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Kids in the Kitchen in The Philadelphia Sun
The Junior League of Philadelphia’s Kids in The Kitchen program

By Kharisma McIlwaine

For over a decade, the Junior League’s Kids in the Kitchen program has been transforming after-school hours into lessons on health…

Read the full story in The Philadelphia Sunday: https://philasun.com/local/the-junior-league-of-philadelphias-kids-in-the-kitchen-program/ 

A New Year’s Resolution to Strengthen Our League
As we turn the page to 2026, many of us are taking a moment to reflect on what matters most: our purpose, our community, and the ways we want to grow. For The Junior League of Philadelphia (JLP), this sense of renewal aligns beautifully with the heart of our mission: promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community we share.
One of the most meaningful resolutions we can make this year is to support the Junior League’s Annual Fund. Through the generosity of our members and friends, the Annual Fund provides essential resources that allow our organization to thrive. These contributions fuel our programming, strengthen our community partnerships, and ensure we can continue offering transformative leadership opportunities to women across the region.
A gift to the Annual Fund is not just a donation. It is a statement of commitment. It is a way of saying, “I believe in this work. I believe in our members. I believe in the impact we make together.” And the best part is that your contribution is put to immediate use, supporting the initiatives and efforts that define who we are as a League.
As you set your resolutions for the year ahead, consider adding one that creates lasting change by investing in the Annual Fund here. Your participation strengthens our collective future, empowers fellow members, and helps us continue improving the communities we are privileged to serve.
Here’s to a year of purpose, connection, and impact, together.
From Bagels to Belonging: Sparking Connection Within the League

On September 27, The Junior League of Philadelphia hosted a Mingle and Brunch, bringing together first- and second-year members with seasoned leaders for a morning of connection, conversation, and inspiration.

Held at JLP Headquarters, the event welcomed more than 30 attendees who gathered to enjoy bagels and light bites, meaningful conversation, and a warm introduction to the JLP community. The morning opened with remarks from Erin McCahill, Co-Chair of Education and Volunteer Training (EVT), and Le Anne Ahern, Vice President of Membership Development, who highlighted the League’s mission of promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities.

The brunch offered members the chance to get to know one another outside of trainings and volunteer shifts. Emily Forte, Co-Chair of EVT, led the group through a lively icebreaker (“This or That”) that revealed an abundance of beach-goers, dog-lovers, and early risers among those present.

Informal conversations sparked new friendships and helped members begin building the kind of connections that make League work both impactful and fun. We learned that our group included members from Luxembourg and Kazakhstan — and many former band geeks, including JLP President Pam Phojanakong, who played both saxophone and clarinet!

Looking ahead, members can expect a year filled with service, leadership, and learning. The brunch set the stage for deeper engagement, encouraging everyone to explore new ways to get involved and grow within the League. President-Elect Carrie Scheitrum inspired members to “just say yes” and to embrace opportunities outside their comfort zones, recounting her own experience accepting a role as Treasurer despite not having a formal background in finance.

Special thanks to EVT, the Social Committee, and Membership Development for planning such a thoughtful event, and to everyone who attended for bringing their energy, enthusiasm, and spirit of connection.

 

 

The Junior League Thrift Shop in Philly Mag
Ardmore Is Buzzing Right Now. Here’s Where to Shop, Eat, and Play

By Laura Swartz· 

The Main Line enclave of Ardmore has it all — walkability, accessibility to the city, and, of course, the popular Suburban Square retail and dining hub…

Read the full story in PhillyMag.com: https://www.phillymag.com/life-style/2025/12/04/ardmore-walking-tour/ 

Find the Good Day: JLP Members Turn Optimism into Action

Twenty-four JLP members gathered at our Headquarters to commemorate International Find the Good Day on Saturday, September 20th. Volunteers prepared 140 meals for Mama-Tee Fridges, a mutual aid project that helps food-insecure neighbors access fresh, nutritious food.

