Celebrating 100 YEARS OF IMPACT

Founded on February 1st, 1923, the Junior League of Columbus will celebrate our 100th year in 2023. The JLC began in 1923 with a group of women determined to make a difference.  Women had received the right to vote just 3 years prior, but opportunities outside the home were still few. The Junior League provided a place for these women to grow their talents and give back to their city. The League became a special place for women to flourish into thoughtful and seasoned leaders who learned how to take on the toughest problems of the day and work collaboratively with all involved to arrive at pragmatic and sustainable solutions.

 

Over the years, the League has founded many programs and projects and made a substantial impact on the Columbus community.

True to our extraordinary legacy, today’s League members are still at the forefront of addressing current issues. Our focuses are currently on helping guide, advocate, and provide for Ohio young adults aging out of foster care, providing needed educational supplies to elementary-age students, and preserving the history of the past through the Kelton House Museum and Garden.

CENTENNIAL EFFORTS

Through participation from all members of the JLC, the Centennial plan (2021-2023) aims to celebrate the past 100 years of community impact, reconnect membership and the Columbus community with the mission of the JLC, and build sustainability for the next 100 years of our League. Below are a few of the efforts we will make during the next few years.

  • Rekindle our past relationships with historical community partners to do “quick impact” volunteer shifts around Columbus throughout the year
  • Plan and execute a Special Exhibit at the Ohio Statehouse that highlights our impact on the Columbus community
  • Organize a series of personal outreach efforts and events to welcome back Junior League of Columbus members
  • Preserve and digitize our historical archives

SPECIAL CENTENNIAL EVENTS

Join members and city leaders in celebrating the Junior League of Columbus’ transformative impact on our community over the past century at one of the following events in 2023:

  • January 19, 2023 – Exhibit Premiere at the Ohio Statehouse Cocktail Hour
  • Fall 2023 – Centennial Celebration Gala

INVESTING IN THE NEXT 100 YEARS

We thank our current sponsors and partners who have made the Junior League of Columbus’ efforts over the past century feasible.

To ensure that our League will continue to flourish, we have begun our efforts for our Centennial Campaign. The campaign will support 4 major funding needs for the Junior League of Columbus – our membership development and training opportunities, our community partners and programs, our Kelton House Capital Projects, and our Endowment Funds for the longevity of the League. To make a gift to the Centennial campaign, click here. If you are interested in making a multi-year commitment or large pledge, please reach out to centennial@jlcolumbus.org for more information regarding our benefit and recognition program.

Thank you to the following donors who have made a pledge or gift to our Centennial Campaign in celebration of our 100th anniversary.

CENTENNIAL CONTACT

To get involved with the Junior League of Columbus Centennial or ask a question about our efforts, please reach out to centennial@jlcolumbus.org.