New York Junior League raises over $660K

The New York Junior League raised more than $660,000 at its first in-person Winter Ball after the previous ball was virtual due to the coronavirus pandemic. The 70th annual fundraiser also was the largest to date, according to the league.

Proceeds from the ball, held last month at Cipriani South Street, will go to the support and development of women and the volunteer services that the league provides to underserved populations throughout New York. 

The league is an all women’s nonprofit organization that began in 1901 with the mission of organizing women to serve and volunteer in their communities. Since its creation, the league has inspired 294 junior leagues in four countries. The league focuses on the health and well-being of underserved communities in the greater New York area, and particularly honors the value of volunteerism and its importance in society. 

“Volunteering provides free manpower and is an invaluable way that many organizations afford to provide talent, time, and resources in support of underserved populations.” said Dayna Cassidy, president of the league. “Our New York City community partners rely upon the organized volunteers, trained by the New York Junior League, to share specific skills with their respective populations. Those who volunteer their time also reap rewards, such as establishing greater self-confidence, learning new skills, impacting lives for the better, and building a stronger community.”

The ball honored league community partner Single Parent Resource Center and community members who achieved the organization’s highest honors: the Outstanding Sustainer and Outstanding Volunteer Awards. The night included a cocktail reception, silent auction, dinner and dancing. 

The Winter Ball has been helping to fundraise for the organization’s community work and leadership development since 1952, and this year's proceeds will continue to be invested in programming while helping the organization adapt and grow with the on-going pandemic and socioeconomic crisis. 

After having held their Winter Ball virtually, organizers said they were relieved to finally be back in person to celebrate the honorees of the night and all the work being done. 

“The funds raised at the Winter Ball are critical to the community service that the organization provides throughout New York City; and being in person provides the opportunity to pull from more revenue streams than the virtual environment can produce,” Cassidy said. “Volunteers were thrilled to be together again, to celebrate seven NYJL volunteer honorees and the success of the last two volunteer years. The New York Junior league did not only survive the pandemic but is thriving and more relevant than ever!”