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League Log WINTER 2025

“Shaping a future where leadership by women transforms lives and strengthens communities across Northeast Georgia.”

Table of Contents 01

PRESIDENT’S LETTER

BOARD MEMBERS & LEADERSHIP

FALL PROVISIONAL COHORT

SUMMER IN REVIEW & MEETINGS

DIAD & LITERACY FOR HALL

DIAPER BANK OF NORTH GEORGIA

FEEDING OUR FUTURE & EMPOWHER

ABOUT THE EMPOWHER SPEAKERS

BELLE OF THE BALL

BELLE LEADERSHIP AWARD

MEET THE BELLES

MEMBERSHIP

Our Mission The Junior League of Gainesville-Hall County is an organization of women whose mission is to advance women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training. \

Our Vision Shaping a future where leadership by women transforms lives and strengthens communities across Northeast Georgia.

BE THE REASON SOMEONE BELIEVES IN THE GOODNESS OF PEOPLE. - Karen Salmansohn

Letter

from the

PRESIDENT Dear Members and Friends of the Junior League of Gainesville-Hall County, When we gathered at May Dinner, I pledged to lead with vision, to serve with purpose, and to honor the remarkable women whose legacy forms the foundation of our League today. I am proud to share that the first half of this League year has been marked by strong momentum and thoughtful, meaningful progress—guided by three defining pillars: Membership (loving on our people), Outreach (showing up with intention in our community), and Purpose (building a League that endures). It has been deeply rewarding to witness our League lead and serve with clarity and deliberation, and to see our leadership come together to make decisions firmly rooted in our mission—even when those choices required courage, such as the decision to sunset Battle of the Brunches. Six months into the year, one thing is certain: I am immensely proud of our League and the extraordinary women who bring it to life. When I joined the Junior League five years ago, our membership was at a historic low. At times, it felt as though there were more leadership roles than members to fill them. Even then, I was continually inspired by the unwavering heart and determination of the women who led with faith in the League’s future. What once felt uncertain has, in a remarkably short time, become a story of renewal and strength. Today, our General Membership Meetings are full, our membership continues to grow, and the League is thriving once again. This resurgence is a gift to our community—because when women come together with purpose and resolve, there is truly no challenge beyond our reach. I hope you beam with as much pride as I do as you read through our accomplishments and feats from the first-half of the 2025-2026 League Year. Here are some highlights to take note of: Launched an all new 3 year strategic plan derived from strong membership input Sending eight Board members to the AJLI Conference Surpassing the incredible milestone of one million diapers distributed through the Diaper Bank of North Georgia Reimagining our annual sponsorship campaign with renewed energy and vision Officially launching our newest initiative, The Reading Crew Hosting a fall Strategic Planning meeting to plant seeds for future growth A record-breaking Charity Ball—unforgettable attendance, stunning Belle candidates, and extraordinary funds raised! And the fun is far from over. The second half of our League year brings even more to look forward to: a January “State of the League” meeting, Signature Grant selection in February, the launch of two new EmpowHER programs, and—of course—celebrating our 75th birthday at May Dinner 2026 is shaping up to be the perfect finale to an already remarkable year. Surely we have made Idalu proud!

Abby Loggins 2025 - 2026 President Junior League of Gainesville-Hall County

Board of Directors 2025-2026

Abby Loggins President

Kindle Bales Recruitment Director

Molly Pettitt President-Elect

Macie Lee Reeves Secretary

Bri Terry Treasurer

Hannah Sartain Emily Morgan Membership Communications Director Director

Leah Stewart Devin Kristin Varnadore Ashley Davis Debbie Davis Fund Development DiMizio-Marshall Community Nominating Sustainer Director Director Facilities Outreach Director Director Director Immediate Past President

Leadership 2025-2026 Shelley Hazard - Director of League Operations Holly MacNellis - Member Services Chair Karla Shuler - Governance Chair Brooke Ogles - Internal Communications Chair Callen Seitz - New Member Chair Lindsay Allison - Charity Ball Finance Chair Morgan Wingler - Charity Ball Event Planning Chair Rebekah Welborn - Charity Ball Donor Relations Chair Ansley Kent - Battle of the Brunches Chair Arianna McCarthy - Battle of the Brunches Chair Jenna Welch - Battle of the Brunches Chair Karen Hill - Diaper Bank Co-Chair Willow Hill - Diaper Bank Co-Chair Whitney McDowell-Robinson - Done in a Day Chair Sara Lyle - Feeding Our Future Chair Emily Reid - Assistant Feeding Our Future Chair Kaitlyn Vann - Signature Grant Chair Margaret Christie - Literacy for Hall Co-Chair Kelly Conklin - Literacy for Hall Co-Chair

