FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Contact: Julie Nolan, Vice President of Marketing and Communications
Direct: (330) 647-7533
Email: marketing@jlrichmond.org 

JUNIOR LEAGUE OF RICHMOND EXPANDS COMMUNITY FOCUS TO BETTER SERVE GREATER RICHMOND

League Seeks New Partnerships to Support Growing Community Impact 

RICHMOND, VA, June 22, 2026 – The Junior League of Richmond (JLR) is proud to announce an expanded community focus designed to meet the evolving and pressing needs of the greater Richmond community. Building on a century of service and leadership, the League is launching its new community focus: “Women Building Better Communities.”

For 100 years, the Junior League of Richmond has partnered with local organizations and community leaders to address both emerging and longstanding challenges facing the region. Through volunteer action, collaboration, leadership training, and community investment, the League has continuously adapted its work to create meaningful and lasting impact.

The League’s expanded focus now centers on five priority areas that reflect some of the community’s greatest needs:

• Health & Wellness: Promoting access to care, wellness, and education for healthier individuals and communities.
• Supporting Families: Providing resources and support that strengthen families and help them thrive.
• Literacy: Promoting literacy to share the love of learning at all ages.
• Active Kids: Encouraging healthy habits and active lifestyles for children and youth.
• Housing: Supporting safe, stable, and affordable housing to strengthen our community. 

This evolution broadens opportunities for members to engage in impactful volunteer work while strengthening partnerships across the Richmond region.

“Our goal is to ensure that the Junior League of Richmond continues to respond thoughtfully and effectively to the needs of our community,” said Dagny Barone, President of the Junior League of Richmond. “By expanding our focus areas, we are empowering our members to make a difference in more ways and helping address the issues that matter most to residents living in the greater Richmond area.”

The League’s community partnerships and programs already support organizations making a meaningful impact in some of these areas, including partnerships connected to health, family support services, literacy initiatives, and youth wellness. Existing and future collaborations will align with the League’s renewed commitment to strengthening the community through hands-on service and leadership development.

“As the League looks toward the future, we are excited to deepen our community impact through five priority focus areas: Health & Wellness, Supporting Families, Literacy, Active Kids, and Housing” said Tasha Moore, Executive Director of the Junior League of Richmond. “In the coming months, we will intentionally engage nonprofit organizations, academic institutions, community leaders, and cross-sector partners to better understand the needs, opportunities, and innovative work already taking place across Greater Richmond. 

The Junior League of Richmond believes the strongest community solutions are built through authentic partnerships, active listening, and a shared commitment to creating lasting impact. As the nonprofit landscape continues to evolve, the League is eager to work alongside our community partners to identify where our members, volunteers, leadership development, and resources can contribute most effectively. Together, the League looks forward to building relationships that strengthen our community and create opportunities for all individuals and families to thrive.”

Organizations interested in a partnership with the Junior League of Richmond should submit an interest form at: https://www.jlrichmond.org/communityengagement/. 

The expanded focus also reflects the League’s continued dedication to developing women leaders who are equipped to create positive change throughout the Richmond area. Each year, JLR members contribute approximately 1,600 hours to advance the work of its nonprofit partners. Since 2022, JLR has awarded nearly $600,000 in grants to local community organizations.  

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The Junior League of Richmond is an organization of women whose Mission is to advance women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training. With a rich history of 100 years of service since its founding in 1926, the Junior League of Richmond continues to be a driving force in making a positive impact in Richmond, Virginia. 

President – Dagny Barone
President-Elect – Emma Breeden
Secretary – Chandler Benningfield
Treasurer – Caron Trumbo
Vice President of Community – Lindsey Worrix
Vice President of Fund Development – Emily Cox
Vice President of Marketing and Communications – Julie Nolan
Vice President of Membership – Lacey Kearney
Vice President of Sustainers – Elizabeth Fortune

League Leaders

Director of Nominating – Toni May
Director of Training Institute of Leadership Impact (TILI) – Doris Standfield
Assistant to the President – Erin Barnes

