May 7, 2014:  The Junior League of Bronxville is gearing up for its annual spring fundraiser, Trails to Treasures, this coming Friday, May 9. The proceeds from Trails help to fund the league's mission and outreach, which focus on alleviating hunger and improving nutrition in Southern Westchester.

Trails to Treasures has been a great event for the community since it began in 2002. It would not be possible without support from local vendors and merchants. The unique vendors always include two to three not-for-profit vendors. This allows the JLB to connect with other organizations making a difference.

This year's not-for-profit vendors will include Reverse the Course, which will be selling hair accessories to benefit young girls who can't afford to go to school in countries such as Uganda; Zaanha, which will be selling clothes, accessories, and home décor and gives a portion of its proceeds to Afghan school children; and Nomi Network, which sells clothes and accessories to help create economic opportunities for survivors and women at risk of human trafficking.

The JLB's former president, Jonalie Korengold, has a personal connection to Nomi Network. "While in college," she explained, "I spent my junior year in Southeast Asia. For part of that time, I volunteered for an organization that helped girls who had been sold to brothels and witnessed the horrors of trafficking firsthand. Several years ago the Nomi Network had a booth at Trails. This was my chance to do something to help women in India and Cambodia. Women who are survivors or are vulnerable to being sold into the trade make everything they sell. When you buy something from the Nomi Network, you are working against slavery and empowering women. I will be at their booth all day. Please come visit me to make a difference for women worldwide."

This year the Junior League is pleased to announce the financial support for the Trails event from Pepe Auto Group, Houlihan Lawrence, People's United Bank, Mrs. Morgan's Flower Shop, and Julia B. Fee/Sotheby's International Realty. "It's wonderful to know that these organizations share the same values for improving the local community through volunteer-based programs," said Amy Korb, president of the JLB.

The financial support from these local vendors assists in the league's mission to provide great outreach programs within the service areas of Bronxville, Tuckahoe, Eastchester, Yonkers, and Mount Vernon. The Junior League of Bronxville's newest outreach program, the Kraft Mobile Food Pantry, is a partnership with the Food Bank of Westchester. Currently, the Kraft Mobile Food Pantry makes monthly distributions of nutritious food, including low-fat dairy items, healthy grains, and a variety of fruits and vegetables, at various locations throughout Southern Westchester.

The Trails to Treasures shopping event this Friday begins with a champagne brunch at the Bronxville Field Club before attendees are told the location of the six estate homes where the shopping will take place.

Tickets for Trails to Treasures are available at www.jlbronxville.org or at the Bronxville Field Club on the morning of the event. The cost per ticket is $50 for an individual ($60 at the door).

The JLB has been an active and vocal women's volunteer organization in Southern Westchester since 1948. JLB members donate over 17,000 hours of community service annually and work with hosts of community programs and agencies. 

Pictured here: (L to R):  Allison Coyne (finance vice president), Margaret Wang (placement vice president), and Cammie Cannella (sustainer representative).

Photo by Natalia Radik