Junior Auxiliary of Taney County (JATC) held their annual dinner last week to install new board members for the 2022-2023 year, induct new Active Members and recognize several women for their contributions during the 2021-2022 year. In attendance were approximately 40 members, including several Life and Charter Members.

Board members serve one-year terms and are selected from the membership. The new board members are Colleen Neill, President, Paula Eighmy, Vice President, Annette Sain, Recording Secretary, Jeannie Horton, Corresponding Secretary, Sue Kelly , Treasurer, Robin Osbern, Assistant Treasurer, Bobbie Wydeen, Finance Director, Lajean Wild, Projects Director, Sheryl Schiller , Education Director, Paula Gillispie, Membership Director.

The women who were inducted into the organization as Active Members had participated in service and finance projects, attended Chapter meetings and completed training during the 2021-2022 year. Women initially join as Provisional Members to determine if they wish to make a commitment to become Active Members with the organization to serve the community. The new Active Members are Paula DeHart, Kalah Kemp, Robin Osbern and Judith Lavin.

Several members were recognized at the dinner for their contributions. The Gift of Service award was given to Robin Osbern for the member with the most service hours. Annette Sain received the Gift of Time award for the most total hours. The Crown Award was given to Jeannie Horton, the member chosen by the current President who represents the 5 jewels on the NAJA Crown: Charity, Youth, Health, Leadership and Service.

JATC is more than a nonprofit organization, it’s a group of women united by a single cause and dedicated to helping the children of Taney County. That’s the magic of JATC. It was chartered by a group of caring, enthusiastic women in 1998 and continues to grow and thrive throughout Taney County. Approximately 50 members annually contribute more than 4,000 volunteer hours as they strive to improve the mental, physical, social and emotional well-being of children in Taney County.

JATC projects include Prom Dress Project, Tender Critters, Santa’s Gift House, School Supplies in January, Scholarships, Scholar Care, Book Swap and support for the Women’s Crisis Center. Members raise money for these projects through one major event – a fun Trivia Challenge with dinner, live entertainment, a raffle and a Silent Auction. This year the 21st Annual Trivia Challenge and Silent Auction will be held at the Chateau on the Lake in Branson on September 17, 2022. We hope to raise $20,000 +, all of which will be reinvested in our community. Check out the Junior Auxiliary website (www.jatcmo.org) for more information on projects, fundraising and “In The News”.

JATC is part of the National Association of Junior Auxiliaries (NAJA), a non-profit organization founded in 1941 with headquarters in Greenville, Mississippi. NAJA has more than 15,500 active, associate and life members in approximately 100 chapters located in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee. Their slogan is “Caring Hearts, Helping Hands, Changing Lives ”.

More information on JATC can be found on the Junior Auxiliary website www.jatcmo.org, their Facebook page, Junior Auxiliary of Taney County or via email at jatcmo@gmail.com.

Published by Branson Globe, Friday, May 20, 2022

Published by Branson Trilakes News, Wednesday, June 1, 2022