Highland Jaycees Conclude Successful Year
(HIGHLAND, Ill. 01-10-08) – The Highland Jaycees successfully concluded 2007 with a bang at the New Year’s Eve dance hosted at the Knights of Columbus Hall.
“The Jaycee motto for 2007 was ‘Simply The Best.’ Our chapter pursued this goal wholeheartedly,” stated Jaycee President, Jennifer Jakel. “The chapter had a very successful year and it would have not been possible without the hard work and dedication of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors and the general membership did an outstanding job of running projects and coordinating events.”
The Jaycees’ 2007 accomplishments include: hosted the third annual New Years Eve Dance, hosted a Valentine’s Day Dance for seventh and eighth graders, held a St. Patrick Day Cash Raffle, and offered the eighth annual Highland Jaycee Scholarship.
“Although the scholarship is one of our lesser known events, it is very important. One of the primary purposes of the Jaycees is to develop member’s leadership skills,” stated Diane Weber, Highland Jaycee director of public relations. “By offering a scholarship, we are able to foster the development of leadership skills acquired during the pursuit of a college degree.”
The Jaycees also hosted an Anheuser Busch Brewery Tour for members, participated in the McKinley/Jaycee Motorcycle Rally, participated in Adopt A Highway, hosted a Relay for Life bowling tournament and participated in the Relay for Life event, hosted the annual Schweizerfest festival, assisted in serving and grilling food for the New Baden June Jamboree, worked the Big 6 Wheel for the region at the Alhambra Homecoming and hosted a beverage stand, and sponsored a square for Street Art Festival.
Highland Jaycee Membership Vice President, Terra England, noted her favorite annual event is the Street Art Festival. “I enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and the amazing talent and creativity of the artists.”
In addition, the Jaycees also grilled meat for the Kirchenfest picnic, hosted a Bowl for Breath tournament to benefit Cystic Fibrosis, participated in the Moonlight Golf Scramble for the Gateway Jaycees, hosted a youth Halloween Dance, hosted a putt putt tournament to benefit multiple sclerosis, and built the winter wonderland igloo for the Christmas display on the square.
Joel Newman, Highland Jaycee state director, noted the time constraints with the construction of the igloo. “We were under short-order to have this project accomplished, but our team pulled together and produced an outstanding product,” explained Newman. “The sense of satisfaction from knowing that we contributed to a little piece of the Christmas magic families experience is definitely worth the work involved.”
In addition to the non-monetary support the Jaycees provided to the community, the Jaycees’ accomplishments during 2007 enabled the chapter to donate over $15,000 to twenty-nine local causes. Benefactors ranged from private individuals to established national non-profit organizations. The Jaycees’ largest annual fundraiser, Schweizerfest, generated nearly $10,000 in donations.
Although Schweizerfest is the most difficult project the Jaycees organize, Jakel explained that it is her favorite event of the year. “I enjoy the five minutes or so that we actually get to sit back and watch the crowd and what a great time they are having. It is so rewarding to see the joy that we have given people and knowing that all the money we raise will go straight back to the community.”
The Jaycees have received notable recognition for their achievements throughout the year. Achievements include: ranking in the top ten of the state for the Parade of Chapter Points for two quarters, state level awards for the New Years Eve Dance (Best Management Project for the State – 1st Quarter) and for Schweizerfest (Best Fundraising Project for the State and Best Public Relations Project for the State -2nd Quarter), at least 15 Gateway Region awards for various projects, and individual members have won over 25 awards at the state and region.
“The success of chapter would not have been possible without the leadership and guidance Jakel provided,” stated Weber. “She is a valuable asset to the organization. The chapter recognized her contributions by nominating her for the St. Louis Rams Community Quarterback Award.”
“I am very grateful to haven been chosen as the 2007 President of the Highland Jaycees. I have been a member for five and half years and it is very close to my heart,” stated Jakel. “I wish a great 2008 for the incoming President, Ms. Kristin Schmidt, and the new Board of Directors.”
The Jaycees are a community organization that was founded in St. Louis, Mo., during 1920. Currently, the Jaycees are located in all 50 states and more than 100 foreign
countries. The mission of the Jaycees is to provide members with leadership training through community involvement. The Highland Jaycees chapter has over 80 members that devote their time to improving the community.
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