care, Journey, Homework Helpers and support for the Women’s Crisis Center. Members raise money for these projects through one major event – a fun Trivia Challenge with dinner, live entertainment, a raffle and a Silent Auction held in the spring each year. This year the 15th Annual Trivia Challenge and Silent Auction was held at the Radisson Hotel in Branson on March 28th, 2015. Nearly $20,000 was raised, all of which is reinvested in our community. Check out the Junior Auxiliary website (jatcmo.org) for more information on projects, fundraising and “In The News”.

JATC is part of the National Association of Junior Auxiliaries (NAJA), a non-profit organization founded in 1941 with headquarters in Greenville, Mississippi. NAJA has more than 15,500 active, associate and life members in 98 chapters located in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee. Their slogan is “Care Today-Character Tomorrow”.

More information on JATC can be found on the Junior Auxiliary website JATCMO.ORG, their Facebook page, Junior Auxiliary of Taney County or via email at jatcmo@gmail.com.

Published: Branson Tri-Lakes News, May 2, 2015