Our History

LISTEN, DEAR MEMBERS, AND YOU SHALL HEAR
OF THE CHARITY LEAGUE'S DOINGS FOR OVER 50 YEARS
T'WAS IN OLD '46, AS I REMEMBER, 
THAT 24 GALS MET IN COLD DECEMBER.
GOOD DEEDS WERE THE OBJECT AND CHRISTMAS WAS NEAR
SO OUR VERY FIRST PROJECT WAS THE BOXES OF CHEER.
THROUGH 1948, MARY HARSH HAD THE MALLET, 
AND WE FOUGHT OVER MEMBERS BY VOTE, VOICE AND BALLOT. 

IN ’49 MARION LONGINO RULED,
FOR OUR VERY FIRST FOLLIES, MAGNOLIA WAS SCHOOLED.
A SUCCESSFUL VENTURE AND A BIG, MAD DASH
THAT SET A PRECEDENT FOR THE RAISING OF CASH.

TWINS BORE THE ORDERS IN 1950
FIRST MURPHY, THEN MONROE, IN A YEAR THAT WAS NIFTY.
MARY LOUISE AND ELENA SPURRED THE TESTING FOR HEARING,
ALSO CANCER CLINIC, AND A GOOD DEAL OF CHEERING.

ELLEN LEWIS KEPT THE LEAGUE ALIVE
IN ’51, A GREAT YEAR FOR DRIVES.
WITH CANCER, THE DIMES MARCH AND EASTER SEALS
THREE BIG DRIVES AND THREE BIG DEALS.

NOW FRANCILE COLQUITT IN ‘52
MADE A FIRST FOR THE LEAGUE, AND FIRST FOR YOU.
WITH THE WELL CHILD CLINIC, WORK HAD BEGUN
AND STILL TODAY IT’S A JOB WELL DONE.

THE LEAGUE WAS MOVING ALONG, YOU SEE
AS INEZ WADDLE SPARKED ’53.
WITH VARIOUS PROJECTS OF WORTHY MIGHT
WHILE GUY LOMBARDO BROUGHT CASH DELIGHT.

THIS BRINGS US UP TO ‘54
WHEN ELIZABETH ANDERSON HELPED THE SCORE.
WITH EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN HEADING OUR LIST,
THE HORSE SHOW WAS SOMETHING THAT COULD NOT BE MISSED.

THE FOLLOWING YEAR WAS A REALLY BIG DEAL
WITH VIRGINIA YARBROUGH’S HAND ON THE WHEEL.
FRED WARING KEPT A FEBRUARY DATE
AND AGAIN, LOMBARDO, WITH MORE CASH BAIT.

OUR FIRST TEN YEARS MARKED ‘56
WHEN MARY JEAN NIPPER LED THE LEAGUE IN TRICKS.
SIXTEEN NEW MEMBERS WERE SURE OUT-FOXED
THEY HELPED TO START THE BARGAIN BOX.

IT’S ’57 AND OUR SECOND FOLLIES
BETH STEWART HEADED US “RED LEG DOLLIES”.
CRIPPLES CHILDREN’S CLINIC, UNITED FUND, AS WELL,
WERE AMONG THE PROJECTS WHERE DUTY FELL.

MICKEY PITTMAN SUCCEEDED IN ’58
TO SPUR US ON WITH THE BOYS’ CLUB DATE.
AND WHILE WE WERE IN THE YOUTHFUL SPIN
WE REOPENED YE OLE “PANTHER DEN”.

1959 AND IT’S FOLLIES TIME
LOU WEISER LEADING THE PACE SUBLIME.
AGAIN, SUCCESS TO HELP PROJECTS WITH HEART
AS WELL AS A BOYS’ CLUB BUILDING FUND START.

IN ’60 JOANNE SCHULTZ HELD THE PULSE OF THINGS
FOR A UNIFORMED LEAGUE DID ITS CHORES LIKE QUEENS.
OUR BIG UNDERTAKING WAS FOOD AT THE FAIR,
THE BEST YOU COULD EAT, AND, OF COURSE, YOU WERE THERE.