 

The meals consisted of a wrap, side salad, and yogurt parfait, and were distributed to community fridges located at senior living centers, schools, and pharmacies throughout Philadelphia.

 

“Find the Good Day” was established by the Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI) in 2023 as a global initiative to celebrate optimism, community, and positive change. The Junior League of Philadelphia centers food insecurity, hunger, and nutrition as a core focus of its mission and philanthropy, and this event offered members a hands-on way to make a tangible difference in the lives of neighbors in need.

 

Saturday morning began with chopping cucumbers and ended with yellow refrigerators overflowing with healthy, ready-to-eat meals—an inspiring reminder of the power of community, collaboration, and caring for others.yellow refrigerator with the words "Free Food" inscribed and filled with meals to-go prepared by the Junior Leauge of Philadelphia
Inspiration and Impact: Highlights from the September General Membership Meeting
On September 16, members of The Junior League of Philadelphia gathered at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania for the first General Membership Meeting (GMM) of the 2025–2026 League year. New, Active, and Sustainer members reconnected amid vintage card catalogs and archives highlighting the League’s rich past, while Buena tacos added a flavorful touch to the evening.
The meeting opened with a warm welcome from JLP President Pam Phojanakong, emphasizing themes of community, growth, and meaningful engagement. Members were encouraged to explore new opportunities for involvement while continuing to support the initiatives that make JLP a vibrant force in Philadelphia.
A highlight of the evening was a Fireside Chat with Maggy Wilkinson, CEO of Athena Global Advisors, with Q&A hosted by Erin McCahill, Co-Chair of the Education and Volunteer Training Committee. Maggy shared insights on leadership and mentoring, prompting lively discussion and thoughtful reflection among attendees. When asked about creating lasting community partnerships, Maggy underscored the importance that we “mean it,” approaching every effort with authenticity and full presence.
Maggy Wilkinson, CEO of Athena Global Advisors

Adding depth and perspective to the evening, a Sustainers Panel gave members a window into the JLP’s past, present, and future. Bobbie Cameron, Mary Hinds, Marilyn Sprague, and Nancy Scarlatto reflected on their own experiences, shared lessons learned, and offered advice for newer members, inspiring meaningful engagement with the League’s programs. Through their stories, it became clear how JLP women have consistently risen to challenges—whether providing critical community support during the AIDS epidemic or hosting “bed and breakfast” fundraisers in their own homes, demonstrating creativity, dedication, and unwavering commitment to service.

Throughout the meeting, members had the chance to connect, ask questions, and gain a deeper understanding of how they can contribute to the League’s mission. The event fostered a sense of belonging and reminded attendees of the collective impact that comes from dedicated service and leadership.

As the League year continues, members are encouraged to stay involved in upcoming volunteer projects, committee work, and networking opportunities. With the momentum from the September GMM, JLP is poised for another year of empowerment, service, and community impact.

The Heart Behind the Mission: Why the Annual Fund Matters
The Junior League of Philadelphia’s (JLP) Annual Fund plays a vital role in fueling our mission each year. By helping to cover operating costs, the Annual Fund allows us to do more — supporting both our community partners and our member programming.
In fact, everything the JLP accomplishes is backed by the Annual Fund. It strengthens our budget and ensures we can carry out meaningful, strategic work that directly aligns with our mission to improve lives in the Greater Philadelphia area.
For those who lead the effort, working on the Annual Fund is especially meaningful. Meaningful philanthropy is a hallmark of the JLP, and being able to encourage members to give — at any level — reflects the collective confidence in our mission. Whether it’s a small or large contribution, every gift makes a difference.
If you’re considering a donation this year, why not start with a gift that works for you? Even a contribution of $35 or more comes with the added benefit of earning a Ways & Means credit.
This year, our goal is to increase member participation. By joining your fellow members in giving, you’ll not only strengthen our community impact this year but also help us continue to do so for many years to come.
© The Junior League of Philadelphia, Inc. | 2024
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