1920s

1925 – In 1903, a group of debutantes formed the Butterfly Guild of Butterworth Hospital. For almost twenty years they raised money for their Maternity Free Bed Fund through Cabarets, Valentine Balls, and Dog Shows. In 1924, Nellie Clements was the president of the Butterfly Guild and applied to change the guild into a Junior League. After a year’s probation, the application was approved, and in 1925 became a bona fide Junior League with Nellie as our first president. The $6,500 Maternity Free Bed Fund was pledged to furnish the Maternity Department at Butterworth Hospital. A plaque commemorating the gift was placed in the hospital lobby.

1927 – The Junior League of Grand Rapids (JLGR) members volunteered 559 hours at the Clinic for Infant Feeding. The clinic was originally organized by the board of the Blodgett Home. Records indicate a reduction of 50% in deaths of children under two years and 56% reduction in babies under one year.

1928 – JLGR established a “part-pay maternity plan” at Butterworth Hospital to make hospital care more affordable and reduce the maternal and child death rate in Grand Rapids. The League funded $30,711 to impact 1,279 people over 13 years.

1929 – JLGR promoted the Grand Rapids Symphony by selling 1,200 sustaining memberships and undertook the sale of season tickets

1930s

1932 – In partnership with Art Gallery, JLGR members gave educational talks at 21 Grand Rapids Public Schools, reaching approximately 3,000 children.

1938 –JLGR members volunteered as guides at the new furniture museum.

1940s

During WWII, the Association of Junior Leagues of America paid the salary of the executive secretary of the Civilian Defense Volunteer Office, furnished 14,000+ volunteers to area agencies and supported the war efforts through air raid preparedness, blood drives, and supporting families impacted by conflict.

1945 – Together with Friends of American Art and the Grand Rapids Public Library, JLGR sponsored the radio program “Books Bring Adventure.” It was broadcast on WLAV every Saturday afternoon for 13 weeks. 2,594 children listened regularly; 4,039 listened at least once.

1946 – JLGR started the Art Program for Children, inviting 5th and 6th graders to attend art talks at the Art Gallery.

1946 – JLGR started the Cerebral Palsy Nursery School in the basement of Mary Free Bed Hospital for children ages 3-7. The nursery school operated every morning, was staffed by a teacher and physiotherapist, and two Junior League member aides. In 1951, the League turned the Nursery School over to Grand Rapids Public Schools

1950s

1952 – JLGR Started and ran the Rent-a-Picture shop for six years, which was turned over to the Grand Rapids Art Museum in 1958.

1960s

1962 – JLGR purchased a bus for the Grand Rapids Public Museum to transport students to and from the museum for tours. We also established a volunteer guide and lecture program for the museum.

1963 – The first JLGR Bargain Bonanza biennial fundraiser was held at the Civic Auditorium. It netted more than $20,000 (equivalent to over $205,000 in 2024).

1967 – Over the next 3 years, JLGR gave a $10,000 grant to Goodwill. In 1969, the League created and staffed the Mushroom Shop at the Goodwill store.

1970s

1970 – Festival began! JLGR provided lead funding with the Grand Rapids Foundation.

1970 – JLGR donated $6,000 to Blandford Nature Center and assisted in planning and implementing an educational program.

1972 – The League donated $5,000 to establish an educational television station in Grand Rapids. The Chamber of Commerce and TV13 added $20,000 more in donations. On Dec 10, 1972 at 7:30 pm, ETV WGVC TV35 began its broadcast.

1972 – JLGR sponsored four six-week courses on racism.

1973 – As an active member organization of the West Michigan Environmental Action Council, JLGR donated $7,000 over three years and 35 League members volunteered hours with WMEAC.

1974 – JLGR organized a ten-week “guided-tours” training course for John Ball Zoo volunteers and developed zoo-related educational information for teachers.

1975 – JLGR held our 50th anniversary fundraiser. The River City Review variety show celebration raised $50,000 for a gift to Grand Rapids; $25,000 to develop a volunteer program for criminal justice; and $25,000 to develop a volunteer program for child advocacy.

1975 – Our Bargain Bonanza fundraiser raised a record $41,500 with over 275 JLGR members volunteering. Funds were used for our existing community programs and to sponsor new ones. Some highlights include: the John Ball Park Zoo docent program, which turned into a zoo volunteer program called “Zoo Doers”; Donation to the Kent County Society for Historical Preservation, which supervises Voigt House; Organized a volunteer program for Suspected Child Abuses and Neglect (S.C.A.N.).

1976 – Children’s Workshop became a licensed preschool. Started by two Junior League of Grand Rapids members, the preschool was originally run by Junior League volunteers who cared for children while their mothers were volunteering in the community.

