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Category: JLP Works Blog

The JLP Has Gone to the Dogs (and We Couldn’t Be Happier!)
The New Member Committee took recruitment to a whole new level. Co-hosted by President, Pam Phojanakong and Executive Vice President, Dalia Omran, The Junior League of Philadelphia (JLP) gathered for a recruitment and do-good social on August 20, 2025, at The Boozy Mutt, a spot where a dog park meets a bar and restaurant.
Pam and Dalia have often joked that they wished league events were dog friendly. The Boozy Mutt provided the perfect backdrop for members and prospects alike to mingle with their furry companions in tow.
However, the event wasn’t just about fun; it also reflected the JLP’s commitment to making a meaningful impact. In brainstorming how to support fighting food insecurity, the committee discovered the Pet Food Pantry at PAWS (Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society), which provides support to community members who need assistance to feed their pets.
Many food assistance programs overlook the needs of pets, making the pantry’s mission especially important. Attendees at the event were asked to bring pet food donations, and thanks to their generosity, the JLP collected 65 pounds of food!
The night was a resounding success: new friendships were formed, tails were wagged, and the spirit of service shone through. The JLP looks forward to hosting more dog-friendly gatherings throughout the year and continuing to build connections between our members and four-legged friends
Phundraising with the Phillies 

 

The Junior League of Philadelphia (JLP) was out at the ballpark on September 24 and had fun supporting the Phillies on their way to Red October. There was something for everyone to cheer about: 11 runs scored, homeruns, great pitching and a win over the Marlins. 

Fifty league members were in attendance and sold out the ticket block, raising close to $500. The fun didn’t stop there: two members attended their first game, and it was a baby’s first game, too. 

Be on the lookout this spring for more Phundraising opportunities with Focus Fundraising; the Phillies can’t wait to work with the League again. 

Sustainers Explore Art at the John Wind Studio and Dina Wind Art Foundation

The Sustainers visited the John Wind Studio and Dina Wind Art Foundation in South Philadelphia on April 10. The studio and foundation are housed in a recently renovated historic firehouse stable. It is truly a hidden gem in the city of Philadelphia. Annamarie Hellebusch and Debbie Vozzo co-chaired the event.

John Wind is a mixed media artist and jewelry designer. He has works in the permanent collections of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, the Museum of Decorative Arts in Paris, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the Museum of the American Revolution.

His mother, Dina Wind, was a trailblazing artist and arts advocate who created bold, abstract welded sculptures.

During the tour, they were able to see both John’s and Dina’s art. John graciously donated 25% of jewelry sales from their visit to the JLP, and the tour, the Sustainers enjoyed a delicious lunch at the BOK Building – Miles Table.

