Save the Date! Mark your calendars for the 31st Annual Holiday Shoppes, coming November 13-15, 2026.
February was an energizing and engaging month, filled with opportunities for connection, learning, and a little friendly competition! In lieu of our traditional GMM, Sectionals brought members together in fun and meaningful ways. We kicked things off with a lively Trivia Night, where teams tested their knowledge on women-themed trivia. The evening was full of laughter, teamwork, and just the right amount of competitive spirit. Later in the month, members had the chance to ride, sweat, and socialize at a Spoke Fitness spin class. This high-energy workout prioritized wellness and provided an opportunity to bond with fellow League members. The enthusiasm in the room was contagious.
COMMUNITY IN ACTION
MAKING A DIFFERENCE TOGETHER
The Community Collaborations Committee was busy this holiday season with a number of volunteer opportunities that allowed our members to engage with the community. Thank you to all provisional, active, and sustainer members who supported and attended these events.
We just finished our annual Tea Party with the YWCA (update to come in the next Notes!) and we are busy preparing for our annual STEAM event with Brighton Academy, and planning a few Done-In-A-Day events. For details on these upcoming events, make sure to check your email and Members Essential for announcements.
-SARAH SAIDEL, ANDRIA PROUTY, CAITLIN
BERGETT & MICHELLE MCGILLIVRAY
COMMUNITY COLLABORATIONS COMMITTEE
TOYS FOR TOTS
Every December, The Salvation Army of Syracuse partners with organizations across our community to bring food and toys to nearly 10,000 neighbors in need. To be even a small part of that effort is an honor—and a reminder of how powerful collective generosity can be.
This winter, the Membership Committee and Community Collaborations Committee came together to host a toy drive. We collected over 80 toys at our December GMM for local families. Thank you to everyone who helped make the holiday season brighter for families across CNY.
COMMUNITY IN ACTION
MAKING A DIFFERENCE TOGETHER
(CONT.)
ERIN’S ANGELS
In December we also partnered with Erin’s Angels of CNY for their holiday food drive. League members came together and generously donated over 600 nonperishable food items along with $200 in cash contributions for local families in need.
RESCUE MISSION COOKIE BAKE
This winter our members gathered for the annual Cookie Bake for the Rescue Mission —a cherished tradition rooted in service, community, and a whole lot of sugar. Together, we assembled over 300 cookies to help bring warmth and comfort to neighbors experiencing homelessness during the holiday season. In addition, we were able to donate 88 pairs of men ' s and women ' s socks. It was a meaningful reminder that leadership looks a lot like rolling up your sleeves, laughing together, and using our time and talents to serve others. Sweet treats. Strong women. Real impact.
COMMUNITY IN ACTION
MAKING A DIFFERENCE TOGETHER
(CONT.)
PEACE GIVE-A-HOLIDAY PROGRAM
ported PEACE’s Give-A-Holiday program in a r of ways this year. Our team of shoppers ve tote bins full of SNAP exempt items— ng personal care supplies, paper products, games, etc.— that were sent to families in Community also purchased gift cards for to use for critical relief and donated 74 and 12 sets of hats and gloves for children ng PEACE’s Head Start program.
visit their website to learn more about s mission to support our CNY community.
IN MEMORIAM
In every community, there are individuals whose quiet generosity and steady commitment form the foundation upon which so much good work is built. This spring, we pause to honor a number of our sustaining members who have passed away—individuals whose belief in our mission helped shape not only this organization, but the lives of those we serve.
Past President Obituary
Sustainer Obituary
Sustainer
We remember them with gratitude and extend our heartfelt condolences to their families and loved ones. It is because of people like Patricia, Susan, and Joanne that our work continues, and it is in their spirit that we move forward.
Susan Maier Fitzgerald
Joanne Pettit
Patricia Curran
PUCKS WITH A PURPOSE: JLS SCORES BIG WITH THE SYRACUSE CRUNCH
The Junior League of Syracuse teamed up with the Syracuse Crunch for a special fundraiser on Saturday, February 21. A dozen Members and their families were in attendance as the Crunch fought well into overtime against the Charlotte Checkers.
As in past years, the Chuck-a-Puck event sold out! Thanks to the incredible participation, the event raised over $500 for the League. Every puck tossed represented direct support for our mission to advance women ’ s leadership and create meaningful community impact throughout Central New York
It was a memorable night that showcased ho enthusiastically, generously, and ready to chee for the causes that matter most.
SUSTAINER NEWS
In February, active members worked alongside sustainers during two diaperwrapping sessions at the Central New York Diaper Bank. Volunteers helped prepare essential supplies for families in our community while strengthening connection across membership levels.
In total, we wrapped nearly 12,000 diapers, helping approximately 240 children.
The CNY Diaper Bank partners with local social service agencies to provide free diapers to low-income families while raising awareness of this essential need.
Thank you to everyone who gave their time and energy to make these sessions a success!
-COMMUNITY COLLABORATIONS COMMITTEE, BARB BENEDICT & JENNY JACKSON DONAHOE
OUR CONDOLENCES
We send our deepest condolences to sustainer Kathy Lowenberg and her family following the passing of her husband, Richard Lowenberg. Richard was a very active and dedicated member of our community, and he will be greatly missed. Richard’s Obituary
We send our deepest condolences to active member Rea Carver and her family following the passing of her father, Norman Carver. Norman will be greatly missed. Norman’s Obituary
