Junior League of Birmingham

Bargain Carousel kicks off this week!

If you've never been to Birmingham's biggest garage sale, your opportunity is here. Bargain Carousel spins its way into the community tonight with its Bargain Bash, benefitting the projects of the Junior League of Birmingham!  Bargain Bash gives shoppers the chance to browse and buy items before the official sale begins on Saturday at the former JCPenney at Century Plaza.  To purchase a $40/VIP or $30/General Admission ticket, click HERE. Bargain Bash features "food, beverages, and first dibs on over 300 cash-and-carry auction items."  Note: pre-sale items are sold at double the sticker price during the Bargain Bash.

“The proceeds that are raised through this event are used to support more than 30 Community Projects with the Junior League’s partner agencies, which depend on the funds raised to support their missions,” said Valerie Ramsbacher, President of the Junior League of Birmingham. There will be over 100,000 items for sale including adult clothing, appliances (large and small), art, books, music, children's clothing, electronics, furniture, heirloom items, holiday decorations, home décor, infant furniture and accessories, kitchen items, lighting, linens, office equipment and furniture, outdoors and sporting goods, rugs and toys.

If you are a “Do-It-Yourself” (DIY) enthusiast, you will want to make sure to visit the “DIY Duds Corner” featuring donated pieces by JLB Members that have been transformed into treasures for your home. Join Marianne Strong of Marianne Strong Interiors; Bargain Carousel Chair-Elect, Sarah Peinhardt, Designer with Gresham Smith Partners; Interior Designer Marianne Gilchrist; and Sidney Bragiel, Stylist for Entertain Decorate Celebrate magazine, to see their vision of upgrading Bargain Carousel merchandise to make it your own.“There will be lots of washers, dryers, refrigerators, bedframes, antiques and baby furniture,” said Elizabeth Burgess, Chair of Bargain Carousel. “These are always our most popular items.”

In 2012, over 1,400 tickets were presold the day before Bargain Carousel opened its doors. People began lining up six hours in advance. This year, patrons may pre-purchase up to four (4) tickets at $10/ticket for the Saturday Sale on Friday, April 27 from 3 p.m. - 7 p.m. Bargain Carousel 2013 will begin on Saturday, April 27 at 8 a.m.  Tickets for Saturday are $10 a ticket from 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. and $5 a ticket from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.  Bargain Carousel continues on Sunday, April 28 (1 p.m. – 5 p.m.) with free admission and half price merchandise. A special note for the Saturday Sale is that all tickets are numbered and shoppers will enter Bargain Carousel in the order of their ticket number.

To order Bargain Bash tickets and for more information about Bargain Carousel 2013, the most exciting spring shopping event in Birmingham visit bargaincarousel.net or call 205-879-9861.  Century Plaza is located at 7580 Crestwood Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35210.

By Alexis Barton, Published on April 25, 2013 at 3:30 PM  LINK

Junior League prepares for 'Bargain Carousel,' known as 'largest garage sale in Birmingham'

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- The Junior League of Birmingham—a charity organization 2,500 strong—is gearing up to host what’s now come to be known as “the largest garage sale in Birmingham,” the Bargain Carousel.

More than 100,000 items will be for sale, including but not limited to: adult clothing, appliances art, books, music, children's clothing, electronics, furniture, and toys. All proceeds will benefit the more than 30 community projects supported by the Junior League and its partner agencies.

This year, a Bargain Bash preview party and auction will kick things off on April 25; the regular Bargain Carousel sale will be held on Saturday, April 27 and Sunday, April 28. Both events will be held at the former JCPenny location in the Century Plaza Mall, 7589 Crestwood Blvd.

Details and times for both events are as follows:

The VIP preview party will begin at 6 p.m. on April 25. Tickets are $40 at the door. General admission for the night’s Bargain Bash, between 7–10 p.m., is $30 a ticket. Both tickets include food, beverages as access to more than 300 live and silent auction items. Guests will also have the opportunity to enjoy commentary from Lance Taylor, co-host of The Roundtable on WJOX.

