Forty members of the Junior Auxiliary of Taney County (JATC) gathered at the Black Horse Inn recently to install new officers for the 2017-2018 year, induct new Active Members and recognize several women for their contributions during the 2016-2017 year.

Board members serve one-year terms and are selected from the membership. The new board members are Sara Henderson, President; Bobbie Wydeen, Vice President; Marcia Vanderlaan, Recording Secretary; Lajean Wild, Corresponding Secretary; Paula Eighmy, Treasurer; Anna Morrissey-Atkinson, Assistant Treasurer; Madeline Allin, Finance Director; Tammy Bellis, Projects Chair; Carol Harris, Education Director; Cindi Saltzgiver, Membership Chair; and Paula Gillispie, Ex Officio.

JATC welcomed new Active Members Anna Morrissey-Atkinson, Colleen Neil, Tammy Bellis, Kimberly Cook, Sharon Seay, Eleni Poulos and Jonne Morrissey. 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. These 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 2016-2017 year. They also initiated a new project in which they provided a spa day for residents at the Point Look Out Residential Home.

Several members were recognized at the dinner for their contributions. The Gift of Service award was given to Bobbi Gilpin for the member with the most service hours. Cindi Saltzgiver received the Gift of Time award for the most total hours. The Crown Award was given to Marcia Vanderlaan, the member chosen by the current President who represents the 5 jewels on the NAJA Crown: Charity, Youth, Health, Leadership and Service.

JATC membership recruitment is starting now. If you are looking for a way to make a difference in your community and have a heart for children, JATC may be just the ticket. Membership in the organization is open to women over 21 years of age. Anyone who is interested can contact Cindi Saltzgiver at 417-559-5199. Check out the Junior Auxiliary website (jatcmo.org) for more information on projects, fundraising and “In the News”.

JATC projects include Tender Critters, Santa’s Gift House, College Scholarships for seniors at all four Taney County public high schools; Prom Dresses for girls in need; Heart of the Arts supporting arts activities for clients of the Developmental Center; Learners Today-Leaders Tomorrow (LT2) to enhance science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) studies at Bradleyville Elementary School; financial and labor support for the Women’s Crisis Center; School Supplies “refreshment” in January for elementary schools; andHomework Helpers where children in extended-stay motels receive snacks, enrichment programs, reading and homework help.

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 17th Annual Trivia Challenge and Silent Auction were held at the Radisson Hotel in Branson on March 25, 2017. Nearly $20,000 was raised, all of which is reinvested in our community.

Also, JATC raises money from other events such as Belk’s Charity Days, Schwan’s Cares, AmazonSmile, Give Ozarks Day, Mr. G’s Annual JATC Days, the Branson Women’s Expo, grants and individual donations.

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 as they strive to improve the mental, physical, social and emotional well-being of children in Taney County.

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”.

Published: Tri-Lakes News, Monday, June 19, 2017