1977 – JLGR donated $25,000 to the Neighborhood Drop-In Center project, geared toward single parent families, for ages infants through preschool. We provided childcare and offered parents time to meet other parents.

1978 – JLGR donated $20,000 to both the YWCA and the Women’s Resource Center, solidifying our commitment to these long-term partnerships. In addition, fourteen League members volunteered with victims of domestic violence through the YWCA’s programming.

1979 – JLGR approved the Heartside Food Co-op Project and the V.I.E. Home Health Care Project. Over the next three years we donated $13,700 and $20,000 respectively.

1980s

1980 – JLGR helped develop the training and volunteer recruitment program for Project CHarlie (CHemical Abuse Resolution Lies in Education), a service of Project Rehab’s Community Outreach program that taught self-awareness, relationship and decision-making skills along with age appropriate drug information. JLGR volunteers initially facilitated Project CHarlie in select schools in GRPS and FHPS. After 6 years of collaboration, in 1987 the program was turned over to the community, serving 25 schools.

1981 – JLGR began Kids on the Block, a program of puppet show presentations, to help integrate disabled children into classrooms.

1984 – JLGR committed $15,000 to West Michigan Gleaners Food Bank over three years, whose Director needed our help to better organize and distribute 700,000 pounds of food. Our financial support was used to buy equipment, such as scales and a truck. We also coordinated volunteers and developed training materials.

1985 – JLGR committed $7,800 to Blandford Nature Center over 3 years to pay for a part-time volunteer coordinator. In addition, about 10 League volunteers provided volunteer training for Blandford’s nature program. In 1986 we gave an additional $25,000 to help build an authentic general store. Our support was also used to research design and layout of the building, select merchandise, and for marketing and general management of the facility.

1985 – JLGR donated $36,000 to the YWCA Renovation/Sexual Abuse Prevention Program over two years

1986 – The Very Special Arts program (now Artists Creating Together) was formed by JLGR to demonstrate the impact of the arts in developing artistic responsiveness and learning among disabled students. We donated $33,500 to VSA Festival over three years, including the planning and presentation of an annual art festival curated to special education students.

1988 – JLGR provided $24,000 in funding to Ronald McDonald House over three years. About 30 League volunteers per year were involved in various committees. The League “wish list committee” gathered and stored items for the House. We also helped with planning aspects for the House, designed and sold calendars, had a dance-a-thon fundraiser, and helped to recruit volunteers for the House.

1988 – JLGR donated $16,000 to Habitat for Humanity over two years.

1988 – JLGR supported the Adolescent Pregnancy Watch, a program to prevent unplanned teenage pregnancies.

1990s

1992 – JLGR worked with Kent County Juvenile Court to establish the CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) program, which organizes and empowers community members to provide best-interest advocacy for children in Kent County’s child welfare system.

1994 – JLGR volunteered with and supported Healthy Start, a program to improve health outcomes before, during, and after pregnancy; Even Start, a literacy and parent education program; and Safe Kids, a personal safety and child abuse prevention. Healthy Start received a $13,000 donation.

1995 – JLGR celebrate our 70th anniversary Fundraiser. Fundraiser “Teamwork: Building Strong Families” provided funding for the nascent Children’s Advocacy Center, a safe space for sexually abused children to experience investigation, therapy, and healing.

1996 – In collaboration with the Grand Rapids Public Schools, JLGR began a literacy project, Explore with Reading.

1996 – Two JLGR members, Deb Bailey and Susan J. Smith, together with local philanthropist Twink Frey, started a grassroots movement to bring a Gilda’s Club to our community. Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids, which offers free emotional healthcare to children, adults, families, and friends on any kind of cancer journey or grieving the loss of a loved one, officially opened its doors on February 15, 2001. Junior League of Grand Rapids supported them throughout the process and into the future.

2000s

2000 – In honor of our 75th year, JLGR held a community shower for Gilda’s Club, furnishing it with everything from dishes to dish soap.

2001 – With the opening of Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids, JLGR volunteers spent the next 6 years helping run community education and outreach programs:

• The Noogieland Puppet Show, designed for students K-3rd grade, to understand and cope with a cancer diagnosis impacting their classroom. JLGR funded the portable theater, puppets, scripts and the volunteer power for shows throughout Grand Rapids.
• Noogieland, play area at Gilda’s Club, where JLGR volunteers assisted social workers in facilitating activities, games, discussions, and story time. We also planned and ran the children’s parties for Halloween, Winter Holiday, Valentine’s Day and Spring.
• Camp Sparkle, a summer day camp for children ages 5-11, where JLGR volunteers supported professional program staff. We also hosted their end-of-camp family cookout.
• JLGR members planned, prepared and served snacks and meals for several programs, including daily for Camp Sparkle; bi-monthly for Super Saturdays (a therapy-based breakfast for parents); and weekly for Talking with Your Mouthful (family dinners served before group therapy).
• Holiday Celebrations –JLGR volunteers decked out the Clubhouse five times a year for Halloween, Thanksgiving, Winter Holiday, Valentine’s Day, and Spring, added warmth and holiday vibes.