Bargain Carousel 2013 will begin on April 27 at 8 a.m. Tickets for Saturday’s event are $10 per person between 8 and 10 a.m. and $5 a ticket from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday sale ticket holders will enter the Bargain Carousel in the order of their ticket number.

On Sunday, the Bargain Carousel will continue between 1 and 5 p.m. Admission is free and patrons will enjoy half-priced merchandise.

A special “DIY Duds Corner” will feature donated pieces by JLB Members that have been transformed into treasures for the home. Attendees are invited to join Marianne Strong of Marianne Strong Interiors; Bargain Carousel Chair-Elect, Sarah Peinhardt, Designer with Gresham Smith Partners; Interior Designer Marianne Gilchrist; and Sidney Bragiel, Stylist for Entertain Decorate Celebrate magazine, for demonstrations on how to upgrade Bargain Carousel merchandise to make it their own.

“There will be lots of washers, dryers, refrigerators, bed frames, antiques and baby furniture,” said Elizabeth Burgress, Chair of Bargain Carousel. “These are always our most popular items.”

The sale means everything to those who benefit from the Junior League’s programs—people like Birmingham resident Janet Gillispie.

For a few years after graduating college, Gillispie seemed to have it all figured out. She had a steady job as an X-ray technician, but lost is all when she began to dabble with drugs in 1991.

At her worst, as she recalls it, Gillispie became a prostitute to support her habit. She lost multiple children—the result of abortions, miscarriages and to the Department of Human Resources dependency proceedings.

It was while giving birth in 2000, said Gillispie, that she felt as though Jesus spoke to her.

After delivering a healthy baby despite the lack of all prenatal care, and while still high on the operating table, Gillispie asked for help for the first time.

After receiving treatment at Birmingham’s Olivia’s House, Gillipsie began her journey toward taking control of her life.

Thanks to the many job-search and coaching programs offered by the Junior League, she said, she was able to reinstate her X-ray license.

“They won’t just be shopping to get a good deal,” said Gillispie about Bargain Carousel shoppers, “they will help make a difference.”

The money raised, she said, will help others like her.

“It will be used to change lives,” said Gillispie, “to give life back to people who are hopeless.”

Today, Gillispie enjoys a sober life with a steady job and a healthy child. Her book, “Delivered: A Memoir: My Dark Path Through Addiction,” is available online.

To order Bargain Bash tickets and for more information about Bargain Carousel 2013, visit bargaincarousel.net or call 205-879-9861.
For more information on the Junior League of Birmingham, click here.

By Ana Rodriguez, Published on April 24, 2013 at 3:40 PM  LINK

Bargain Carousel set to open on Saturday
 
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) – As the weather begins to change and the temperatures begin to rise, spring cleaning is just beginning.

Now, there is a way to clean out your closets and kitchens and give back to the community.

The Bargain Carousel, put on by the Junior League of Birmingham, collects donations of gently used items.

Those who visit the sale can buy donated items such as appliances, clothing and furniture.

The money raised from the sale of the items goes to about 30 community projects, including the Birmingham Botanical Gardens and Children’s of Alabama.

The Bargain Carousel is Saturday and Sunday, April 27 and 28.

It will be held at the former JcPenney at Century Plaza Mall.

On Saturday, the hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday’s hours are from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission to the event is charged on Saturday only.

By Josh Zavadil, Published Monday, April 22, 2013, 10:05 am  LINK

Junior League of Birmingham offering big bargains

BIRMINGHAM, AL - Mostly everyone likes a good bargain.

"For some there is nothing more fun than bargain hunting," exclaimed organizers! "What if you could find a wide variety of unbelievable items at low prices and buying them would mean you were supporting a good cause? The Junior League of Birmingham's Bargain Carousel makes this shopping experience a true reality."

Here are the important event dates:

Saturday, April 27

Tickets for Saturday are $10 a ticket from 8 a.m. - 10 a.m. and $5 a ticket from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Sunday, April 28

Free Admission and Half Price Merchandise. 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Bargain Bash

Preview Party and Auction

Thursday, April 25

VIP Admission gets you in the door at 6 p.m. at $40 a ticket.

