Junior Women’s League Of Smithfield Raises $17,000

6th Annual Big Night Out Fundraiser

JWL Big Night Out Committee members with Riverside Ranch Board Members. Front, L to R Lisa Bland, JWL V.P. of Public Relations and BNO Sponsorship Subchair Heather Bryant, JWL Recording Secretary and BNO Ticket Sales Holly Narron, Riverside Ranch Vice President Sarah Valentine, Riverside Ranch Executive Director and Founder Dana Peterson, JWL Past President and BNO Co-Chair Amanda Johnson, JWL Public Relations Chair and BNO Logistics Operator. Back, L to R Lindsay Wilson, BNO PR Subchair Dawn Willcox, JWL V.P. of Fund Development and BNO Raffle Prize Subchair Karren Briggs, BNO Ticket Sales Melissa Brown, BNO Logistics Beverly Herring, BNO Logistics

On Saturday, May 22, the Junior Women’s League of Smithfield held their 6th annual Big Night Out as a virtual reverse raffle fundraiser to benefit Riverside Ranch, a therapeutic equine facility that serves children with physical and developmental disabilities, veterans, and senior adults.

League President, Sarah Edwards, and BNO co-chair, Dana Peterson, presented a check to Riverside Ranch Executive Director and Founder Sarah Valentine for $15,000 to help fund the construction of a permanent structure with a meeting space for counselors, riding instructors and families, as well as accessible bathroom facilities. In addition to the Community Impact Grant awarded by JWL, two of the BNO Reverse Raffle grand prize winners donated their $1,000 in winnings to Riverside Ranch, bringing the total donated to $17,000.

Community support came in the form of prize donations and sponsorships from 29 local businesses, as well as 378 raffle participants.

Junior Women’s League of Smithfield Board Members present check to Riverside Ranch. Board Members Front, L to R Sarah Edwards, JWL President Holly Narron, Riverside Ranch Vice President Sarah Valentine, Riverside Ranch Executive Director and Founder Dana Peterson, JWL Past President and BNO Co-Chair Back, L to R Kelly Blanchard, JWL President-Elect Heather Bryant, JWL Recording Secretary Dawn Willcox, JWL V.P. of Fund Development Lisa Bland, JWL V.P. of Public Relations

“In a year unlike any other, where flexibility and creativity were key, we have been so impressed and encouraged by the astounding amount of support we have continued to receive,” said event co-chair Dana Peterson. “It is always a joy to take part in Big Night Out where we are able to combine fun and service into an evening that celebrates all the ways our community gives back.”

JWL is accepting applications from prospective new members from June 15 until July 31. Interested women ages 22 and older who’d like to make a difference in Johnston County are encouraged to attend New Member Interest Meetings, the details of which can be found on our website and social media. For more information about the Junior Women’s League of Smithfield and its initiatives, please visit  www.JWLSmithfield.com or email JWLSmithfield@gmail.com.

About The Junior Women’s League of Smithfield
The Junior Women’s League of Smithfield (JWL) is a non-profit organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community through the effective action of trained volunteers. Our organization was founded in Smithfield, but is dedicated to the betterment of all communities within Johnston County.  Since the League’s establishment in February 2016, JWL has awarded $117,000 in Community Impact Grants to Johnston County nonprofit organizations and completed more than 10,600 hours of community service. 

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