Fall Provisional Cohort 2025-2026

Allie Olson

Anna Katherine Banks

Carlee Brooks

Emily DeGraaf

Felicity Jones

Jodi Samples

Julia Ngo

Kalyn Columbo

Kelly Hastman

Kerri Leland

Makenize McDiermon

Molly Gay

Molly Morales

Shelley Hazard

Tatum Watkins

Summer 2025 IN REVIEW

SUMMER SOCIAL FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY

NEXT GEN MEET & MINGLE

AJLI CONFERENCE

BOARD RETREAT AJLI CONFERENCE

AJLI CONFERENCE

Meetings

NOVEMBER GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING

OCTOBER GMM

FOOD DRIVE FROM NOVEMBER GMM

SEPTEMBER GMM

FALL COHORT

Community \

OUTREACH

BOARD RETREAT

BRIDGING HOPE

Done in a Day Bridging Hope At Bridging Hope, our members transformed their group room, which is a vital first stop for survivors of sexual assault. Volunteers repainted walls, moved furniture, and added soothing decor to create a comforting, dignified space for those beginning their healing journey. This project ensures survivors feel supported during crisis interventions, law enforcement reports, and SANE exams.

The Reading Crew This season, our reading initiative has put nearly 1,000 books into the hands of local children at events like Mule Camp Market, Gainesville Reads Day, and the Back to School Bash. We are excited for our partnership with Hall County Library System and our Winter Reading Challenge. We invite all kids, ages 0–18, to join from December 19, 2025, to February 8, 2026. Log your reading hours on the Beanstack app to earn virtual badges, a gold medal, and a prize bag filled with books and surprises. Let’s make this winter a season of stories!

COMMUNITY UPLIFT FOUNDATION MIND TO MIND MENTORING

Mind to Mind Mentoring Socks are among the most essential and expensive items for AJLI CONFERENCE people without shelter and in temporary housing. We distributed socks to students and their families who live in hotels.

Celebrating MILLION

-#-

DIAPERS Since June, our volunteer organization has made a remarkable impact in the community, partnering with 14 dedicated agencies. Together, we’ve distributed an incredible 121,975 diapers to families in need, ensuring that essential resources reach those who need them most. As we close out the 25-26 League year, we will have two more diaper distributions that are scheduled for February 20th & April 24th. With the continued support of our partners and volunteers, we’re committed to making an even greater difference in the months to come.

Partner Agencies Good Samaritan Food Pantry Family Promise of Hall County The Little Flower Group Gateway DV Center My Sister’s Place

Diaper Drive 2026 March 16th - 27th

All sizes, all brands New or opened packages Training pants/pull-ups New baby wipes If you are interested in participating, and would like to be a drop-off location, use the code below to sign-up.

Goshen Valley United Way of Hall County The Place Forsyth The Treehouse CASA Hope Not Abandoned Peach State SISU Rooted Interior

EmpowHER Safe + Savvy The third EmpowHER event, EmpowHER Safe + Savvy, was held on November 18th at Brenau University’s Downtown Center– Walters Theatre. The empowering evening brought together more than 80 attendees, filling the venue with women eager to strengthen their personal safety skills and build everyday confidence and readiness. Reflecting its impact, over 90% of attendees rated the event a full 5/5 stars, and 100% expressed interest in attending future EmpowHER programming, underscoring the community’s enthusiasm for the series. The program featured a powerful keynote by Special Agent Jamie Abercrombie of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, followed by a dynamic panel discussion with Gainesville Police Chief Jay Parrish, Investigator Sheila McPhilamy, and Bridging Hope Executive Director Jen Tarnowski. All speakers praised the evening’s energy and the depth of engagement from participants. “As the third installment of our EmpowHER Series, this event continues our mission of equipping women with confidence, courage, and community. The overwhelmingly positive feedback affirms the value of these conversations.” - Abby Loggins

Feeding our Future Feeding Our Future made a real dent in hunger right here at home, serving 790 households and 1,991 children with compassion and consistency. Through their efforts, an impressive 26,326 pounds of food were distributed to families who needed it most. Their work doesn’t just fill pantries, it strengthens our entire community, one caring act at a time.