THIS BRINGS US UP TO ‘61
KITTY JEAN WAS OUR LEADER, TB TESTING WAS DONE.
AND WHO OF YOU COULD EVER FORGET
THAT “SWEET SIXTEEN PARTY”, WE TALK OF YET.

JEAN GREER WAS OUR LEADER IN 1962
A GOOD YEAR FOR THE LEAGUE AND GOOD YEAR FOR YOU.
THE “SPECTACULAR FOLLIES” CAME JUST IN TIME
FOR WE WERE DOWN TO OUR VERY LAST DIME.

ROSE ANN FINCHER WAS OUR PREXY IN 1963
COUNTY FAIR TIME AGAIN, BUT NO FOOD DID WE SEE.
FOR ‘TWAS NICKLES TO PITCH AND BASEBALLS TO THROW
AND $300 WAS MADE, DIDN’T YOU KNOW.

AND NOW LET’S LOOK BACK TO ‘64
WHEN BARBARA WILKINS HAD THE FLOOR.
WITH TWELVE NEW MEMBERS, IT’S A MIGHTY SURE BET
THAT THIS YEAR WAS THE GREATEST ONE YET.

IN 1965, A BURROW NAMED JANE
WELL UPHELD LEAGUE’S TRADITIONS AND PRESERVED THE NAME
OF HARD-WORKING DOERS AND WORKERS SUBLIME
AS YOU KNOW, DEARS, IT’S FOLLIES TIME.

THE SONYA WALKER CAME IN AS HEAD
A SMOOTH YEAR,’66, IT WAS SAID.
THEY DIDN’T RECKON WITH THE CASH IN HAND
BUT ANOTHER BRICK WAS ADDED TO THE BOYS’ CLUB LAND.

1967 WAS A YEAR OF SPENDING
BONNIE KEITH WAS PRESIDENT, WITH PROJECTS BLENDING.
FOR LIBRARY AND SCOUTS, OUR DONATIONS WERE NIFTY
BUT OUR BANK BALANCE WENT DOWN TO $32.50.

“HATS OFF AMERICA” WAS OUR CRY FOR ‘68
JOYCE HEDDEN LED US FOR THIS FOLLIES DATE.
WE MOVED THE BARGAIN BOX AND WORKED AT THE FAIR
AND AT THE DIAGNOSTIC CLINIC WE SAT IN A CHAIR.

’69 SAW KATHY LEWIS GIVE AWAY ALL OUR FOLLIES MONEY;
BOYS’ CLUB, HOSPITAL INCUBATOR, BAND UNIFORMS, YOU NAME IT, HONEY.
THE HOTEL CLOSED, WE WERE OUT ON THE STREET
SO PIZZA Q BECAME OUR NEW PLACE TO MEET.

IN 1970 THINGS WENT OFF WITH A BANG,
AS NANCY WILLIAMS LED THE ‘OLE WORKING GANG.
WEST SIDE KINDERGARTEN WAS A MOST BUSY PLACE
AND OUR UNIFORM CHANGE KEPT FASHIONS APACE.

’71 FOUND OUR AGE A SPRY TWENTY-FIVE;
ALICE SHINN HAD THE JOB OF KEEPING US ALIVE.
WITH A SILVER TEA HERE AND THE “SILVER DOLLIES FOLLIES” THERE,
MUCH SILVER WAS LEFT IN EACH HEAD OF HAIR.

IN ’72 KATHERINE CONNELLY WAS THERE TO LEAD US AND GOAD
AND CHEERFULLY WE CARRIED A GREAT BIG LOAD.
BOYS STATE, AND GIRLS SCOUTS, AND BOYS’ CLUB TOO,
CLINICS AND WELL CHILD TO NAME BUT A FEW.

