Junior League Calls it a Wrap for 2010-11, Honors Top Volunteers

 The Junior League of Manatee County recently wrapped up its 2010-11 season and celebrated a whopping 2,204 documented hours of volunteer service to the community at its annual banquet held at Mangrove Grill.

Topping the number of hours donated was member Rebecca Neal, who donates her time to the .

“Rebecca does all aspects of volunteering here,” said Hildy Russell, director of finance and communications for the Humane Society. “She foster parents animals too young to come to the shelter, she recruits new volunteers, and she helps with events. She is extremely valuable as a volunteer and a board member.”

In addition to donating thousands of hours, the League members donated thousands of dollars to a variety of projects in the community.

A new project this year was the Teen Night for Foster Kids. Three nights were planned for the children, ages 12 to 17. In addition to providing fun activities, working on public speaking skills and nutrition classes for these young people, the League provided $2,000 to purchase undergarments, $3,200 for car seats and $4,200 for extracurricular activities such as after school sports, music classes and dance lessons.

The Executive Council members serving for 2010-11 were Anna Pohl, president; Deanna Levengood, president-elect; Kelly McLemore, finance council vice president; Katie Brown, treasurer; Chris Ebling, treasurer elect; Kim Murawski, community council VP; Erin Navarro, membership council VP; Kara Schiavone, corresponding secretary; Christy Cardillo, recording secretary; Cassandra Holmes, sustainer representative and Jenny Gunter, parliamentarian.