Celebrate Junior League’s 90 years of service in Cedar Rapids

Playtime Poppy. The Science Station. Leadership for Five Seasons. The Madge Phillips Center. The common denominator? The Junior League of Cedar Rapids (JLCR). Our city would not be the progressive and vibrant community it is without the Junior League’s 90-year impact. On Friday, April 12, we invite you to join us at 5:30 p.m. for a monumental occasion — our Fostering Strength 90th Anniversary Gala at The Hotel at Kirkwood Center.

In a departure from a traditional luncheon, this year’s event promises to be better than ever in our transition to an evening gala. As JLCR’s best-performing fundraiser of the year, Fostering Strength is an opportunity to come together and support JLCR’s commitment to advancing women’s leadership through community impact. We have set the ambitious goal of raising $90,000 for 90 years and are proud to have the support of many businesses and community partners.

The Junior League of Cedar Rapids has a rich history of identifying community needs and rising to meet their challenges head-on. For nearly a century, we have been a catalyst for change, advocating for the betterment of our city and its residents.

At the heart of our mission lies our commitment to supporting foster youth in our community. We recognize the unique challenges faced by these young individuals, particularly as they age out of the system. Bridging the G.A.P. has been a cornerstone of our efforts for decades. This muti-faceted project focuses on meeting the needs and raising awareness for young people in foster care in Linn County, particularly those aging out of the system. JLCR provides youth with suitcases filled with apartment supplies, biweekly meals at support meetings, and scholarship opportunities. This year, as we celebrate our 90th anniversary, we are more determined than ever to bolster this vital initiative and ensure that every foster youth receives the support they deserve to thrive.

Reflecting on our achievements, we are proud to announce that our efforts have yielded remarkable results. JLCR initiatives like "Stuff The Truck" hosted every GivingTuesday have not only tripled our impact in just three years, but have also served as a testament to the power of collective action and community spirit.

In 2024, we are expanding our horizons further, supporting five additional initiatives that honor our legacy and pave the way for a brighter future. These initiatives include: The Catherine McAuley Center, Metro High School, The Cedar Rapids Public Library’s Big Dreams capital campaign, The Cedar Rapids Parks Foundation, and Waypoint.

Join us on April 12 as we raise our glasses to 90 years of community impact, resilience, and strength. Together, we can ensure that JLCR continues to be a guiding light in our efforts to build a stronger, more vibrant Cedar Rapids for all.

Tickets for the gala are available on our website at juniorleaguecr.org. We encourage you to secure your spot early, as this promises to be an unforgettable evening filled with inspiration, reflection, and purpose. The deadline to purchase tickets is Friday, March 29. A plated meal is included with purchase price. Cocktail Hour begins at 5:30 p.m. Program begins at 7 p.m. Dress to impress! Cash bar, credit cards accepted. Emcee: Jen Neumann and former AJLI, JLCR president Nancy Evans to speak at the event.

Here's to 90 years of community impact. Here's to The Junior League of Cedar Rapids — past, present, and future. See you at the gala!

Ashley Burns is vice president for fund development with The Junior League of Cedar Rapids.