IN 1973 ANITA PRINCE TOOK THE REINS
AND SPURRED US ON TO GREATER GAINS.
THE GIANT FLEA MARKET WAS A TRIUMPHANT SUCCESS
WITH PROCEEDS TO THE BOYS’ CLUB, EXCEEDING OUR GUESS.

IN ’74 “STAR SPANGLED SEVENTIES” WAS OUR THEME
A YEAR OF HARD WORK TURNED INTO A DREAM.
WITH PAULA BOAZ OUR PILOT, WE FELT WE COULD FLY
OUR FINANCIAL RESOURCES SOARED TO A NEW HIGH.

IN 1975 WHEN ROCHELLE MCMAHEN TOOK THE BIT
FLAG SALES IN SUPPORT OF ABILITIES UNLIMITED WAS A HIT.
OUR ‘YANKEE DOODLE DO’ WAS A MOST SUCCESSFUL WAY
OF CELEBRATING OUR COUNTRY’S 200TH BIRTHDAY.

MARTHA TALBOT TOOK OVER IN ‘76
AND WE SPREAD PEANUT BUTTER FOR THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS.
THE PLAYS AND THE STORY-HOUR WERE THE HIT OF THE DAY
AND THE RED CROSS SAFETY PROGRAM SHOWED THE CHILDREN THE WAY.

UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF WHITNEY WHITELAW
THE “TRAVELING ARTIST” TAUGHT 4TH GRADERS TO DRAW.
IN ’77, “COMIC CAPERS FOLLIES” WAS CAST
WITH PROFITS GREATER THAN ANY IN THE PAST.

TOMMY WEAVER WAS LEADER IN 1978
BARGAIN BOX IS ON REVIEW SO DON’T BE LATE.
WE WORRIED, PONDERED AND SOME EVEN CRIED-
LET’S KEEP THE “OLE’ BOX” – GIVE IT ONE MORE TRY.

JEANNIE BISMARK SAID 79 IS THE TIME
TO BRING OUR FINANCES INTO LINE.
SOMETHING NEW, SOMETHING DIFFERENT, THAT NO ONE HAS DONE-
A COOKING SCHOOL WAS CHOSEN AND WORK WAS BEGUN.

IN 1980 MARGARET CROUSE ORGANIZED;
OUR GIRLS WENT TO WORK AND WHAT A SURPRISE-
“ROUND UP FOLLIES” WAS THE THEME;
WE MADE MORE MONEY THAN EVER DREAMED.

IN ’81 SARA DUKE REPLIED-“FOR OUR GROUP TO SURVIVE,
WE MUST BE WILLING TO REVAMP AND REVISE”.
A NIP AND A TUCK IN THE CONSTITUTION WE TOOK
AND TOWARD THE NEW YEAR WE STARTED TO LOOK.

HARRIET FRANKS LEADS OUR CREW
IN GOOD OLE’ ’82.
RECESSION, BUDGETS AND CUT-BACKS GALORE
MEAN THAT CHILDREN OF THE COUNTY NEED OUR HELP EVEN MORE.

IN 1983, “SHIP SHAPE FOLLIES” IS THE THEME
AND AT THE HELM WAS BARBARA BEENE.
MEMBERS WERE OUT WITH SAILOR BAGS TO GATHER UP FUNDS;
LOOK OUT, MAGNOLIA, HERE WE COME.

DEBBIE SMITH WAS OUR LEADER FOR ‘84
WHEN 17 NEW MEMBERS CAME THROUGH OUR DOORS.
A FUND RAISING CHARITY BALL AND STEAK DINNER-
MADE THIS YEAR A DEFINITE WINNER.

IN 1985, OUR CAPTAIN’S NAME WAS PAULA PORTER
UNDER HER ORDERS WE DID NOT LOITER.
TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR THE BOYS’ CLUB WE DID RAISE;
LOTS OF HARD WORK REALLY DID PAY.