Operating Committee

Treasurer-Elect – TBA
Vice President-Elect of Community – Christina Mattice
Vice President-Elect of Fund Development – Sarah Thomas
Vice President-Elect of Marketing and Communications – Christina Gillespie
Vice President-Elect of Membership – Maggi Marshall
Vice President-Elect of Sustainers – Clare Trow
Director-Elect of Training Institute of Leadership Impact (TILI) – Morgan Decker
Career Jumpstart Chair – Jana Pollard
Clothes Rack Chair – Rachel DeGraba
Done in a Day Chair – Luiza Bretas
Women RISE Chair – Laura Elgin
Annual Fund Chair – TBA
Book & Author Co-Chairs – Elisabeth Holmes and Desiree Gross
Touch-a-Truck Chair – Devon Cabot
Member Connections Chair – Courtney Britt
New Member Advisors Chair – Lauren Crain
Programs Chair – Rachel Lilley
Recruitment Chair – Clare O’Dea
Transfers Chair – Dona Rehm-Robles

As of June 1, 2026

Members and Sustainers will receive an invitation email on Monday, June 15, 2026 with instructions on how to join our new Membership Portal. Prospective Members will receive an invitation email on Monday, June 22 with instructions on how to join the new Membership Portal.

Please direct any and all questions to databasemanager@jlrichmond.org.

For events happening between Tuesday, June 9 – Sunday, June 14, 2026, please take attendance manually and submit to databasemanager@jlrichmond.org.

The following forms will be available the week of June 22, 2026 or later(*):

• Contact Us Form
• Transfer Request Form for Not-Current Members
• Reinstatement Information Request Form
• *Volunteer Request Form

For transfer and reinstatement requests between Tuesday, June 9 – Monday, June 15, 2026, please email databasemanager@jlrichmond.org.

Barbara Ransome Andrews Award
Michelle Miller

Community Volunteerism Award
Georgia Allin

New Member of the Year
KiAundra Hurt

Presidents Awards
Excellence in Committee Leadership: Sarah Thomas and Devon Cabot
Excellence in Membership: Maggi Marshall and Shannon Delano
Centennial Spirit: Jayda Justus
Service Through Action: Tyonne Carter
Excellence in Board Service: Nancy Nguy
Brilliance in Bloom: Kelyn Gibson
Milestone Award: Mary Moncure Spivey

Junior League of Richmond and Children’s Museum of Richmond Present the 11th Junior Book & Author Event

Celebrating Literacy and Inspiring Young Readers in the Richmond Region

Richmond, VA — The Junior League of Richmond and the Children’s Museum of Richmond are pleased to announce the 11th Junior Book & Author Event, a family- friendly literary celebration designed to connect young readers with children’s authors and the joy of storytelling. The event will take place on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 5:30 PM at the Children’s Museum Chesterfield (6629 Lake Harbour Drive, Midlothian, VA 23112).

This event welcomes children ages 0-12 and their families to enjoy author presentations, interactive Q&A sessions, story time fun, and book signings. Guests will have the opportunity to hear from a dynamic panel of authors who will share insights into their creative process and latest works, inspiring the next generation of readers and storytellers.

Featured authors and titles include:

• And Then Came You: When Families Grow, Love Grows Too by Christina Shawn
• The Great Puppypalooza by Emily Ecton
• Conspiracy at the Launch – Book 12 in The Virginia Mysteries by Steven Smith

“Our Junior Book & Author Event encourages children to explore the magic of literature in a hands-on, engaging way,” said Elisabeth Holmes, Junior League of Richmond’s Book & Author Committee Chair. “We are thrilled to bring together inspiring children’s book authors to build a love for reading and learning within the greater Richmond community.”

Book sales will be available along with an author signing session following the author presentations in partnership with local bookseller bbgb books, and Marco’s Pizza will be available for purchase throughout the event.

Tickets for the 11th Junior Book & Author Event are $12 per person, with Family Four Packs available for $42. Children under one year of age may attend free when seated on a caregiver’s lap. Tickets are non-refundable and may be purchased in advance online through the Junior League of Richmond website at www.jlrichmond.org/juniorbookandauthor, and will also be available at the door while supplies last.

Thank You to Our Sponsors*
The Junior League of Richmond extends sincere appreciation to the generous sponsors who make the 11th Junior Book & Author Event possible. Their commitment to literacy, education, and enriching experiences for children and families in the Richmond region helps bring this celebration of reading to life.

