News

We're geting ready for another great performance by our talented young people.  This year they will be performing The Tortoise vs. the Hare. 

Charity League Mardi Gras Celebration
Who: Charity League members and guests
When: Friday, Feb. 24th 7:30 - 11:30
Where: Bassett Country Club 1230 Oak Level Road
$25/ person $50/couple
Enjoy Mardi Gras hors d’oevures, cash bar, dancing, and music by "The Broken Glass Band"
RSVP by Feb. 15th to Sarah Robertson (276) 734-0603

Holiday Crafter's Market is THIS WEEKEND!!!!!  Come ready to shop 'til you drop this Friday or Saturday or both days.  Find something for everyone on your Christmast list.

Now you can make a donation to Charity League right from our homepage.  Click on the "Donate" tab on the left and you can quickly and easily make your donation.  I would like to say a big THANK YOU to sustainer, Masha Edelen, at HDWesbstudio for setting that up for us and for bringing us into the 21st century.

Mark your calendars for the 3rd Anual Holiday Crafter's Market.  The dates are Friday, December 2nd from 4-8pm and Saturday, Decemeber 3rd from 9am-3pm.

Bredamus said that she also is kept busy in the kitchen with the Charity League of Martinsville and Henry County, which she joined in 2006. When a league member has a baby or a family emergency, members take turns preparing enough meals for a two-week period.

Sunday, September 4, 2011

By TRISHA VAUGHAN - Bulletin Accent Writer

A lot has changed in 80 years for the Charity League of Martinsville and Henry County.

Jett Groves and Tammy Moore joined the league 50 years apart, but both agree that the mission of the organization stays the same.

Moore, the current president of the Charity League, said the group’s focus remains helping children in the community through several efforts each year.

In collaboration with Piedmont Arts Association, Southern Virginia Artisian Center and the Blue Ridge Public Library, the Charity League of Martinsville & Henry County is hosting a variety of activities for children on September 10, 2011.  This event celebrates the arts, education and reading.  Each event is free and open to the age groups noted below.  Advance registration is required as there are a limited number of spaces available

Bargain Fair's Preview Party has become the most anticipated and talked about event of the year the past few years, and this year looks like it's going to take the cake!

I received a nice Thank You note from Brenda Jordan from the Starting Place that I wanted to pass along to League members.

I am happy to announce the arrival of "Collin “Jagger” Stowe" son of Melany and Brain Stowe. Jagger was born Friday, July 29th. He weighed 7 lbs 7 oz, and is 20.75 inches long. Both mom and baby are doing well.

Charity League members have been looking for hands on ways to work with the children of Martinsville and Henry County.  Saturday, July 9th Charity League partnered with the Starting Place and other community groups to provide activities for children at the Farmer's Market.  

Engagements, and Weddings, and Babies – oh my! Lots of exciting announcements!

After months of planning and preparation, the Charity League’s 80th Anniversary Gala was held on Saturday, February 12, 2011 at Chatmoss
Country Club. The air outside may have been chilly, but the air inside was filled with warmth and beauty from the rose-filled ballroom and tea light candles placed on the white tablecloth covered tables. Members and guests arrived at 7:00 p.m., and soon the magical laughter that accompanies this wonderful group of women could be heard throughout the club. As Sustainers and Actives found their tables, the happy sound of chatter filled the room as
old friends and new friends greeted each other.

The annual Board of Governors meeting took place on January 19, 2011 at Hillcroft, the home of Cindy Edgerton. Cindy Edgerton and Lee Anne Fuller hosted the event.

Charity League members gave Santa a helping hand by stuffing 600 Christmas
stockings for area children at the Salvation Army on December 7, 2010. League members were filled with the spirit of giving, and laughter filled the room as each stocking was filled with toys, books and other goodies to be enjoyed by all the children.