IN 1986, IF FOLLIES WERE TO SURVIVE,
ALL RULES HAD TO BE CHANGED TO KEEP IT ALIVE.
UNDER SUSAN WEST, TEAMS WORKED AND COMMITTEES MET,
BUT IN THE END, THE NEW FOLLIES STANDARDS WERE SET.

IN 1987, DEBORAH FOREMAN HELD THE GROUP TOGETHER;
WE ALL KNEW “RED STOCKING FOLLIES” WOULD BE BETTER.
MOLLY BURNS LED THE GANG IN THE FOLLIES REVIEW;
32 GRAND WAS RAISED, AND FOR THAT WE THANK YOU.

NOW MOLLY BURNS LED US IN ’88
AND HER HISTORY LESSONS WERE REALLY GREAT.
THE CHRISTMAS PARTY, THOUGH JUST FOR FUN,
HAD US ALL WORRIED ABOUT THE MON.
THE “BLACK BOOK” WE DID REVISE;
AND IT WAS SO EASY, TO OUR SURPRISE.

GAIL MILLER WAS OUR LEADER IN ’89
OUR “CHARLES DICKENS CHRISTMAS” REALLY TURNED OUT FINE.
BLOSSOM FESTIVAL, RIF, BOYS’ CLUB AND MORE,
WERE PROJECTS WE SUPPORTED FOR THE CHILDREN WE ADORE.

IN ’90, JAN ALFORD HAD THE LEAD
“RED STOCKING FOLLIES” – WE COULD NOT BELIEVE –
TOPPED $35,000, MUCH MORE THAN WE’D THOUGHT;
HOSPITAL NURSERY EQUIPMENT WAS EASILY BOUGHT.

UNDER KATHY GEAN IN ‘91
WE WERE ALL ON THE RUN.
RIF, COATS FOR KIDS, CHRISTMAS DANCE TOO;
EVERYONE HAD FUN THINGS TO DO.

HARRIET ALEXANDER TOOK OVER IN ‘92
A VALENTINE DANCE FOR OUR SWEETHEARTS WAS FUN,
AND RAISED LOTS OF CASH FOR THE LIBRARY, TOO.
WE ALL HAD A GOOD YEAR
BUT WHAT IS IT? – FOLLIES COMING NEAR.

IN ’93 WE WERE LED BY ANITA MOORE;
WE BEGAN WORKING HARD ON FOLLIES ’94.
AND ENDED WITH KID’S KORNER FOR MAGNOLIA BLOSSOM FEST.
WE ALL WORKED TOGETHER AND DID OUR BEST.

IN’ 94, KATHY SHARP OPENED THE DOOR
TO AN ENVIRONMENT ISSUE NEVER MENTIONED BEFORE.
THE “LITTER CAMPAIGN” WAS OUR SCENE
AND COLUMBIA COUNTY BECAME “CLEAN AND GREEN”!
COATS FOR KIDS, BOYS’ & GIRLS’ CLUB TOO,
KIDDIE KORNER, WE HAD PLENTY TO DO!

PRESIDENT KERRY KEITH IN ’95-‘96
NAMED A COMMITTEE, OUR BY-LAWS TO FIX.
AFTER NUMEROUS READINGS AND EXTENSIVE DEBATE,
A FEW MINOR ADJUSTMENTS GOT OUR DOCUMENT IN SHAPE.

1996 WAS OUR YEAR TO BRAG –
RED STOCKINGS, GOLD GARTERS, 50 YEARS OF ‘NO SNAG’!
OUR NEST EGG GREW QUICKLY, PAST FOLLIES COULD NOT MATCH IT;
WE LOOKED TO ALLISON SCHULTZ, OUR PRESIDENT, TO HATCH IT.

IN 1997 WE CONTINUED OUR PROGRESS
INSPIRED AND GUIDED BY PRESIDENT NANCY S.   (SEIDENBERGER)
THE REQUESTS FOR OUR HELP WOULD HAVE CAUSED SOME TO COWER,
BUT LEAGUE ACCEPTED THE CHALLENGE AND INCREASED SERVICE HOURS.