We proudly recognize the following sponsors for their valuable support:

Junior Presenting Sponsor: Richmond Family Magazine
Junior Advocate Sponsors: Chesterfield Dance Center; Kumon Math & Reading Center of Midlothian – Swift Creek South; Macaroni Kid Richmond, Macaroni Kid Chesterfield and Chester, VA
Junior Champion Sponsors: Sylvan Learning Center; Virginia Credit Union
In-Kind Supporters: Marco’s Pizza; Art Factory and Party Place; Kline’s Dairy Bar – Chesterfield; Maple Street Biscuit Company; RVA Ohmochi

Through their partnership, families can engage with authors, discover new books, and celebrate the joy of storytelling together. Organizations interested in sponsoring or placing an ad in the event program should contact the Junior League of Richmond at bookandauthor@jlrichmond.org.

*Sponsors as of this publication on 2/16/2026

About the Junior League of Richmond
Founded in 1926, the Junior League of Richmond is an organization of women whose
mission is to advance women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through
volunteer action, collaboration, and training. The Junior League of Richmond is an
inclusive group of informed thought leaders intentionally serving and empowering
women, youth, and families, striving for collective impact through collaboration and
advocacy. We are part of the Association of Junior Leagues International, Inc., which is
made up of 296 Junior Leagues in four countries. For more information, visit our website
at www.jlrichmond.org.

About the Children’s Museum of Richmond
The Children’s Museum of Richmond (CMoR) is a nonprofit organization established in
1981, dedicated to inspiring growth in all children by engaging families in learning
through play. With locations in Chesterfield and Downtown Richmond, CMoR offers a
variety of exhibits and programs designed to promote the educational and
developmental needs of all children.

As part of the Remember Campaign for our Centennial year, all New Member Application Fees are being waived!  

Winter Warm-Up Mixer

• Thursday, December 18, 2025
• 5:30 – 7:30 PM
• Junior League of Richmond – 5000 Bakers Mill Lane, Suite 165, Richmond, VA 23230
• Register here

Virtual Information Session

• Tuesday, January 6, 2026
• 7:00 – 8:30 PM
• Zoom
• Register here

Vision Board Workshop

• Saturday, February 7, 2026
• 3:30 – 5:30 PM
• Junior League of Richmond – 5000 Bakers Mill Lane, Suite 165, Richmond, VA 23230
• Register here by February 4

Galentine’s Day Recruitment Social

• Tuesday, February 17, 2026
• 5:30 – 8:30 PM
• Junior League of Richmond – 5000 Bakers Mill Lane, Suite 165, Richmond, VA 23230
• Register here
• Find our event on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Google

Virtual Information Session

• Thursday, February 19, 2026
• 7:00 – 8:30 PM
• Zoom
• Register here

Book Presentation and Signing with Alison Cheperdak

• Wednesday, March 25, 2026
• 6:00 PM
• Fountain Bookstore – 1307 E. Cary Street, Richmond, VA 23219
• Required: Purchase your admission ticket and book here

Virtual Information Session

• Tuesday, March 31, 2026
• 7:00 – 8:30 PM
• Zoom
• Register here

Sip, Shop, and Learn about the JLR

• Tuesday, April 14, 2026
• 6:00 – 8:00 PM
• The Clothes Rack – 2618 W. Cary Street, Richmond, VA 23220
• Register here

Virtual Information Session

• Monday, April 27, 2026
• 7:00 – 8:30 PM
• Zoom
• Register here

Movie Night

• Monday, May 4, 2026
• 6:30 – 10:30 PM
• Byrd Theatre – 2908 W. Cary Street, Richmond, VA 23221
• Register here

Libbie Mill’s “Third Thursday” Series

• Thursday, May 21, 2026
• 6:00 – 9:00 PM
• Libbie Mill Pier – 2100 Libbie Lake East Street, Henrico, VA 23230
• Register here

Virtual Information Session

• Thursday, May 28, 2026
• 7:00 – 8:30 PM
• Zoom
• Register here

Join us for the Centennial Gala on Friday, February 20, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. at Main Street Station, located at 1500 E. Main Street, Richmond, VA 23219.

There will be cocktails, a seated dinner, and dancing! The gala will be black tie optional.

Click the link above to go to our Centennial Store to purchase champagne and raffle tickets!

There is a maximum of four tickets per purchase order.

Please complete the form below prior to purchasing your tickets. After you submit the form, you will automatically be redirected to a link to complete your ticket purchase. You must submit payment information or your order will not be complete and recorded. 

There is a limited number of tickets available. Once sold out, the form will close. All tickets are non-refundable.