Sisters and Charity League members Monica Carter and Kara Carter-Hundley were featured in the Martinsville Bulletin’s Cook of the Week section on November 3, 2010. Monico and Kara shared recipes from the League’s cookbook, and cooked treats for the Charity League’s Holiday Crafter’s
Market that was held November 5th and 6th at the National Guard Armory.

The 2nd Annual Charity League Holiday Crafter’s Market (formerly Holiday Premiere) was held on November 6-7, 2010 at the National Guard Armory.

The Charity League of Martinsville-Henry County recently donated $3,000 to the Grace Network. Presenting the check to Dick Ephgrave, Grace Network board president are Suzy Williams, Member Relations Secretary, Sarah Robertson, Member Events Secretary and Janine Jacob, Charity League President.

Our hard work and dedication certainly paid off, and this year’s Bargain Fair was an amazing success. All the wonderful donations and the work of our members, their families, and the support of the community helped us to exceed last year’s sales by approximately $3,000 (quite an accomplishment in today’s economy).

This year’s event was supported by mostly local runners and included 12 runners under the age of 14. Among those who successfully completed the race were Sustainers Tiffany Coleman and Dr. Theresa Bechtel, Dave Meyer (husband of Theresa Bechtel), Win Bassett (son of Sustainer Diane Bassett), Matt and Luke Erikson (husband and son of Past President Nancy Erikson), Hugh Haskins (husband of Active Corinne Haskins) and Nicholas Brunner (son of Senior Valerie Brunner).

We also appreciated the support of runners Makunda Abdul and Laura Frazier (who are both now Provisionals) as well as Laura’s husband, Andrew Hynes.

The Charity League of Martinsville and Henry County awarded 27 scholarships worth $1,000.00 each to area high school graduates and college students for the 2010-11 academic year. Recipients of the Charity League scholarships were chosen by the Scholarship Committee on the basis of college plans, financial need, grade point average, community involvement and service and recommendations from their high school or college counselors.

On Saturday July, 2010 members and friends of The Charity League gathered at Laurel Park Putt-Putt to play in the 2nd Annual Pro-Am Putt-Putt tournament.  The evening started off with a hot dog supper and a chance for the amateurs and  professional putt-putt players to become better acquainted. After dinner, amateurs were able to practice with the professionals before official play started.

The Starting Place is a one-stop center that serves as a single point of entry for the community, providing parent support, education, information and referral sources for parent and day care providers. The Starting Place has provided services to 97 families thus far.

Babies born & who's expecting!

February 12, 2011 - CL 80th Anniversary Gala

February 19, 2011 - Missoula Children's Theater's performance of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

2011 marks the Charity League's 80th Anniversary.

Anyone interested in participating in the planning of service days in 2011 should contact Janine Jacob at 276-732-1756 or charityleague@gmail.com

This year’s dessert social held April 20 at the Parish House, was another great success for the Charity League of Martinsville and Henry County. The turnout was fantastic and everyone seemed taken with the smorgasbord of
wonderful food, the beautiful flower arrangements on display, and the group of amazing women that were present.

Change of Presidents: Beverly Cecil Passes the Tiara to Janine Jacob

New Officers 2010-2011

The Martinsville-Henry County Chamber of Commerce’s annual trade show was held March 2-3 at The Clock Tower at Commonwealth Centre, formerly the Tultex plant. There were exhibits by 124 businesses and organizations, and about 6,000 people attended.

Charity League would like to recognize our graduating seniors, our new actives and our new provisionals for 2010.

Donations for Charity League and made in memory of others.

Who is Expecting now and When?

Attention to sustainers and actives!

July 10 • Putt-Putt Tournament

First Vice President Tammy Moore conducted the
membership survey this year to provide a picture of the women
in the League today. 32 women were surveyed. Class 2016 is
the largest class in the league. Members’ ages range from 24 to
43 years old. Most women are married and more than half
have one or two children. Most of the children are under 6
years of age with a large portion of those being under 3 years
old.

Thank you to all our participants! Runners and volunteers!