COMING SOON...

About the EmpowHER Speakers Special Agent Jamie Abercrombie – Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) Jamie Abercrombie is a veteran investigator with expertise spanning narcotics, homicide, and behavioral science. She is notably only the second female criminal profiler in the history of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and she has consulted on more than 130 complex and violent cases. Abercrombie’s trailblazing work has earned national recognition, including the International Association of Chiefs of Police Investigative Excellence Award and the GBI Director’s Award. Chief Jay Parrish – Gainesville Police Department Chief Jay Parrish has dedicated his career to serving and protecting the Gainesville community. With decades of law enforcement experience, he brings practical and accessible insight into public safety, crime prevention, and community engagement. His leadership emphasizes education, awareness, and empowering residents with tools to stay safe.

Investigator Sheila McPhilamy – Complete Investigations & Security, Inc. With an extensive background in criminal investigations, Sheila McPhilamy blends professional expertise with a passion for educating and empowering women. Her work centers on situational awareness, personal preparedness, and confidently navigating stressful or dangerous situations.

Jen Tarnowski – Executive Director, Bridging Hope As Executive Director of Bridging Hope, Jen Tarnowski leads efforts to support women in crisis through advocacy, resources, and compassionate care. Her career has been dedicated to strengthening resilience in survivors and building support networks that help women reclaim their voices and their futures.

Belle of the Ball

73rd Annual Charity Ball

Callie Daniel

Kiwanas Club of Gainesville Callie is the daughter of Brian and Kristin Daniel, granddaughter of Carole Ann Daniel and the late Ed Daniel, and sister to Stuart. She is a senior at Gainesville High School. She hopes to attend Auburn University to study Marketing and Real Estate Development.

CHARITY BALL RESULTS RECORD BREAKING $465,000

FUNDS RAISED

$465,000 in impact equates to: Over 800K diapers 2.3M meals to stock in our Feeding our Future pantries ($1 = 5 meals) 186 Done-In-A-Day Grants (Each DIAD grant = $2500) Over 90K books for The Reading Crew Over 900 Belle Education Fund scholarships $58,500 invested directly into our community through our partner organizations doing good and important work

Lily Kate Morgan Belle Leadership Award

This committee-voted award is not tied to funds raised and recognizes a Belle who truly embodies our mission — a young woman who shows up, serves with purpose, and represents the League and her sponsoring organization with enthusiasm.

AJLI CONFERENCE

Meet the Belles

Anna Lake Trotman Hope For Hall

Anne Hawkins Gainesville Jaycees

Bentley Smart Whispering Angels Youth Ranch

Callie Daniel Kiwanis Club of Gainesvile

Carley Greene American Heart Association of North East Georgia

Lauren Hemmer Rotary Club of Gainesville

Lilly Grace Clay South Hall Rotary

Lilly Kate Morgan Womensource

Mason McNally My Sister’s Place

Madeline Little Createtive Enterprises

Ocean Pate Bridging Hope

Savannah Little Enota CASA

Sydney Durden Path United

Membership

University of North Georgia’s University of North Georgia’s 20 Under 40 Award 20 Under 40 Award Abby Loggins Lauren Samples

Bri & Devon Terry are expecting a baby boy on January 19th, 2026.

Devin and Robert Marshall are expecting a baby boy on May 8th, 2026!

Ansley Rochester engaged Angie & Joe Kennedy to Jesse Dollar on welcomed Peter Westbrook October 26th, 2025. Kennedy on August 6th, 2025.

Arianna McCarthy married Aron Mussman on October 3rd, 2025.

Lauren Hunter married Samuel West on October 25th, 2025.

Tribute & Remembrance Betty Norton Diane Curington Holly & Drew Hill welcomed Johnathan Todd Hill on November 21st , 2025.

Caroline Silcox Anne Thomas

Junior League of Gainesville - Hall County P.O. Box 1472 Gainesville, GA 30503 770-535-1951 gainesvillehalljuniorleague.org

Thank you to our 2025 Sponsors

Travis & Ashley Davis Abby & Zack Loggins Lisa Geyer Mack & Staci Vinton Devin Marshall Kristin Varnadore Kindle Bales