Hello!
It is time to join the Junior League of Charlotte (JLC) in fundraising for the 2023 Little Black Dress Initiative!
The Junior League of Charlotte (JLC) has been a significant part of my life since 2020. Through my involvement with this organization, I have continued to cultivate my leadership skills, been able to hone skills in areas I enjoy like coordinating events for volunteers and have seen opportunities arise in my professional life that might not have happened otherwise if I was not involved in the training and leadership development opportunities within the JLC.
However, on a personal note, I have loved being a part of the league for several reasons, one of which is the league has given me a feeling of belonging and purpose during some challenging times in my life. Further, I have been able to grow as a woman and as a mother, I have grown as a civic leader within our community, and I have learned different ways to empower those in our community who desperately need an advocate. I am honored to be a part of this group of women, and I invite you to read about our community fundraiser, the Little Black Dress Initiative (LBDI), occurring March 6th-10th, and if you feel led, to donate and share the fundraiser with others.
LBDI invites participants to wear the same black dress or outfit every day for five consecutive days to spark conversation and increase awareness about the challenges facing members in our Charlotte community who are living in poverty. Our dual purpose is to build awareness and to raise funds to support the core mission of the JLC: an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, to developing the potential of women, and to improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. As LBDI is our league’s biggest fundraiser, the JLC’s goal this year is to raise $75,000. I have attached our website for you to learn more about the JLC. https://www.jlcharlotte.org
With funds raised, the JLC can have a more significant impact and reach in our community and support our community partners like Promising Pages and Thompson Child and Family Focus.
Further, here are a few statistics for Mecklenburg County regarding our poverty levels:
- 1 in 5 children in Charlotte are currently living in poverty.
- Over 4,000 children in Charlotte Mecklenburg schools are considered housing insecure.
- More than 1 in 7 (15.2%) of Charlotte residents live below the poverty line.
All donations are fully tax-deductible. Please show your support by donating on my personal fundraising page! There is no donation too big or too small.
Thank you for your contribution and never forget, “Be the change you wish to see in this world.”
With heartfelt gratitude,
Ashley Crawford