Junior League of Philadelphia Thrift Shop storefront
Did You Know? The Story of the Junior League of Philadelphia’s Headquarters
Junior League of Philadelphia Thrift Shop storefront
1. A Historic Beginning
In 1924, the Junior League of Philadelphia (JLP) set out to preserve history by becoming the guardian of Sweetbriar Mansion in Fairmount Park. By 1928, the League had raised the necessary funds to restore and establish the mansion as its headquarters, marking the beginning of its legacy in historic preservation.
2. The Birth of a Legacy
While Sweetbriar served as the League’s home, JLP’s impact extended far beyond its walls. In 1945, members launched the Children’s Outgrown Shop, a small resale initiative that would later grow into the JLP Thrift Shop—now the organization’s largest asset and primary fundraiser.
3. A Move Toward Growth
As JLP expanded its mission and membership, it became clear that Sweetbriar, while historic, no longer met the organization’s evolving needs. In 1937, the League moved to the Warwick Hotel in Rittenhouse Square, then to the Free Quaker Meeting House in 1965 near Independence Hall, and finally in 1998, the League moved its headquarters to Ardmore, Pennsylvania, to create a more accessible and functional space for its members.
4. A Major Investment in the Future
In 2014, JLP launched a $1.4 million Centennial Campaign for Building Community. This initiative, funded primarily by members, led to a complete renovation of the Ardmore headquarters, ensuring it could serve as a modern hub for collaboration, leadership, and community engagement.
5. A Space Designed for Impact
Today, the headquarters at 27 Lancaster Avenue is more than just a Thrift Shop and office—it is a central gathering place where members come together for training sessions, committee meetings, and planning initiatives that drive JLP’s mission forward.
6. Empowering Members
The headquarters offers dedicated workspaces, a members’ lounge, and access to organizational archives, providing resources that support both leadership development and meaningful volunteer efforts.
7. Strengthening Community Connections
Located in the heart of Ardmore, the JLP headquarters serves as a bridge between the organization and the greater Philadelphia area, fostering partnerships and ensuring the League’s continued impact for years to come.
JLP Thrift Shop
Celebrating the Success of Our Fundraising Campaign: A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Supporters
We raised an impressive $37,500 from 135 donors as of April 18. We are incredibly grateful for their support and generosity; every single donation, no matter the amount, has made a difference.
Donor Highlights
Number of New Member Donors: We were especially pleased to see more than 10 New Members donating, which is a new record!
Small but Mighty: Some of our most impactful donations came from everyday heroes—people who gave anywhere from $5 to $35—showing that every contribution counts in making a real difference.
Returning Supporters: A special thank you to those who have supported us before and chose to do so again this year. Your ongoing commitment means the world. Special shout-outs to Susan Asplundh, Aronte Bennett, Elizabeth Farr, Kate Hall, Mary Peller, Jane Sagendorf, Tracey Specter, Deborah Marsteller, Julia DeMoss, and Helen Weary!
Spotlighting JLP’s Entrepreneurship and Small Business Affinity Group
Background on ESBAG and Its Creation
ESBAG aims to support entrepreneurs and small business owners in the Junior League of Philadelphia, Inc. (JLP) by creating a community where members can share information and resources and find support from other people tackling similar business challenges.
JLP members Jane Nevins, Kimberley Jackson, and Emily Brown founded the ESBAG during the 2024–2025 League year. Nevins, a marketing consultant who was a new small business owner in the summer of 2024, felt isolated because most of her friends and larger network worked for big companies. One night, Nevins met with fellow League member Kimberley Jackson, a therapist, and they discussed the realities of being self-employed and running small businesses. Following that conversation, Nevins and Jackson reached out to Emily Brown, who runs a digital agency for small business, to discuss launching an affinity group within the League to connect members with similar experiences.
ESBAG Meetings
ESBAG holds monthly coffee meetings, which are held on the last Thursday of the month at Tela’s Market in Fairmount at 9:00 a.m. According to Nevins, “some folks are just thinking about a business, others have a side-hustle, and some are inheriting family businesses, so there are business owners at a range of stages.” The meetings begin with introductions, and then everyone has a chance to share a challenge they are experiencing with the group and receive feedback and ideas from the other attendees. In addition, ESBAG has an online repository of information and resources on Google Drive where members have shared training, government resources for small business owners, information on social media tools, and more.
ESBAG members also co-work at Headquarters in Ardmore every other Friday and eat lunch together. Nevins states, “Folks who are working from home, job searching, students, or just want dedicated time to focus on a project would get value from joining, too!”
JLP Members’ Favorite Aspects of ESBAG and the Group’s Impact on Their Small Businesses and Careers
As a new entrepreneur in her first year of business, ESBAG has been essential to Nevins’s success and provided a source of professional support and mentoring. Through ESBAG, Nevins learned crucial information for business, such as information about city taxes for businesses and business bank accounts and found a website developer (Small Business Startup Solutions). Nevins also noted that it has been exciting to be a part of each member’s journey and to celebrate their successes, as she has seen other members quit their day jobs, change their pricing models, publish books, start companies, and launch blogs over the past several months.
Brown enjoys the group’s monthly meetings and “tackling the hardest challenges of our businesses together.” Brown noted she always leaves feeling motivated and appreciates the group’s help navigating her decisions for her business. Brown also enjoys being able to lift up other women-owned businesses.
Jackson’s favorite aspect of ESBAG “has been connecting with other women in business and having open conversations about both our challenges and successes.” Jackson notes, “being an entrepreneur can sometimes feel isolating, but this group has been a great morale booster. It has not only provided me with valuable resources and strategies but also given me the support and encouragement I need. I look forward to our meetings each month.”
How ESBAG Has Enhanced JLP Members’ League Experiences
ESBAG has made Nevins’s membership in the League “feel more meaningful and rewarding” introducing her new members, actives, and sustainers she would not have connected with otherwise. Nevins adds, “We’ve created a real community where I think people feel like they can be vulnerable and authentic. Entrepreneurship can be lonely and it’s easy for self-doubt to creep in. So, I feel very grateful to be part of this community within the Junior League.”
Brown feels similarly, stating ESBAG enhanced her JLP experience by introducing her to incredible women she had never met before, even though she has been a  League member for ten years. Brown stated, “As a solo entrepreneur, I don’t have coworkers or a boss, but these women hold me accountable and push me to be my best for myself and the community I serve.”
Jackson, a first year active member, emphasized the “pivotal role” ESBAG has played in defining her JLP experience, providing her with an opportunity to build relationships with others, developing a sense of belonging, and feeling more integrated into the community.
Starting a JLP Affinity Group
Nevins recommends starting (or joining) an affinity group to enhance the JLP experience. Nevins’s advice “is to find at least two other people and just put it out there on [JLP’s] Facebook [page] and invite folks to join!”
“Join Savoy, Meet a Boy”: A Theatrical Tradition with JLP Roots
Did you know that one of Philadelphia’s oldest and most beloved theatre traditions has deep ties to the Junior League of Philadelphia?
Since the 1950s, many JLP Members have taken their talents beyond community service and into the spotlight—joining The Savoy Company, the nation’s oldest amateur theater company dedicated to performing the comic operas of Gilbert and Sullivan. For decades, it wasn’t uncommon to see Active Members performing on stage or working behind the scenes, with several finding more than just artistic expression—many met their future spouses there, giving rise to the playful phrase coined by League Members: “Join Savoy, meet a boy!”
Fast forward to today, and the legacy continues.

