Junior Auxiliary of Batesville MS

PACKS OF LOVE SERVICE PROJECT - Off and Running!

2011-09-02T11:23:00.000-07:00

One of our newly adopted projects, PACKS OF LOVE, helps to feed the need of hungry kids in our local schools. We're working closely with South Panola School counselors to pinpoint the needs, and we're packing bags of food to give to kids who would ordinarily stuff their school lunches in their own pockets and backpacks to snack on later at home, as they would mostly likely go home to no dinner or breakfast. We distribute these bags on school breaks for long weekends and holidays. We already have 4 distributions scheduled for this fall 2011 semester - of which one distribution we completed this morning at the South Panola elementary school.

The distribution this morning was WELL received. We are careful in our distributions - only giving the packs to the teachers for them to distribute to the appropriate children, who's names have been provided to us by the counselors. We do not want to hand these bags to the children directly, but ask the teachers to do so, so as to avoid alienating or embarrassing the child. It was very heartwarming to see on the TEACHER'S face a sense of relief to know their kiddos are being looked after in an extra special way.

Our next distributions will be October 7th (before fall break), November 18th (before Thanksgiving holiday), and December 16th (before Christmas holiday).

If you are interested in helping out with food donations for these children, please contact us a jaofbatesvillems@gmail.com.

(Pictured above: Holli Fassnacht (left) and Amanda West (right). Thanks girls!)

JA Batesville wins award for Healthy Kids Camp Project

2011-05-26T10:24:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to the Junior Auxiliary of Batesville for winning the Norma Delong Education Award for their Healthy Kids Camp project at the national conference in Memphis this past month. This award recognizes chapters with outstanding chapter education projects for children.

Amanda West was the chairman for the project in 2010, in which the award was given.

The project is a 3 day camp in the summer that teaches children to become more physically active, exposing them to healthy recipes, helping them become drug aware, and even provided dental and vision screenings. The HKC Project was originated in Batesville by Cortney Cox in 2008.

The 2011 Healthy Kids Camp will be held June 13-15, from 9am until 1pm each day. Children can expect the same and more from this year’s camp, chaired by Courtney Austin - ALL FOR NO CHARGE!!! The camp is available for children ages 5 to 10 years old. Registration packets available at the Panolian. For more information, visit www.jabatesvillems.org.

Pictures L to R: Katie Azar (Vice President), Amanda West (HKC Chair, 2010), Cortney Cox (President, HKC founder), and Courtney Austin (HKC Chair, 2011).

National JA Day / Week Celebration

2010-04-21T08:11:00.000-07:00

The JA of Batesville had several things in store for our celebration of the National Junior Auxiliaries Day and Week during the first full week of April 2010!

A press release was printed in the local newspaper, The Panolian, on Friday, April 2nd, 2010 informing the public of the recognition of the Nationa JA Day and Week.

In order to acknowledge the holiday and coordinate the community's recognition of our chapter's services, the Mayor of Batesville, Jerry Autrey, signed a proclamation to commemorate and declare the first week of April as national "Junior Auxiliaries Week." JA members Carol Knight and Katie Azar witnessed the event, held at the monthly city board meeting, April 6th, and posed for picture with the mayor and city aldermen.

Pictured L-R: Stand Harrison, Teddy Morrow, Katie Azar (JA Member),
Eddie Nabors Mayor Jerry Autrey, and Bill Dugger.

In addition, the Panola Partnership (Batesville's "chamber of commerce") hosted a "Business Mixer" in our honor at a new gift and specialty shop on the Batesville square called "Squared." The show just happens to be owned and operated by our own JA member, Whitney Aldridge. Local caterer Patricia Farrish provided delicious finger foods. Gallo provided wine and JA member prepared punch. We proudly displayed our project boards advertising our various service endeavors. We also provided a sign up sheet to join our email list, as well as a few "member interest" forms for women who may be interested in joining JA, and want to provide some information about themselves.

The mixer had an excellent attendance. Over 1/2 of our chapter members were available to attend and greet our community. We had representatives from many businesses in the town come to show their support for our organization as well as the Panola Partnership Red Coat Ambassadors. Over all we welcomed over 40 people. We were very pleased, and needless to say, very honored. We were very happy to bring exposure to our JA sister Whitney's store as well!

A BIG THANK YOU to our city of Batesville and the Panola Partnership for their wonderful support of our organization and helping us recognize our National Junior Auxiliaries Day & Week!

Sample of our project boards displayed at the mixer.

The "welcome" table with a sign up for the email list and the door prizes registration.

JA Members Jenny Herron, Katie Azar, Christina Flint and Meredith Fleming.

Kimberly Land and JA member Amy Rivers.

Yummy refreshing appetizers provided by local AMAZING caterer, Patricia Farrish.

Prom Closet 2010

2010-04-04T16:19:00.000-07:00

In February, we held 2 weekends worth of Prom Closets for the girls of South Panola and North Delta to pick out some dresses for their upcoming proms.