The Junior League of Richmond Celebrates 100 Years of Service with the 20th Annual Touch a Truck® at Richmond Raceway

Richmond, VA – The Junior League of Richmond proudly invites the community to join in the celebration of its 100th anniversary at one of its most beloved annual events — the 20th Annual Touch a Truck® — on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at the Richmond Raceway. This milestone year marks a century of service, leadership, and impact in the Richmond community, and there’s no better way to celebrate than with a day full of hands-on fun for the whole family.

Touch a Truck® offers children the exciting opportunity to CLIMB. LEARN. EXPLORE. and TOUCH! a wide variety of vehicles — from fire trucks to construction equipment — while engaging with the community and supporting the Junior League’s mission of promoting voluntarism, developing women leaders, and improving the greater Richmond area.

Event Details:
? Location: Richmond Raceway, 600 E Laburnum Ave, Richmond, VA
? Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025

VIP Hour – 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
?️ VIP Individual Tickets: $17
?️ VIP Family Four Pack: $60
? VIP tickets will not be sold at the gate

General Admission – 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
?️ General Admission Individual Tickets: $12
?️ General Admission Family Four Pack: $42
? Family four pack discounts will not be available at the gate

? Children under one attend free
?️ Rain or shine event
? Ticket sales close Friday, October 17 at 12:00 PM

New This Year: Silent Hour from 1:00 – 2:00 PM – To create a more inclusive experience, sirens and horns will be turned off during this hour for those who prefer a quieter environment.

This year’s Touch a Truck® is more than just a fun day out — it’s part of a larger celebration of the Junior League of Richmond’s Centennial Year. Since 1926, the League has worked tirelessly to build a better Richmond through meaningful community partnerships, volunteer service, and the development of women leaders.

Join us as we honor our past and drive toward our future — one truck at a time.

For tickets and more information, visit https://juniorleagueofrichmond-bloom.kindful.com/e/touchatruck2025.

Media Contact:
Sarah Thomas
Touch a Truck Chair
touchatruck@jlrichmond.org
(804) 643-4886

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Founded in 1926, the Junior League of Richmond is an organization of women whose mission is to advance women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training. The Junior League of Richmond is an inclusive group of informed thought leaders intentionally serving and empowering women, youth, and families, striving for collective impact through collaboration and advocacy. We are part of the Association of Junior Leagues International, Inc., which is made up of 295 Junior Leagues in five countries. For more information, visit our website at jlrichmond.org.

President – Ashley Dabney
President-Elect – Dagny Barone
Executive Vice President – TBA
Finance Director – Nancy Nguy
Nominating Director – Toni May
Member At-Large – Catherine Baber
Member At-Large – Nikisha Bailey
Member At-Large – Chantelle Britton
Member At-Large – Kerrigan O’Malley
Member At-Large – Julie Nolan
Sustainer At-Large – Jennifer Buxton

Management Team

Executive Vice President – TBA
Finance Director -Nancy Nguy
TILI Director – TBA
Community Vice President – Emma Breeden
Fund Development Vice President – Chandler Benningfield
Membership Vice President – Mary-Michael Wachur

Operating Committee

Executive Vice President-Elect – TBA
Finance Director-Elect – Caron Trumbo
TILI Director-Elect – TBA
Community Vice President-Elect – Lindsey Worrix
Fund Development Vice President-Elect – Emily Cox
Membership Vice President-Elect – Lacey Kearney
Career Jumpstart Chair – Kelyn Gibson
Clothes Rack Chair – TBA
Done in a Day Chair – Kristen Johnson
Women RISE Chair – Ellen Jones
Annual Fund Chair – Aja Moore
Book & Author Chair – Elisabeth Holmes
Touch-a-Truck Chair – Sarah Thomas
Active Member Advisors Chair – Marianne Zinzarella
Member Connections Chair – Megan Caposell
New Member Advisors Chair – Maggi Marshall
Programs Chair – Emily Beers
Recruitment Chair – Rachel DeGraba
Transfers Chair – Jordan Stobbe

Barbara Ransome Andrews Award
Rikki Dodson

Community Volunteerism Award
Emma Breeden

New Member of the Year
Desiree Gross

President’s Awards
Nikisha Bailey
Emma Breeden
Chantelle Britton
Sarah Payne Brown
Jennifer Buxton
Kristen Dahlman
Beth Eanes