This year’s production of The Mikado features five outstanding JLP Members:

• Shelly McMackin – Past Active President, Sustainer
• Bertina Whytehead – Sustainer
• Elizabeth “Betsy” Nelsen – Active Member
• Misty Palmer – Active Member
• Carolyn Hoehle – Active Member and New Member Advisor, who will also take on a lead role in the production

Their involvement is a beautiful reminder of the ways League Members continue to enrich the cultural fabric of Philadelphia—not just through service, but also through the arts.
You can catch this year’s performances of The Mikado at two iconic venues where The Savoy Company serves as a resident theatre company:
• May 9 and 10 – The Suzanne Roberts Theatre
• May 30 and 31 – Longwood Gardens
Whether you’re there for the music, the costumes, the witty librettos, or to cheer on your fellow League Members, it’s sure to be a show to remember.
Break a leg, ladies!
Member Spotlight: Afia Lewis

In February 2024, Junior League of Philadelphia member Afia Lewis was featured in the Hall of Fame Spotlight at her alma mater, Temple University. Afia, a JLP member since 2023, has made remarkable contributions both as an educator and athlete.

One of the most accomplished sprinters in Temple women’s track history, Afia earned 12 Atlantic 10 Conference titles during her time as an Owl, including being named the 2001 A10 Indoor Championship Performer of the Year. Her outstanding achievements on the track included individual titles in the 55, 100, 200, and 400-meter races, as well as multiple relay victories. She was inducted into the Temple Hall of Fame in 2020.

Beyond her athletic success, Afia has become a celebrated educator in Pennsylvania. She teaches sixth grade at Ardmore Avenue Elementary School and has received recognition from Fox 29 as a Top Teacher in 2017 and honored by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 2019 for her exceptional work. She was also recently featured in the “Sports Legends of Lansdowne” mural, commemorating her legacy in her hometown.

Afia now also brings her passion for education and community to her role as co-chair of the Junior League’s Kids in the Kitchen committee.