We were able to supply approximately 30 young ladies with a gently used dress, a pair of shoes and some jewelry and purses to make their special night all the more spectacular - with no cost to them!

"Meet JA"

2010-01-28T08:34:00.000-08:00

We will be holding our first ever "Meet JA!" We are excited to get to share more about our wonderful organization with the public. So many people ask us... What does JA stand for? What is Charity Ball? So we wanted to educate the public and let them know more about us!

The event is scheduled to take place on President's Day, February 15th, from 3:00-6:00 at the Batesville Public Library. The Library will be closed that day, but we'll ask everyone to use the back entrance where the meeting rooms will be open for us to use!

In an effort to increase attendance we are going to pair the Meet JA with a Story Time which will be conducted by our Crown Club! The girls will read a story to the children, do a craft, and then they will have a snack!

While the children are enjoying their fun time with our Crown Club, adults will have an opportunity to see Project Boards representative of our current community service projects. An informational table on Charity Ball will be set up. People will be able to learn more about the event, purchase tickets, or order t-shirts. In addition, there will be a "sneak peek" of some of the items that have been donated for our Silent Auction! Our Silent Auction boasts artists and businesses from all over the state! It's not stuff you can buy at Target or Wal-Mart!

We also realize that there are people out there who are interested in serving our community! We want to find those people so they can serve along side of us. We will have a membership interest table. Interested persons can fill out a form giving us more information about them, and will have an opportunity to ask us questions about making a commitment to our community through JA.

It is very exciting to get to open up our organization to the public for them to get to know us! We want the support of our community! We are hoping to make Meet JA events more frequent, and already have one in the works for April 2010!

JA PROM CLOSET 2010

2010-01-24T22:56:00.000-08:00

The Junior Auxiliary of Batesville is holding its 2nd Annual Prom Closet event!! Need a prom dress and just can't seem to scrape up the money to get what you need? NO WORRIES!!!! We know these things are expensive!!

WHEN: Saturday, February 20, 2010 - 10am to 2pm
Saturday, February 27, 2010 - 10am to 2pm

WHERE: South Panola High School's Media Room

We will help you find a gently-used prom dress, shoes and matching accessories.

We are ALSO collecting these gently used dresses and items from the community! Clean out your closets, ladies! If you have something you would like to donate, please call Jackie Herron at (622) 578-5433, or email jaofbatesvillems@gmail.com.

We also have drop-off locations at STUBBS DEPARTMENT STORE on the square, or BANCORPSOUTH.

Our ANNUAL CHARITY BALL - Mark your calendars!

2009-12-29T22:10:00.000-08:00

Junior Auxiliary
Annual Charity Ball

March 6th, 2010
7 pm

Panola Country Club
Batesville, MS

It is that time of year. We are full swing in to planning our annual Charity Ball event - our biggest fundraiser of the year. The needy children and families of Batesville look to us to provide for some of their very basic needs - whether it be a Christmas presents and dinner, books to read, or pencils and paper for school - and it takes money to do this.

We hope that you will choose to join us this year at our annual event. This year, as every year, we have a silent and live auction - and we are honored to have the prominent and renowned Ducks Unlimited and Wild Turkey Federation auctioneer, Dwight Jones from Grenada, to guide our auctions.

Our auctions are sure to pull your interest. We will be focusing in on a "Home Grown" silent auction, with artistic items (pottery, paintings, drawing, wood work, landscaping, etc) from local and state-wide craftsman and artists, as well as local unique services from teeth whitening to massages, etc. We've only just begun our search for items that will be sure to peak your interest.

Our live auction packages will feature enticing trips, rockin' parties, to home improvement opportunities. We may even have a chance to upgrade your driving style! You'll only know if you attend, or you'll hear about it when its over - but of course, then its too late!!

If you or your business are interested in donating money or an auction item, please contact us at jaofbatesvillems@gmail.com

If you would like to purchase tickets to the event, please contact April Hobson at (662) 578-9352.

The ticket prices and sponsorship package options are as follows:

$2000 GOLD Corporate Crown
Includes newspaper/program recognition, 8 ball tickets,
reserved gold table for 8, invitation to the Patrons' reception.

$1000 SILVER Corporate Crown
Includes newspaper/program recognition, 6 ball tickets,
reserved silver table for 6, invitation to the Patrons' reception.

$500 BRONZE Corporate Crown
Includes newspaper/program recognition,
4 ball tickets (table not included),
invitation to Patrons' reception.

$200 FRIEND OF JUNIOR AUXILIARY
Includes program recognition,
2 ball tickets (table not included),
invitation to Patrons' reception.

$80 for table of 8
(Tickets not included)

$60 for table of 6
(Tickets not included)

$75 Couple Tickets
(Table not included)

$40 Single Tickets
(Table not included)

Let me emphasize - this is all for the children and families in need in our community. We are so passionate about what we do, and even more passionate about WHO we serve, and THROUGH WHOM we serve. We only pray that the Lord will touch your heart in a way that He has never done before, and create a passion in you for these needs in our community. We are only a vessel to serve with love to these children and families - you can help them with us. Thank you in advance for all your support.