IN 1998 PAM COOPER WAS IN THE BARGAIN BOX MODE;
THEY CLEANED, PAINTED AND SPRUCED UP OUR ABODE
BY MAKING SURE WE EVEN HAD A WORKING COMMODE.

CHERI EASON LED THE WAY IN ’99.
FOLLIES 2000 WAS A GREAT SIGN –
THAT THE MILLENNIUM WAS HERE
OVER 40 GRAND WAS RAISED FOR THE NEXT THREE YEARS.
THE NEW MILLENNIUM AND LEAGUE’S STILL AROUND
WORKING HARD TO RAISE MONEY WITHOUT MAKING A SOUND.

MUCH NEEDED HOSPITAL EQUIPMENT GAVE US A CHANCE
TO RAISE MONEY, AND HAVE FUN, AT A VALENTINE DANCE.
UNDER BONNIE WOOD WE STARTED WRITING A BOOK
THAT WOULD HELP EACH OF US BECOME A GOURMET COOK.

IN 2001, NECA REAP WAS CRACKING THE WHIP
TO STRETCH THE FUNDS UNTIL NEXT FOLLIES, WE HAD TO GET A GRIP.
THE COOKBOOK WAS FINISHED; IT WAS ONE OF THE BEST.
THE TASTING TEA HELPED TO MAKE IT A SWEET SUCCESS.

KELLI SOUTER WAS OUR LEADER IN 2002
THIS WAS THE YEAR WE RAISED OUR FINES AND OUR DUES.
A FOLLIES YEAR IT WAS – WE NEEDED LOTS OF HELPING HANDS
WE KICKED UP OUR HEELS, WHEN WE RAISED 44 GRAND!!

EMMALEE GREGORY IN 2003,
MADE THE MARDI GRAS DANCE THE PLACE TO BE.
THE GIRL SCOUTS WERE ALL EXCITED WITH CHEER,
WHEN WE GAVE THEM 82 HUNDRED FOR A NEW ROOF THIS YEAR.
THE KIDDIE KORNER HAD A GREAT DAY,
WE HOPE THAT THE ISLAND THEME IS HERE TO STAY.
15 THOUSAND ON RED STOCKING RECIPES WE HAVE MADE,
MAYBE A NEW COOKBOOK COULD COME TO OUR AID.

LISA NEILL LED THE WAY IN 2004-2005
MEMBERS WERE DROPPING LIKE FLIES – BUT WE’RE STILL ALIVE!
WEST SIDE KINDERGARTEN NEEDED PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT-BUT NO DEPT.
WE RAISED OVER 14 GRAND WITH A PARTY NO ONE WOULD EVER FORGET!
NO MORE TAGGING AND MARKING – WE’VE CHANGED THE BOX
50 CENTS OR A DOLLAR WILL BUY ANYTHING – EVEN SOME SOCKS!

CINDY TAYLOR LED US FEARLESSLY IN 2005
OUR COMMITMENT AND OUR FOCUS SHE WANTED TO REVIVE.
OUR LEAGUE POTLUCK WAS A GREAT KICKOFF TO OUT YEAR
TO SHOW APPRECIATION TO OUR ASSOCIATES WE HOLD SO DEAR.
“HOORAY FOR FOLLYWOOD” WAS SELECTED AS OUR FOLLIES THEME
$46,000.00 RAISED…..MORE THAN WE DARED TO DREAM!

NOW IN 2006 SONYA PRINCE TOOK THE LEAD
AND OH BOY, WERE OUR NUMBERS LOW,
BUT THAT DIDN’T STOP US FROM RAISING LOTS OF DOUGH!
WE ROLLED THE DICE WITH A CASINO NIGHT,
BIG BUCKS WERE MADE FOR A PAVILION AT THE BOY’S AND GIRL’S CLUB.
IT WAS A SURE BET THAT VALENTINE IN VEGAS WAS THE BEST FUNDRAISER YET!

