Junior League of Greater Fort Lauderdale

Who We Are

What is the Junior League Legacy?

A Rich History of Serving Our Community

The Junior League of Greater Fort Lauderdale has created several of Broward County's top charitable organizations. Over our 70 year history, we have invested millions of dollars, matched by millions of volunteer hours in improving the lives of our neighbor's right here in Broward County. We have trained thousands of women to address community needs and to take on leadership roles at every level.

Click any of the links in the list below to visit the homepage of that organization:

Who Are We?

The Junior League...

  • Was Organized in 1937
  • Has Over 700 volunteer members
  • Emphasizes leadership training for members
  • Dedicate resources-volunteer and financial-to projects that most positively impact families and children.
  • Promotes volunteerism, encourage community involvement beyond the Junior League
  • Is a Member of Associations of Junior League International (AJLI)

Junior League — A Training Organization

The Junior League:

  • Prepares women for effective life-long volunteer service
  • Provides Leadership development
  • Provides Skills training opportunities
  • Provides Hands-on experience

Meeting Community Needs

  • Project Development: extensively researches community issues, needs, and challenges.
  • Members select a project and dedicate resources to solving the problem.
  • More than 50 organizations have benefited from the Junior League's assistance.
  • More than 17,517 hours of volunteer time annually dedicated to community service projects (valued at more than $316,000 in manpower).
  • Net revenues from Junior League fundraisers top $150,000 annually.

Financial Contributions Since 2000

The Junior League has Provided...

  • $200,000 to fund the Junior League Play Station at the Holiday Park
  • $40,000 for Ronald McDonald House
  • $30,000 for Jack & Jill Children's Center
  • Numerous "Done in a Day" volunteer projects through out the year

What Does The Junior League Do?

The Junior League of Greater Fort Lauderdale was organized in 1937 as the Fort Lauderdale Junior Service League to provide the community with willing volunteers in civic and child welfare work. The first project was assisting Mrs. Parson's Day Nursery for working mothers. The Nursery is now known as Jack and Jill Children's Center.

Current Community Projects

Each year the League researches and initiates projects or expands services in response to community needs. Typically projects are supported with financial, administrative and volunteer assistance until they become self-sufficient or responsibility is assumed by an appropriate agency.

  • Transitional Independent Living - Adolescents who come of age in the foster care system are at a severe disadvantage when it comes to achieving successful independence, becoming involved in the criminal justice system at disproportionately high rates, and depending on welfare, or even becoming homeless.  The League is poised to make a dramatic impact in our community's ability to deliver these transitional independent living skills to its foster youth.  Currently, the League is raising money through its fundraisers to support this vital project. 

 

  • Done In A Day - Members come together to target short term volunteer projects that can be accomplished in a single day. Projects have included but are not limited to: 
    • Preparing meals for families staying at the Ronald McDonald House
    • Volunteering at Fleet Week
    • Collecting cribs for the babies at Susan B. Anthony Recovery Center
    • Hosting a Halloween party at Kids in Distress
    • Collecting gifts for the children at Jack and Jill Children's Center to give their caregivers
    • and more ....

  • Childhood Fitness and Nutrition - Programs to successfully address the obesity epidemic as it affects children living in Broward County through nutrition education and the promotion of a physically active lifestyle. 
    • Healthfully Ever After TM - This award-winning resource kit was developed by Junior League teachers for teachers with tools to promote healthy lifestyles and reduce childhood obesity.  
    • Kids in the Kitchen - Through weekly afternoon cooking clubs, children learn the basics of nutrition and how to prepare simple, nutritious and economical snacks. We have partnered with the Salvation Army to conduct an eight week nutrition and cooking class with a group of 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade children.

  • Project Development - Conducting community research to uncover an unmet need that the JL can focus its volunteer efforts and fundraising dollars on supporting.

How We Support Our Projects

The Junior League supports its projects through extensive volunteer time and expertise, as well as effective collaborations with other organizations in the community, solicitation of grants, community fundraising events and fund development.
As a training organization committed to preparing women for effective lifelong volunteer service, the Junior League provides specific leadership development and skills training opportunities, as well as hands-on experience. The costs associated with our two-fold purpose - training and community service - are met through membership dues and fundraising activities. Our membership dues and financial contributions more than cover all administrative costs of the organization; therefore, we can ensure that all financial support garnered through our fund development efforts are returned to the community.

2010 - 2011 Junior League Special Fundraisers

  • Junior League Casino Night Fundraiser 2010 - The Junior League of Greater Fort Lauderdale is planning its Second Annual Casino Night fundraiser for Saturday, October 16th, 2010. This event is an opportunity to bring together community leaders, local business people, Junior League volunteers and supporters to have fun gaming, bidding on exciting prizes, dancing and socializing while raising money for the numerous community projects and legacy organizations that the Junior League supports throughout the Greater Fort Lauderdale area. More information about sponsorship opportunities and
  • The 11th Annual Riverwalk Run, presented by Broward Health - 2011 - Now in its 11th year, the Riverwalk Run takes runners on a beautiful 5 mile or 5k course through Rio Vista and downtown Fort Lauderdale.  More than 1,300 runners enjoy the events and the famous post-race brunch at Huizenga Plaza in downtown Fort Lauderdale.  For a fourth year, we will offer a one-mile Kid's Run to our younger participants.  Runners and non-runners alike will enjoy the Pre-Race Party.  Festivities include live entertainment, a fantastic silent auction of items donated by our sponsors, and more.
  • Leaving a Legacy Founder's Circle - This fundraising campaign is in support of our newest community project, the FLITE center.  For a $100 donation, you will receive an engraved nameplate on a large plaque to be displayed at the FLITE headquarters. 
  • Paradise Served Cookbook - "Paradise Served" is the third in the JL product line of books and produced as a perfect companion to "Made In The Shade." In response to the overwhelming success of "Made In The Shade" over the past nine years, the new cookbook mirrors its sophisticated and savory South Florida flavor while capturing the casual essence of our sea-side lifestyles.
  • Made in the Shade Cookbook - In its second cookbook, the Junior League of Greater Fort Lauderdale brings you Made in the Shade.  Discover unique recipes, many with a tropical flair. A creative addition is a kid's play chapter with recipes and crafts for children.  This cookbook was named the official cookbook for the City of Fort Lauderdale.
  • Sunny Side Up Cookbook - This Silver Anniversary edition is a culinary classic, offering sensational South Florida specialties. From amazing appetizers to divine desserts, this best seller is a sideboard staple.