It has taken me seven years to get a handle on all that the Junior Guild does – and that is because this amazing group of women accomplishes so much!     In many ways I think of the Junior Guild as the face and lifeblood of Elm Grove.   I love our energy, vision and dedication to women, children and our Elm Grove community.    When describing what the Junior Guild does, I like to think in terms of three pillars: Elm Grove Community Events, Charitable Fundraising and Community Service.

ELM GROVE COMMUNITY EVENTS:  Most Elm Grove residents are familiar with the numerous time-cherished community programs and events that are organized by the Junior Guild:  the Memorial Day Parade, Fourth of July Games, Safety Village, Breakfast with Santa, Children’s Halloween Party and Easter Egg Hunt.  These programs touch the lives of all Elm Grove residents and help give Elm Grove the sense of community I believe we all value.

CHARITABLE FUNDRAISING:  What many residents are not aware of is the fact that the Junior Guild works to raise funds through our annual auction that we in turn grant out to well-aligned charities in Milwaukee and Waukesha counties.   Last year’s grant recipients included Admission Possible, Family Services of Waukesha County, Milwaukee Rescue Mission’s JOY House, and The Women’s Center.  We also grant at least 25% of eligible funds to the Village of Elm Grove to support projects that would otherwise go in need.   In total we granted out a whopping $34,570 for the Guild year 2010-2011.   Not bad for a volunteer organization comprised of approximately 60 members!

Our 2011 auction that was held at the Sunset Playhouse was another tremendous success for us – netting over $28,000.   We will have the privilege this year of granting this money out to the Village and another set of deserving organizations.

COMMUNITY SERVICE:  The Junior Guild is also a strong supporter of our extended community, spearheading a calendar of service projects that have included:  Ronald McDonald House Family Dinners, St. Catherine’s Residence flower planting, JOY House sandwich making, Parent’s Place Toy Drive, New Berlin Food Pantry donations and Brigg’s and Al’s Run for Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin.  We also sponsor an annual high school essay contest that awards one winning student a $1,500 college scholarship.

Amidst all this activity, our social and membership chairs help us manage to have a lot of fun, developing new friendships and enjoying old ones.   I want to extend a special welcome to our new members, as your energy and ideas are what keep the Junior Guild moving forward.   I mentioned to someone the other day that you get out of the Junior Guild what you are able to put into it, and I sincerely believe this is true.  Please explore what the Guild has to offer you and how to best use your time and talents.   I treasure the friendships I have made in the Guild and look forward to working with each of you this coming year.