JULIE EDDY WAS OUR PRESIDENT FOR 2007-2008
SHE WANTED TO HAVE THE BEST YEAR IN LEAGUE TO DATE.
WE MET AND WE TALKED BUT SOME THINGS THAT GOT OUT
“THESE MEETINGS ARE CONFIDENTIAL” JULIE WOULD SHOUT!
SHE STAYED REALLY ORGANIZED TO KEEP THE MEETINGS SHORT AND SWEET
BUT AS HARD AS SHE TRIED THE CLOCK WE COULD NOT BEAT.
FOLLIES WAS COMING AND DECISIONS HAD TO BE MADE YOU KNOW
THE BOARD DECIDED ON SOMEONE LOCAL – JANET RIDER BABBITT – TO DIRECT OUR SHOW.
MONEY WAS LOW BUT WHEN THE FUNDRAISER CAME AROUND
WE RAISED MONEY TO PURCHASE PLAY EQUIPMENT FOR CENTRAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL’S PLAYGROUND.
LEADERSHIP MAGNOLIA ASKED FOR HELP AT EAST SIDE PARK ONE DAY
AND WE DONATED A MERRY GO ROUND SO THE CHILDREN COULD PLAY.

TRACI LINDSEY LED THE CHARGE IN 2008
AND CHANGE SHE HELPED BRING ABOUT.
A SUCCESSFUL FOLLIES WITH A LOCAL DIRECTOR
WAS JUST ONE, WITHOUT A DOUBT.

IN 2009 JULIA WHITEHEAD LED THE CREW
“PEACE, LOVE AND LEAGUE” WAS A GROOVY REVUE.
BIG BUCKS WERE MADE AND THE PARTY WAS FUN,
FOR MRMC AND THE LIBRARY, THE DEAL WAS DONE.
SERVICE INCREASED, BUT WITH A MOURNFUL SOUND,
WE REMINDED OURSELVES OPPORTUNITIES ABOUND,
ALAS, IT IS FOR THE CHILDREN, WE AMAZE AND ASTOUND. 

IN 2010, JOANNA SMITH LED THE STATION.
YEARS OF BARGAIN BOX DISCUSSION ENDED WITHOUT HESITATION.
A SUCCESSFUL FUNDRAISER AND POTLUCK WE HAD.
PLUS, A NEW COOKBOOK WOULD SOON BE THE FAD.

JOANNA SMITH WE ELECTED IN AGAIN FOR 2011-12
MORE PROJECTS THAN EVER, WE MOST CERTAINLY DID DELVE.
WE RAISED $50,000 IN FOLLIES, WITHOUT HESITATION.
ALL WAS ACCOMPLISHED WITHOUT ONE RESIGNATION.

LORI BAKER HELD THE REINS IN 2012-2013.
FOR A ‘NIGHT AT THE DERBY” WHICH RAISED A LOT OF GREEN!
MORE THAN $40,000 WAS AN UNBELIEVABLE MARK,
AND SOME OF THE MONEY WENT TO HELP EASTSIDE PARK.
WE COLLECTED THOUSANDS OF SCHOOL SUPPLIES WHEN WE CRAMMED THE BUS, 
AND COLLECTED LOTS OF UNDIES ON SUNDAY, WITH VERY LITTLE FUSS.
MOST ALL OF THE MEETINGS WERE KEPT SHORT AND SWEET, AND
IT WAS A GREAT YEAR, AS ALL WOULD AGREE.