General admission for Bargain Bash (7 p.m. - 10 p.m.) is $30 a ticket.

Both events will take place in the former JCPenney location at the back of the Century Plaza mall, which is located at 7580 Crestwood Boulevard.

To order tickets or for more information, visit bargaincarousel.net or call 205-879-9861.

By Ashley Roberts, Published April 21, 2013 7:14 AM  LINK

Birmingham Reads Day brings out volunteers to local schools

BIRMINGHAM, AL - It was a city-wide celebration of reading in Birmingham Thursday.

It was Birmingham Reads Day across the city, which is a project of Better Basics and the Junior League of Birmingham, and is sponsored by Alabama's 13, Colonial Brookwood Village, and Macy's.

Volunteers grabbed books at many schools to read to every kindergarten class through the 5th grade in Birmingham City Schools.

Also, each student was given a book of their own to take home.

Volunteers who read to students at Brown Elementary School Thursday were Alabama's 13 Jon Paepcke, Linda White and Wendy Garner.

Also reading were Miss Alabama, Mayor William Bell, and Superintendent Dr. Craig Witherspoon.

By Shannon Delcambre, Published Aprril 18, 2013 3:45 PM  LINK

Three major events to provide books to at-risk students in community

BIRMINGHAM, AL - Birmingham Reads is a joint project of Better Basics and the Junior League of Birmingham.

It includes three events:

1.) Birmingham Reads Day (April 18) Every K-5th grade student in Birmingham City Schools will have a volunteer visit their class at 1 p.m. The volunteer will read a book to students and then provide each student with a copy of the book

2.) Birmingham's Biggest Book Drive- (April 19) Alabama's 13 will be at Colonial Brookwood Village from 4:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. encouraging the community to donate new and gently used children's books that will be provided to at-risk students in our community. Several area schools are also participating in a book drive challenge to see which school can raise the most books to provide for at-risk students.

3.) Birmingham Reads and Brookwood Celebrates (April 20) -A community celebration of literacy on the street outside Brookwood Village. There will be lots of free, family fun including face painting, music, craft activities for children, storybook character and much more. The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

"The books collected during the book drive will be distributed to at-risk students in our community through Better Basics' literacy programs, according to organizers.

They said they need community members to clean off their bookshelves and drop off books on April 19 at Colonial Brookwood Village. You can drop off books anytime at a Books-A-Million location in the greater Birmingham area.

By Ashley Roberts, Published April 07, 2013 7:37 AM  LINK 

Oasis of Hope Luncheon honors the Junior League of Birmingham

Oasis Counseling for Women and Children honored the Junior League of Birmingham at its seventh annual Oasis of Hope Luncheon at The Club on March 12. A tribute for the League’s contributions to women and children was given by Robin Sparks Davis, Oasis Advisory Council member. Kara Myers, president-elect of the JLB, accepted.

Leigh Forstman, JLB immediate past president, told stories of four Oasis clients, ranging in age from eight to 67, as they struggled with emotional issues, such as grief, anxiety and postpartum depression. Leigh’s meaningful touch with these stories helped guests empathize with the emotional pain that disrupted these clients’ lives. Leigh was introduced by Stephanie Alexander, Oasis board member and JLB sustaining member.
The Choral Group of the JLB sang Gershwin tunes while guests enjoyed lunch. Eleven-year-old pianist Miki Kato played before and after the luncheon.

Sheryl Kimerling and Deborah White were the Oasis of Hope co-chairwomen. Oasis Board president is Andrea Powers. Cantor Jessica Roskin gave the invocation. Oasis executive director Kathryn Bowden expressed appreciation to the 52 sponsors and special thanks to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama, Harbert Management Corporation, HealthSouth Corporation, Protective Life Corporation, and Vulcan Value Partners.

At the end of the program, Lenora and Steve Brickman asked guests to support the women and children who come to Oasis to find hope.

Oasis of Hope Luncheon raised more than $131,000 in support of mental health counseling for women and children.

