
The JLP Has Gone to the Dogs (and We Couldn’t Be Happier!)

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.
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.
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
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.