IN 2013-14 KATHERINE ADCOX TOOK THE LEAD
WE HAD LOTS OF GOALS, AND WORKED HARD TO SUCCEED.
THE FIRST ANNUAL MJCL CHRISTMAS PARTY WAS HELD
WITH OUR ASSOCIATES WHO WE HOLD DEAR.
SIXTY-SEVEN YEARS OF MEMBERSHIP WAS CELEBRATED
ALONG WITH LOTS OF CHRISTMAS CHEER.
WE INVITED THE COMMUNITY TO A MASQUERADE BALL
WE RAISED 30 GRAND TO FUND SEVERAL PROJECTS, INCLUDING WARRIOR FOOTBALL.
EAST SIDE SCHOOL GOT NEW EQUIPMENT FOR THE KIDDOS TO PLAY.
MJCL WAS STRONGER THAN EVER AND CERTAINLY HERE TO STAY.

IN 2014 KRISTAL MCDONALD TOOK THE LEAD.
CRAM THE BUS CONTINUED TO GROW
MAKING SURE OUR KIDS STARTED SCHOOL PREPARED.
RIF PUT BOOKS IN THE HANDS OF THE CHILDREN OF OUR COUNTY.
THE KIDS WERE SO HAPPY AND SPLAYED THEIR BOOKS PROUDLY.
A FOLLIES YEAR BROUGHT US ALL TOGETHER AND WE WORKED HARD.
AN UNEXPECTED SNOW STORM CAUGHT US OFF GUARD.
WE PERSEVERED AND FOLLIE TALES WAS A SUCCESS.
WE RAISED $50,000 FOR THE CHILDREN OF OUR COUNTY
AND ENSURED THAT MJCL WOULD CONTINUE TO PROGRESS.

KRISTAL MCDONALD CONTINUED TO LEAD IN 2015.
REMAINING TRUE TO OUR TRADITIONS WAS HER MISSION.
SHE LED THE CHARGE WITH A LOT OF AMBITION.
HONORING OUR ASSOCIATES WAS A FOCUS,
HOLDING A CHRISTMAS PARTY FOR THEM
WITH OUR MEMBERS SERVING AS HOSTESS.
WE WENT ALL IN FOR THE KIDS
AND OUR CASINO NIGHT BOUGHT A HUGE CROWD.
WE ENDED THE NIGHT WITH A TOTAL THAT LEFT US ALL WOWED.
STUDENTS IN EMERSON NEEDED A NEW PLACE TO PLAY.
THANKS TO THE SUCCESS OF OUR FUNDRAISER
MJCL WAS ABLE TO FUND A NEW PLAYGROUND TO MAKE THEIR DAY.
WE ENDED THE YEAR WITH FINANCIAL SUCCESS
ENSURING MJCL WOULD CONTINUE TO SET THE CHILDREN OF OUR COUNTY
BY GIVING OUR BEST.

IN 2016 JENNIFER GREEN STEERED OUR SHIP.
SHE CHARTED A COURSE THAT EXCITED MEMBERSHIP.
THE FIRST ANNUAL BOOSTERS AND BIG RIGS WAS A HIT,
WITH HER SUCCESS, SHE NEVER QUIT.
THE JUNIOR HIGH SOUND SYSTEM NEEDED AN UPDATE,
SHE MADE SURE THEY RECEIVED THE BEST
AND IT MADE THEM FEEL GREAT.
OUR CUPCAKES & COCKTAILS FUNDRAISER WAS A TREMENDOUS SUCCESS.
A CELEBRATION OF 70 YEARS RAISED $61,724
THAT MADE THE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB HAPPY AS YOU COULD GUESS.
A LONG-TERM GOAL OF HAVING A HEADQUARTERS CAME TRUE;
WE NOW HAVE A PLACE TO MEET ALL YEAR THROUGH.

ASHLEY TALLEY WORE THE HAT IN 2017
“IT’S THE YEAR OF TECHNOLOGY!” SHE WOULD SCREAM!
WE GOT RID OF OUR BINDERS AND GAINED A HANDY MEMBERSHIP GUIDE
WE EVEN SIGNED UP FOR SERVICE HOURS ONLINE!
FOLLIES NIGHT LIVE TOOK THE STAGE
48 THOUSAND FOR THE KIDDOS WAS OUR WAGE.
“THE CHILDREN ARE HUNGRY” WE WOULD HEAR
SO BACKPACKS AND BOXES OF FOOD WERE GIVEN THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.
ANOTHER YEAR DOWN OF MJCL SUCCESS
OUR THANKS TO THE COMMUNITY WE MUST PROFESS!

