A Message from the Fund Development VP
Hello and thank you for your interest in the Junior League of Jackson’s (JLJ) fund development efforts!
To support the efforts and mission of our organization, the Junior League of Jackson operates three fund development businesses—Mistletoe Marketplace, Touch A Truck Jackson®, and Junior League Jumble—and an endowment fund—Keystone Fund. All of the funds raised through the League’s fund development businesses directly support the mission of the Junior League of Jackson, which includes more than 30 community projects and initiatives. Further, our fundraising efforts provide key resources for our two signature projects: the Children’s Cancer Clinic at Children’s of Mississippi Hospital and the Mississippi Children’s Museum.
As many in-person events were not possible in 2020, the League was provided with the opportunity to explore alternative ways to fundraise for our community. The public support of our hybrid, virtual, and socially distanced fund development events throughout such an uncertain year was truly tremendous. That support has had a remarkable impact on our community, members, and most importantly, on the children and families we serve. We are excited to weave some of the alternative and virtual features throughout our fundraising efforts this year.
Each one of our fund development businesses are planned and supported by exceptional volunteers who, like all of the members of our League, are dedicated to the League’s mission of promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving our community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. The 2021-2022 year promises to be another exciting one for each of our fund development businesses!
Mistletoe Marketplace is our longest standing fund development business. This year will mark the 41st year of this premier holiday shopping destination. Held the first week of November at the Mississippi Trade Mart in Jackson, Mistletoe Marketplace is considered the kick-off for the holiday season. Merchants from across the country and shoppers from all over the South come together for a three-day shopping extravaganza. A unique shopping opportunity is not all to be found at Mistletoe Marketplace! Fantastic special events for adults and children alike, delicious food and drinks, and frequent Santa sightings make Mistletoe Marketplace a magical, festive experience like no other!
Touch A Truck® Jackson, which serves as both a fundraiser and a community project, will roll into Trustmark Park for its nineth event in March 2022! This event features dozens of vehicles, construction equipment, and exhibits for children to climb, explore and touch, while learning about their importance in serving our community. Touch A Truck® Jackson begins with Field Trip Friday, which hosts over twenty-five schools from across the state with no admission cost. The “wheelie” good time continues on Saturday with our early access Big Wheel VIP fundraiser (including breakfast and shorter lines) and continues with general admission throughout the day. Touch A Truck® Jackson is truly a unique experience for the entire family that is not only fun but educational!
The Junior League Jumble is Jackson’s ultimate rummage sale and also serves as both a fundraiser and a community project for the League. This event, to be held in early 2022, promises great bargains for all! Jumble has outstanding deals on gently used merchandise including furniture, appliances, home décor, children’s clothing, and so much more. The League then donates any remaining items to our community partners! Additionally, through the Jumble Gives initiative, the League focuses on dedicated gives including uniform pants and coats for local children and luggage for local foster children.
The League’s endowment fund, the Keystone Fund, was created to ensure that funding exists to support the important work of the Junior League of Jackson. A donation to the Keystone Fund is the perfect gift for the person who has everything. The ultimate goal is to grow the fund to be substantial enough to support our efforts in the event of a decline or shortfall in fundraising. The past year has shown that this fund is more important than ever.
These fund development business all provide the monetary resources needed to increase our community outreach efforts and provide valuable leadership training for our members who, on average, donate over 55,000 hours of service every year. Not only do our fund development businesses make measurable impacts through funding our community and mission critical efforts, but they also have a positive economic impact throughout the state of Mississippi.
We are grateful for the support of our members, community partners, corporate sponsors, and all those who attend our fund development events and contribute to the Keystone Fund. Your continued support is vital to the success of the Junior League of Jackson! For more information about each of our fund development businesses and about our Keystone Fund, click here.
Dana Wilson
2021-2022 Fund Development Vice President