JDF
 

Does anyone's chapter or alum chapter/JC have a relationship with their local JDF group? I was curious what kinds of activities/fundraisers you do for them (besides the walkathons).

I just found this out not too long ago...but JDF is now the JDRF... with R standing for Research. :D

As a collegian, I can't recall doing anything else but the walkathon for JDRF. However, we did help out a many American Diabetes Association fundraisers. Usually ADA-Hawaii has their annual brunch fundraisers at one of the hotels. The collegians often help out with registration and silent auction items. Many of our alumnae have even served as board members for the Hawaii Chapter of the ADA!

The Los Angeles & Orange County Junior Circles serve as volunteer hostesses for the JDRF's annual black tie gala. The LA Junior Circlers didn't get to participate this year--long story--but I know that the Orange County sisters love helping out with this event! Hope I get to go to one soon! :D

One of our Hawaii Alumnae Chapter members is a board member for the JDRF here, and our chapter has been recognized (with a plaque and all) for service to the organization. We haven't done any fundraisers directly for them though. All of our fundraising money goes to one of two places... the convention fund or Foundation. However, we do help with the JDRF Walk each year. Sometimes we help with putting together the registration packets, we've handled the parking a couple of times, and the last few years we've manned the registration table on the day of the walk.

It's a lot of fun, and they really appreciate the help!

It is a lot of fun...and it's even more fun waking up at 4AM in the morning to be at the park by 5!!! :D

Seriously though, helping JDRF every year at the Walk is truly a rewarding experience because we get to help a wonderful organization and we get to meet lots of people!

Thanks for all the info! I'm meeting with one of the JDRF's director's in a few weeks to see what we (Birmingham Junior Circle) can help out with. I've been in a philanthropy mood lately!

Lisa

PS. I also have been emailing with someone from the local Ronald McDonald house and they have some easy projects (if anyone isn't already familiar with them). They collect the tabs from aluminum cans for money which would be a really easy thing for all chapters to do, if they aren't already! Although, I don't know if just the local house does that or if they all do...

Don't forget the American Diabetes Association (ADA), too! :) Alpha Gam's philanthropic focus is on all diabetes-related causes and research, not just juvenile diabetes. And I've had the pleasure of working with my local JDRF through my company's charitable donations, and it's a great organization to work with.

I think it's great when alumnae groups and Junior Circles are still involved with AGD's philanthropic causes after college! :)

The RM House is awesome!!!
 

The pop tabs project was something that we've also done when I was a collegian. Our philanthropy chair gave out "Alpha Gam Dollars" to the girl who brought the most tabs in to chapter meeting.

On one occasion we've also gone to the Ronald McDonald House to cook dinner for the children and their parents. While some girls were in the kitchen, the rest of us did little tasks around the house...washing their van, tidying up the offices, vacuuming the carpets...and just being there for the kids to play with. I had so much fun there!