WITH FOLLIES BEHIND HER, IT WAS TIME FOR A NEW ROLE, 
IN 2018 JULIA NIPPER BECAME OUR PRESIDENT, BLESS HER SOUL. 
WITH THE HELP OF THE ROTARY, FARMERS BANK AND THE SCHOOL, 
LEAGUE BECAME THE KEEPER OF THE IMAGINATION LIBRARY'S POOL.
FUNDING REQUESTS UPON FUNDING REQUESTS-WE HAD MORE THAN JUST A FEW, 
BUT JULIA LOOKED AT OUR ACCOUNTS WITH A WHOLE DIFFERENT VIEW. 
NONE WENT WITHOUT AND WE MADE IT RAIN,
FOR THE MAGNOLIA CHAMBER CHOIR, IN CARNEGIE THEY SANG!

​

MJCL was as strong as ever as the decade was coming to a close.
In 2019, Ellie Baker was the clear choice for President we all chose!
Our projects were in full swing and Flags Across Magnolia continued
to fly. Our children’s needs would be met, on our community’s support

we’d rely!

The beginning of 2020 started off with a bang! Keys for Kids was sure
to be a hit as the pianists played and sang.
The invitations were sent, the party was planned and ready to go, when
the Coronavirus swept in and stole the show!
We had to work differently and think on our toes, but our work for the
children never stops as everyone knows.

​

Anna Smith took the reins in 2020,

with Corona came Zooms and a cancelled Provisional Party among the

many.

But she stayed determined to continue serving out our mission,

Backpack Program grew with pantries, Flags raised their highest and

community partnerships were created with ambition.

We approved Digital Cheetah to join the digital age

Little Libraries were put out in our community,

so everyone would have the chance to turn a page.

​

2021 things started to change, hello Standing Rules, leave Bylaws the same. 
A Platinum Jubilee, who should wear the crown?  None other than 3rd generation, Rebecca Gosnell.
40,000 dollars, what to do? We gave to the Boys & Girls Club, Magnolia Specialized Services, Kids First and Save Haven!
Not only to mention, but some got to see Miss Dolly Parton!
The vote was required and wouldn’t you know, many more people may give it a go. Just in time, as we say goodbye to our largest crew!

​

In the year that passed, 2023's embrace, a tapestry woven with moments and grace.
From Back to School Bash to Fall Festival's glee, we danced through the seasons, united and free.

Ashley Jackson, a beacon of light, her leadership sparked, a radiant sight.
Together we rallied, hearts beating as one, growth as a team, our battles were won.

Obstacles faced, rising costs, they loomed, but we stood undeterred, love fiercely consumed.
Pouring our all into the children we hold, their dreams and futures, a story untold.

Flags in Magnolia, fluttered up high, red, white, and blue, painting the sky.
With strength unabated, we stood tall and true, a symbol of unity, in all that we do.

A task force emerged, to scrutinize and see, where we may lack, where improvements could be.
Membership and programs, a thriving flow, we'll nurture and blossom, watch our garden grow.

As the tapestry weaves, year by year, the story continues, dispelling all fear.
With hope in our hearts and dreams to pursue, we stride into the future, together, me and you.

​

In 2024 times of need, she stood strong with no bending,

Together we were thrifty, she led the charge to watch our spending.

From Harvest's halt to pantries on each campus, with better space,

We forged a path, seeing each other monthly in our new meeting place.

Amidst the influx of new faces, we found Strength in unity, our spirits unbound.

Through trials faced, our bond did abide, Through Bonnie Keith's support our gratitude resides.