By Susan Strickland, Published March 27, 2013 at 11:03  LINK

Junior League of Birmingham’s annual Bargain Carousel is around the corner

Dubbed the “largest garage sale in Birmingham,” the Junior League of Birmingham (JLB) knows how to draw the bargain hunters and the philanthropists alike to their annual Bargain Carousel fundraiser. As one of the largest volunteer organizations in the state, proceeds will be used to fund the 30+ JLB programs in education, health, financial stability, and safety and crisis intervention.

The Bargain Carousel’s 1,000 family garage sale features hundreds of thousands of items, so many that the event is held in the former JC Penny’s location in Century Plaza Mall. In the past, the event has drawn 5,000 people over the three day shopping extravaganza, which includes items such as adult clothing, appliances (large and small), art, books, music, children’s clothing, electronics, furniture, heirloom items, holiday decorations, home décor, infant furniture and accessories, kitchen items, lighting, linens, office equipment and furniture, outdoors and sporting goods, rugs and toys. This year, Bargain Carousel will be held April 27 and 28, with Bargain Bash, the preview party and auction, being held on April 25.

“This is the only time I can drag my husband out shopping!” said patron Debby Shepherd. “Last year he bought a foosball table, a set of golf clubs and a weed eater.”

“Last year, I found a French handsewn dress for $10 for my granddaughter and she wore it to her baby sister’s baptism!” said patron Betty Taylor. “My friends and I love coming to pre-event party Bargain Bash. It’s a yearly shopping tradition!”

For the best Bargain Carousel has to offer, shoppers are encouraged to attend Bargain Bash on Thursday, April 25. VIP Admission gets you in the door at 6:00pm. at $40 a ticket. Patrons receive one hour of early bird shopping privileges before General Admission patrons enter and first dibs on cash and carry auction items. General admission for Bargain Bash 7:00pm to 10:00pm is $30 a ticket. Both tickets include food, beverages, incredible live and silent auction items with over 300 items, and all night shopping.

Last year, over 1,400 tickets were pre-sold for Bargain Bash, and getting tickets early is important since shoppers enter the space according to the number on their tickets.

For more information on Bargain Carousel, including advance ticket purchases, check out the website and our calendar listing.

By Mandy Shunnarah, Published March 23, 2013 @ 6:00am  LINK

KaBoom and Jr. League build playground in Pratt City (Video)

Julie Bratton (right) with the Junior League watches volunteers unload playground parts from the truck. KaBoom and the Junior League of Birmingham are building a playground next to the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Pratt City. The trucking arrived Tuesday May 1, 2012 with all of the pieces of the playground and the build will take place Thursday. Church members , Junior League members and Kaboom employees were on hand to unload the playground parts including the slide which is the centerpiece of the playground.

By Joe Songer -- The Birmingham News, Published: Tuesday, May 01, 2012 Link 

Junior League of Birmingham to give 90 scholarships to women in celebration of 90 years

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- The Junior League of Birmingham will distribute 90 scholarships to 90 women in celebration of the group's 90th birthday.
Scholarships will be granted this May to 90 qualified women who demonstrate outstanding volunteer performance in the community, according to information from the JLB.
"The Junior League of Birmingham is excited about offering the females of our community an opportunity to support their educational aspirations," said Leigh Forstman, JLB president in a prepared statement.
To be eligible for the scholarship, students must enroll as a full or part-time student in any private or public accredited two- or four-year college or vocational-technical school for the 2012-2013 school year.
This scholarship opportunity is for graduating high school seniors, currently enrolled college students, graduating college seniors and non-traditional students.
The completed application form and supporting documents must be submitted to the JLB no later than April 20.
Applications can be found and submitted online.

By Lisa Osburn -- The Birmingham News, Published: Friday, April 13, 2012 Link

STEPPIN OUT: HAPPENINGS
5K for Kids: March 10th

Come join in a fun run around Legion Field in the 5K for Kids. Sponsored by the Junior League of Birmingham and the City of Birmingham Mayor’s Office, the day will include a free youth expo and refreshments.  The 5K for Kids is committed to the fight against childhood obesity.