 Behind the Scenes with the EVT Committee: How JLP Events Come to Life
Every engaging workshop, insightful panel, and well-orchestrated virtual or in-person event at the Junior League of Philadelphia, Inc. (JLP) has one thing in common—the EVT Committee. While their work often happens behind the scenes, their impact is front and center in shaping the learning experiences and connections that define our organization.
But what does it really take to bring an event to life? Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at how the EVT Committee makes it all happen—from the first spark of an idea to the final follow-up.
Step 1: Brainstorm & Plan
It all starts with a conversation. The EVT Committee meets regularly to discuss trends, member interests, and professional development opportunities. Whether it’s a workshop, panel discussion, or networking event, they brainstorm topics, identify potential speakers, and shape the event’s goals.
Step 2: Logistics & Execution
Once the idea is set, it’s all about execution. The committee handles outreach to speakers, schedules venues (or virtual platforms), manages registrations, and ensures every detail is covered. They also coordinate marketing efforts so members know what’s coming up and why they should attend.
Step 3: The Event
On the big day, the EVT team is behind the scenes making sure everything runs smoothly. They manage check-ins, support speakers, troubleshoot last-minute issues, and create a welcoming environment for attendees to engage and connect.
Step 4: Follow-Up & Impact
Even after the event ends, the work isn’t done. The EVT Committee gathers feedback, tracks attendance and engagement, and looks for ways to improve future events. They also send thank-you notes to speakers and share key takeaways with members who couldn’t attend.
Every event at JLP is the result of this thoughtful, behind-the-scenes process. Thanks to the EVT Committee’s dedication, our events aren’t just well-organized—they’re meaningful, relevant, and impactful.
Have an idea for an event? The EVT team is always looking for fresh perspectives!
 My Personal Tips, Tricks, and Lessons Learned for Completing Thrift Shop Quota
I joined the Junior League of Philadelphia, Inc. (JLP) in 2021, and since then, I’ve been working to streamline my quota process. Since I live about 45 minutes from Headquarters, I always try to make the most of my trips. For example, last August, the Works Committee had brunch in Ardmore. I went to brunch, had my quota in my car, and completed my Thrift Shop shift—all in the same day.
I enjoy completing quota and my Thrift Shop shift in the summer before the League year really gets into full swing. For me, this makes it easier to focus on committee work later in the year. However, if you prefer to wait until later in the League year to do your quota (March/April), you can opt to have your excess quota applied to next year’s requirement.
I wanted to share my process in case it helps someone else make the quota process more enjoyable—or at the very least, as quick as possible. So, let’s get started!
1. Gather and Document Items at Home
At home, I go through my items and create a handwritten copy of the Thrift Shop Quota Sheet before heading to the Shop.
JLP Members can access this form in Digital Cheetah by following these steps:
  • Log into Digital Cheetah from the JLP homepage.
  • Hover over “Calendars & Sign-Ups” until a drop-down menu appears.
  • Click on “JLP Quota Sign-Up.”
  • Click on “JLP Quota Sheet” in the left-hand menu.
In short, you’ll need to write down the number of items you’re bringing along with a general description of the items (e.g., tops, pants, dresses, etc.) and the number of items you’re bringing from each category. Bonus points for getting more descriptive!
My entries typically look like this:
              Tops (4)
                             2 Madewell sweaters
                             2 Athleta racerback tops
              Bottoms (3)
                             1 Gap skirt
                             2 Lululemon running shorts
Other things I do at this stage:
  • Write down the number and type of hangers I need (e.g., four skirt/pant hangers and 11 regular hangers);
  • Use this time to decide if I really want to keep or donate an item;.
  • Check for holes, rips, or stains before donating;.
  • Look through pockets or book pages to make sure I haven’t left anything inside.
2. Separate Items Before Leaving Home
Before heading to the Shop, I separate out what needs to go on a hanger and what can go into a basket. This makes everything more efficient once I arrive.
3. Make Sure I Have Quarters for the Parking Meters
I always remind myself to bring quarters for the parking meters at the Thrift Shop lot. (This has saved me from parking stress more than once!)
4. Double-Check My Headquarters Door Code
I try to remind myself of my Headquarters code before I leave. If I forget, here’s how to find it in Digital Cheetah:
  • Log into Digital Cheetah from the JLP homepage.
  • Hover over “My Membership” until a drop-down menu appears.
  • Click on “My Profile.”
  • Find your AJLI Member ID—the last four digits are your Headquarters door code.
5. Unload and Organize in the Basement
Once inside, I find a clothing rack for my items and, if necessary, make additional trips to my car. Once I’m in the basement of the Thrift Shop, I staple my handwritten list to the carbon copy form and take a picture of my list for personal documentation.
Note: I don’t use quota donations for tax purposes, so I only take a photo to ensure I receive credit for my JLP quota obligation.
6. Get Hangers and Hang Clothes
I collect the right number of hangers before hanging my clothes.
7. Collect and Prepare Tags
At this point, I:
  • Grab the correct number of tags.
  • Rip them apart along the perforation (all at once if possible).
  • Write the size and clothing type on each tag in the order that I hung the items.
This keeps things efficient and makes it easier to stay organized.
8. Tag Items
Using the tagging gun, I attach price tags to clothing.
  • I try to use clothing labels when possible, to avoid damaging the fabric.
  • If there isn’t a clothing tag, I find a discreet but secure place to attach it.
9. Optional: Check the Angel Donation Pile
If I want to tag extra items or make sure I’ve met my quota, I look through the Angel Donation Pile.
Tip: If you have extra items, you can put them in the Angel Donation Pile for another Member to use toward their quota!
10. Success! Time to Browse or Complete My Shift
Once I’m done, I:
  • Take a few minutes to look around the Shop (I almost always find something good!).
  • Complete my Thrift Shop shift (if I scheduled one).
  • Check the meter to avoid a ticket.
I hope this has been helpful in streamlining your quota process! I’d love to hear how other Members complete their quota—what are your tips and tricks?
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