Adopt-A-Family / Child Welfare FOOD DRIVE & ANGEL TREE

2009-11-30T10:13:00.000-08:00

Its Christmas time ... and times are hard.

The Junior Auxiliary of Batesville has adopted several families this Christmas season that we will be gathering donations for to help make their Christmas season just a little easier than it would normally be due to personal situations and/or economic hardships. We hope that your heart will be filled with the spirit of love and giving this season, and hope that you will help out our families in need at the following events:

JA FOOD DRIVE
Saturday, December 12, 2009
8am - 12 noon
Batesville Piggly Wiggly (Click here for map / directions.)

JA ANGEL TREE
Batesville Regions Bank (Click here for map / directions.)
Beginning the first week of December, we will have an angel tree in the lobby of the Regions Bank. Come by, pick up an angel and purchase a gift for the children in need. Once you've purchased the gift, please return the UNWRAPPED gift and ornament to the Regions Bank manager by December 18th.

Thank you again for all your continued support. Remember - its the season of peace, love and giving! Bless the families in need within our community.

For more information, please email jaofbatesvillems@gmail.com, or visit our website.

Katie Azar
PR/Scholarship Chair

JA of Clarksdale - we see you!

2009-11-30T10:09:00.000-08:00

Tooling around Clarksdale MS on Thanksgiving, I stumbled across evidence of the Clarkdale JA..... Lookin' good, neighbors! Happy Thanksgiving!

Katie Azar
PR / Scholarship Chair

Adopt A Grandparent

2009-11-23T13:24:00.000-08:00

This year with our Adopt-A-Grandparent (AAG) Program we have started painting fingernails at Fairfield Assisted Living Center. I've really enjoyed serving our Senior Citizens in this capacity. We have had a lady ask "How much do I owe?" OR one lady asked "What do I have to do to be a part of this program?"
It is such a pleasure to say "Nothing, this is free because we care about you!"

I think the best part is helping the ladies choose a color for their nails! I bought tons of light pink! It seems to be a hit, although...I do paint Ms. Womble's nails each month, and she can't see real good. So I get to choose a BOLD, fun color!!! :)
The ladies are really starting to make a connection between Junior Auxiliary and the service that they look forward to each month! In addition, each time members go they make a new friend! Last month Christina Flint couldn't leave without visiting Mrs. Travis and signing her Guestbook! Nor could I leave without making sure Mrs. Womble's radio was still functioning properly! Lori even left with a borrowed book!

It's so rewarding! If you haven't yet...please come be a part of such a sweet service project! It is sure to melt your heart!

Candie Roberts
AAG Chair

Trick or Trunk Fun!

2009-11-06T18:25:00.000-08:00

Last weekend (Oct 31) was the "Lets Go Walking Down Mainstreet" Trick or Trunk event in downtown Batesville, MS.

We had a blast! Our JA members arrived around 9am-ish and popped open the trunk on Jenny's SUV in the midst of the other open-trunked vehicles, exposing all our goodies for the kids. The event started at 9am with a 1 mile walk for the kids and their families, followed by a costume judging. Then they proceeded to infiltrate on the "open trunk" area for some treats.

The kids were sooooo cute, all dressed up in their costumes.

We only considered there to be approximately 75-100 kids originally when we were preparing our goody bags. Evidently, they had a bigger and better turn out than expected! With over 230 kids in attendance, we ran out of goody bags FAST, but we had face painting as well (thank goodness!), which made many kids smile.

Let's Go Walkin'! - October 31, 2009

2009-10-28T12:50:00.000-07:00

We'll be there handing out goodies for kiddos. Bring your little ones and dress them up for the costume contest. Will be a great time!

Welcome!

2009-10-28T10:51:00.000-07:00

Welcome to our new Junior Auxiliary blog! We have created this blog as a more "personalized" outlet for our members to be able to share with the world about what's going on inside our organization. Of course we have our website (www.jabatesvillems.org) but we wanted to be able to branch off of that with more individualized perspectives on our activities and service within the community. We want to bring light to special moments, highlights, reactions from our own hearts and those we serve, and also share our funny stories and blessings.

Every single day, if we look close enough, we can allow ourselves to be touched deeply by our surroundings. Some days, the hand of service is more prevalent and noticeable than other days. But its there, whether you are serving, or being served. Its a two way street - the fulfillment is unspeakable.

Serving our community - the children in particular, who are the most precious assets to our future - is something each one of our members takes seriously. We take great care into our projects and pray over each one for the utmost outreach, as each one of us feels as though are hands are small, but God's grace is insurmountable - and just simply being available to be His hands is our purpose. And our prayer is that He will lead us to where we are needed most.

So join us in our journey. Everyday brings a new perspective on service, a fresh light on need, as every day is different, and each person has a different need.

We hope you enjoy hearing our accounts, as our lives are blessed each time we put our hands to work.

God bless you all.

Katie Azar
Public Relations/Scholarship Chair