Two races will take place, a 5K at 9:00 am and a 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk at 10:00am.

Posted March 2012 Link

Junior League of Birmingham gives large sum to the community

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) -The Junior League of Birmingham is stepping up to give back to the community.

Money from the Beeson Community Fund will be distributed among six of the group's projects. We are talking about more than $245,000.

Those that will benefit are Cornerstone School, Cahaba Valley Health Care, the Birmingham Education Foundation, Mitchell's Place, the Junior League's Storm Relief Playground and the YWCA.

Organizers are happy for the help in continuing their mission.

"We're just excited to be able to do this and provide these funds to many needing non-profits in our community and we feel that this is an important extension of the wishes of Mrs. Beeson to expand the services provided to non profits across our community."

The Junior League of Birmingham is one of the largest volunteer service organizations. It is celebrating 90 years of service this year.

Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved - Posted Jan 30 LINK

Junior League of Birmingham donating $10,000 toward rebuilding of Center Point Elementary School

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama - The Junior League of Birmingham is donating $10,000 toward the rebuilding of Center Point Elementary School, according to Junior League officials.
The organization, which promotes volunteerism in the Birmingham Metropolitan Area, is presenting the donation to Jefferson County Schools officials this morning at Erwin Middle School.

Earlier this year, the organization collected more than 4,000 pounds of food in its Wall of Food Drive. That donation was distributed to Jan. 23 storm victims through the Christian Service Mission.

The school was destroyed in the Jan. 23 tornado that tore through Center Point and surrounding cities including Birmingham, Clay, Trussville and Argo. Center Point Elementary's students, faculty and staff have been housed at the Erwin Middle and Erwin Elementary schools' campus since the beginning of this month.

The Junior League of Birmingham officials say its volunteers contribute more than 50,000 hours of service each year in partnership with non-profit, public and community-based organizations.

By Victoria L. Coman -- Birmingham News, Published:Wednesday, February 15, 2012 LINK

Junior League of Birmingham collecting food for tornado relief

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- The Junior League of Birmingham will be serving as a drop-off point for non-perishable foods, cleaning supplies and batteries from now until February 15, the group announced Wednesday.

Interested donors can leave items at the JLB's office, located at 2212 20th Ave. South, Birmingham, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Prior to this week's storm, the JLB recently collected and donated 4,500 pounds of food through the organization's Wall of Food Drive. That food was delivered to the Christian Service Mission and has already been distributed to storm victims.

By Lisa Osburn -- The Birmingham News, Published: Wednesday, January 25, 2012 LINK

Congrats to JLB Members: Kimberly Geisler, Jamika Kirk, Anne Marie Seibel, L'Tryce Slade, and Lindsay Tanner on being named Top 40 Under 40!

Meet the 2012 Top 40 Under 40

In this week's print edition, we unveiled our annual Top 40 Under 40 section, which honors the top young professionals in the Birmingham area.

The section, which we've published for more than 25 years, is one of our most popular issues of the year. It's also one of the most coveted awards for young professionals in the Birmingham area.

The list of past honorees reads like a who's who of the Birmingham business community. Among the more than 1,000 past winners, our Top 40 Under 40 alumni include CEOs, presidents, managing partners and other top executives who are leaders at their companies and in the community.

This year's class of 40, which was chosen from the hundreds of nominations we received, is sure to follow in their footsteps.

Use the slideshow on the right to meet the 2012 Top 40 Under 40 class.
You'll notice that this year's section incorporates a super hero theme, since so many of our honorees were described as "super heroes" by the companies and individuals who nominated them.

To go along with that theme, we asked each of our honorees which super power they would most like to have and how they would use it to help Birmingham.

You'll see their entertaining and enlightening answers in the slideshow, along with a short bio and a link to their full profile in this week's issue (please note that only subscribers can view the entire profile).

By Anna Thibodeaux -- Posted Friday, February 3, 2012, 3:47am CST LINK