PJWC Raises $15,000 For Local Charities

The Plainfield Junior Woman’s Club recently presented four checks for $3,750 each to four local charities:  Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties, Easter Seals Joliet Region, Guardian Angel Community Services and the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance Camp “I Am Me”.

PJWC President Shelbey Hammond along with several other members presented the checks to representatives from each of the charities at the Plainfield Village Administration building.  This included Bob Payne of the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance Camp “I Am Me”; Deb Condotti and Debbie Strahanoski, President/CEO and Development Manager of Easter Seals Joliet Region, respectively; Valerie Pastwa, Marketing & Communications Specialist, Guardian Angel Community Services; and Lisa Las, Chief Executive Officer, Big Brothers Big Sisters.  

The $15,000 had been raised from the organization’s annual spring fundraiser, “PJWC’s Spring Fling…Casino Night,” held at the White Tail Ridge Golf Club in Yorkville on May 17, 2013.  Over 100 people were in attendance for the evening of food, music, raffles, casino action and auctions.

In years past, the organization had used the event to raise money for just one charity, but this year, decided they’d like to expand and make a difference with four groups.  All the not-for-profits chosen work within the Plainfield region, providing valuable services to the community.  Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy County helps children realize their potential and build their futures through one-on-one mentor relationships.  Easter Seals Joliet Region makes it their mission to ensure that all people with disabilities or special needs and their families have equal opportunities to live, learn, work and play in their communities.  Guardian Angel Community Services works to empower people to improve the quality of their lives, through various outreach and education programs.  Finally, the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance Camp “I Am Me” provides a safe environment for kids who have received significant burn injuries. 

The PJWC is a member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs.  GFWC is an organization with international affiliation dedicated to community improvement by enhancing the lives of others through volunteer service. PJWC was founded in November 2008 and has raised over $70,000 for various organizations, primarily benefiting women and children.

For more information on the club, visit the website www.plainfieldjuniors.com.  Club meetings are held once a month, and service projects and fundraisers are ongoing throughout the year.