Thursday night The Junior League of Columbia held its annual end of the year “May Celebration.” While I’ve attended the event for the last 12 – 15 years, this one will always stand out in my head and heart. As you can see from the pic above, The League completely humbled Amanda and me with their “Friend Of The League Award.” What an honor.
As most of you know, years ago The Junior League created the “Kinsey Black Jones Award” in memory of my late wife. Ever since she passed away, The League has allowed me to present the award to the most deserving 1st, 2nd, or 3rd year Active Member. It’s a bittersweet moment for me, but one I take great pride in. My wife, Jennifer Sparks Jones, now stands with me during the presentation, which I think is pretty cool. Kim Jamieson won this year and she seemed ECSTATIC about it, which is always fun to see.
Fast forward to 2012-2013. While at dinner last fall I presented ‘Fund Development Chair,’ Ginny Stout Hairston, with a “Pay It Forward” program as a slow but impactful fundraising project. The idea was to leverage our real estate team sales volume over time, donating a percentage of each closing during the year (Team manager Amy Cartin also participates). Further, Amanda and I would promote JLC on our signs throughout the Midlands. The whole thing worked, big time. So much so, in fact, that I get approached by out of area REALTORS and fund raising professionals.
Back to tonight. I’m assuming for past recipients this award is either of business in nature, or somehow personal. For me, humbly typing, it’s both, and I can’t express through this laptop keyboard how much it means for The League to have recognized Amanda and I like they did.
Thank you so much, Junior League of Columbia, SC.
FJ
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