Local Junior League hosts community partnership celebration
“Community service goes good with green,” as the slightly revised quote from the hit blockbuster Wicked goes. The adjustment seems justified, as a way to describe the Junior League of Palo Alto Mid Peninsula (JLPA-MP) community partnership celebration on Saturday, December 7. Called the “Emerald Affair,” dozens of member volunteers decked the halls of the Gatehouse and dressed in various shades of green to host a fun and festive evening for friends, family, nonprofit partners, and local elected officials.
In particular, 12 local women were given special recognition at the event for completing their year-long training and orientation program ahead of their installation as full members of the JLPA-MP next month. They, along with JLPA-MP senior leadership, led the evening’s programming in celebration of their achievement.
As guests enjoyed tasty bites, sips, and small talk, the newest member volunteers offered guided tours through the Gatehouse with interactive installations showcasing the JLPA-MP focus areas — housing, food insecurity, and mental health needs. From seed packets listing food insecurity facts to “hot cocoa for a cause” goodie bags, each stop on the tour offered the chance to creatively engage with a local nonprofit’s mission and impact, including with HIP Housing, Mother the Earth, Home & Heart Collaborative, and Each Green Corner.
Additional partners from One Life Counseling, The Karat School Project, and the Rho Delta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority had the opportunity to network with eager volunteers and supportive guests. JLPA-MP also raised money for its annual fundraiser by selling festive holiday grab bags for guests to take home.
Leading up to her swearing in on Tuesday, December 10, Menlo Park District 5 Council member-elect Jennifer Wise attended the event to learn how local nonprofit agencies respond to the human service needs of Menlo Park residents and those across the JLPA-MP service areas in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. The JLPA-MP was a 2023-2024 recipient of the Menlo Park Community Funding Grant and is looking to continue to grow their partnership with new and existing city officials.
“When city leaders like Councilmember-elect Wise shine a light on our work and create awareness within their network of influence, it allows us to expand the reach of our community grants and volunteers to better serve the communities we call home,” said JLPA-MP President Bena Vohra. “Being headquartered in Menlo Park is vital to our organization’s mission and strengthening our relationship with the Menlo Park city government will enable us to do great things together.”
The JLPA-MP has over 500 Active and Sustaining Members and has been serving the community for over 50 years.
Photo: (left to right): Charlotte Reed (JLPA-MP member); Jennifer Wise (Menlo Park District 5 Council member); Bena Vohra (JLPA-MP president); Maria Palomares