2002 – JLGR partnered with Degage Ministries, providing volunteers for activities and outings for women patrons.

2002 – Short-term project at St. John’s Home in late 1990s led to an official project from Sept 2002 – 2010. JLGR members mentored the young girls’ house, ages 6-10, providing craft activities, outings, and homework assistance. We also set up a reading room in their home, donated books, and provided a consistent presence, guidance, and support.

2006 – JLGR initiated the AJLI program Kids in the Kitchen, which partners with local organizations to combat childhood obesity by teaching children and parents about nutrition and healthy lifestyles. This program continued through 2022.

2007 – JLGR started the “Girls Rule Club” at Grand Rapids Youth Commonwealth, working with girls ages 8-13. In 2008, we extended the program to include boys as well.

2010s

2011 – JLGR began our signature project at the YWCA Domestic Crisis Center. Volunteers helped residents with interviewing skills, organized clothing and housewares donation rooms, provided holiday pampering totes for moms, and helped with Thanksgiving dinner and holiday activities for families.

2012 – We started JL Wellness Adventure Yard (WAY) campaign at YWCA Domestic Crisis Center.

2014 – JLGR raised $144,000+ and constructed the first installment of the JL WAY playground, with specialized equipment for children at the YWCA Domestic Crisis Center, now called the YWCA Wege Sojourner House. The JL WAY provides children with a place to play, explore, and feel safe in a secure outdoor setting. Staff at the Wege Sojourner House could supervise children in the play yard while their mothers had job interviews or appointments because fencing in the outdoor space qualified the house for licensed childcare.

2017 – JLGR raised $54,000 and completed the second JL WAY installation at the Grand Rapids Child Discovery Center (GRCDC), a diverse K-5 school near the heart of downtown Grand Rapids. We designed and installed it in collaboration with GRCDC.

2018 – JLGR made a $2,500 donation to the Children’s Healing Center, the nation’s first year-round recreational facility for children with weak immune systems. Our funding purchased colorful percussion instruments, called Rainbow Sambas, for the facility’s outdoor musical garden.

2018 – The JLGR’s $2,500 Community Impact Grant to the Friends of GR Parks helped pay for snowshoes to be used at multiple locations throughout Grand Rapids, primarily at Indian Trails Golf Course.

2019 – JLGR gave a $50,000 grant to the City of Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation Department to install a WAY at Rasberry Field. The space, which includes a picnic shelter and grill in addition to the play equipment, was completed in 2020, in partnership with the City of Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation and Kompan Playgrounds.

2020s

2020 – We created JL Delivers, a food and household shopping and delivery program, for families transitioning from an emergency shelter to their own homes. JLGR volunteers also prepared freezable meals for families supported by YWCA services.

2020 – March of this year started the COVID pandemic and JLGR went virtual. We continued to advance our mission with virtual recruitment, fundraising, training, and meetings. We engaged membership by holding online book clubs, trivia nights, and other social activities. We also started the JLGR Member Emergency Relief Program to support any member experiencing an emergency. We modified, but continued, JL Delivers to ensure families continued receiving groceries during the pandemic.

2020 – In October, JLGR gave a $10,000 Community Catalyst Grant to Mel Trotter Ministries to assist in renovating its outdoor play space, for its Pathway Home Family Shelter Program. The Program is an emergency shelter and rehousing program, and is a collaboration between Mel Trotter Ministries and Family Promise of Grand Rapids.

2022 – For our fourth WAY, JLGR gave a $25,000 grant and partnered again with the City of Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation along with Sinclair Recreation to build a new playground at Mulick Park.

2023 – JLGR held our first annual “Find the Good Day” in September. We partnered with the YWCA West Central Michigan to spread awareness around Period Product Insecurity and provide essential hygiene products to the women and girls who seek their services.

2024 – JLGR funded a turf repair at the YWCA Wege Sojourner House WAY location for $3,200. In addition, the 2018 provisional member class led a beautification project to install new bark mulch and flowering plants.

2024 – JLGR and Women’s Resource Center (WRC) announced a new community partnership aimed at advancing women’s health and development. JLGR and WRC aim to collaborate on initiatives that contribute to the advancement of women’s development in Grand Rapids including, but not limited to, educational programs, mentorship opportunities, community engagement events, and initiatives promoting women’s physical health, mental wellness, and professional development.