With more than 600 members, it’s newsworthy when the Junior League of Boca Raton turns the gavel over to a new president.
As of June 1, Jamie Sauer is leading the local chapter of the international volunteer organization with 125,000 women in four countries.
Q: The League has an announcement coming out of the pandemic.
A: We’ll have a lot on our plate. Woman Volunteer of the Year will be live again. A save-the-date is 10:30 a.m. Friday Nov. 12 at the Boca Resort & Club. This honors our volunteers throughout the community. It’s a wonderful thing that we get to do.
Q: When can nonprofits nominate a volunteer for that event?
A: Keep an eye on our website: https://www.jlbr.org/
Q: Does the League have a priority going into this year?
A: We are actively recruiting women who believe in our mission, which is promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women and improving the community. https://www.jlbr.org/volunteer-boca-raton/
Q: Most Junior Leaguers have a proud history of their moms belonging to a League where they were raised. Do you?
A: I’ve been an active member for 17 years and my mother is sustainer Sue Wicker. I watched her give back to the community while I was growing up. [A sustainer pays dues, but is not required to attend meetings or perform volunteer service in League programs.]
Q: Are you a native?
A: We moved to Boca from Miami when I was 5. We are three generations in Florida and I’m happy to be raising a fourth. We have three boys.
Q: What are the League programs you’re in charge of now?
A: This year we’re focusing on child welfare, but will continue our nonprofit support. We feel there’s a big need in the community and we want to help. In the last few years, the board has been looking into what holes need to be filled. Junior League has a history of filling the void.
Q: The League started diaper distribution for families in need, but now you’re turning it over as a separate nonprofit. Where does that stand?
A: Officially we’re gifting the Diaper Bank to the community at the beginning of 2022. The new name for the 5013c is Covered South Florida. We still have every other month diaper distribution and we’re still collecting diapers. BRiC houses our diapers and will continue to do. https://www.jlbr.org/impact/diaper-bank/
Q: What else is the League doing new this year?
A: We’re implementing two new programs. Junior League of Boca Raton Junior Leadership program will help children develop leadership skills, boys and girls. We’re working on the details. The Junior League of Boca Raton Learning Libraries will have multiple locations and help underserved children access books.
Q: You’ve announced another big event.
A: Our 50th anniversary is 7 p.m. Sept. 23 at The Addison. We started in 1971. We’ve been really involved in the community, so we think members will support it. https://www.jlbr.org/50th-anniversary/
Q: What else do you want people to know about you?
A: I’m a Realtor with Lang Realty. I’m also a Gator; I went to the University of Florida and have a bachelor of science in finance and a masters in political science. I’m involved with my church, Spanish River Church.
Q: Did you run for city council?
A: This community is really important to me, so I ran for city council in January 2015. I’m super happy to be serving the community as the president of the Junior League of Boca Raton.
By Marci Shatzman