Overall Male - Dan Carlino - 19:20
Top Overall Female - Ashley Grice - 22:10
 
We had 68 finishers, ranging from age 10 to 67



More Article...

Click Here for your Sponsorship Form Ladies!

Charity League held its first Holiday Premiere the weekend of Nov.
6-8. It was like an "indoor festival" -- with crafters, vendors, artisans, bake sales and activities. Twenty vendors set up displays.

The spirit of giving and sharing is always prevalent during the Christmas season; smiles, hugs, laughter…all signs that the season has begun. Can you imagine a better season to gather together; for the past and present to mingle, to share stories and adventures? Envision a night filled with soft candlelight, the wonderful aromas of delectable foods, music to get your feet moving and the sounds of seventy seven voices filling the air.

Aside from the scholarship donations, Charity League had contributed substantial amount of its yearly budget to the various local non-profit organizations benefiting youth of the area:

The Charity League of Martinsville-Henry County rallied together with the help of generous business, organization and individual donations to make 650 stockings for children ages 2-12 in Martinsville-Henry County.

The annual Board of Governors meeting was held on Tuesday, January 19, 2010. 

2010 is going to be a busy year for several league members!

Despite the declining economy, the 2009 Bargain Fair made more money than the year before. Hopefully, this has started a new trend of the 2010 Bargain Fair to make even more money for the various programs that Charity League supports.

My, how time flies when you’re having fun. Charity League has been very busy this year. Two new fundraising events have been added.

Charity League sustainer Virginia Whitener turned 100 years old September 5.

The Charity League of Martinsville and Henry County recently awarded 27 scholarships worth $1,000.00 each to area high school graduates and college students. The Charity League, established in 1931, strives to promote growth and development of children throughout Martinsville and Henry County through education and health programs.

Did you know that Charity League has a facebook page? Go to your FB account and do a search for ‘The Charity League’.

If you enjoy scrapbooking, cooking, and fishing you have many things in common with Amy Branson.

Once again the Charity League participated in the Annual TGIF Concert Series. This one was originally planned for August 28, but rescheduled to October 23 due to the rain.

In the early hours of June 27, 2009, the members of Charity
League gathered in the TGIF parking lot for an event that had
been more than a year in the making.

The First Annual Charity League Holiday Premiere is a one-stop
Christmas shopping experience.

The latest events in our members lives..

Attention to sustainers and actives! We would like to remind you all that donations for Bargain Fair can be picked up year-round.

The Class of 2015 has successfully completed their Provisional year and have taken their places among the movers and shakers in the League. Congratulations to Michelle Isernia, Sharon Kirby, Angela Logan, Tara Martin, and Amanda Witt.

Our gracious sustainers offer funds to support the Charity League and our community.

New League Officers for 2009-2010. Thank you to those who served on last years Board!

The Charity League of Martinsville-Henry County had not one presence but two at the biggest expo in the region. Not only did members work a booth in the floor plan of 157 but they also participated in the Taste of Martinsville-Henry County.

On Friday, March 20th, members and friends of the Charity League gathered at the Laurel Park Putt-Putt to play in the 2nd Annual Pro-Am Tournament.
The evening started off with a hot dog supper and a chance for the amateurs and the professional putt-putt players to become better acquainted. After dinner, amateurs were able to practice with the professionals for some time before official play started. Again this year, participants were asked to find at least five sponsors to make a donation per hole in one or make a flat donation amount.

The Provisional Dessert/Social was held April 14, 2009 at the Parish House of Christ Episcopal Church.  As the event approached, the excitement was palpable; in part due to the rumor that this was the first year in the history of the League to have 30 Provisionals in attendance.  It was a commonly themed joke throughout the evening that the Actives were now out-numbered.   What a fabulous "problem" to be facing!

Yet Another Successful Production from Missoula Theater and 60 Local Children.

Friday, March 20th at 6:00 PM at Laurel Park Mini Golf
Everyone is welcome to participate!

The alumnae of Charity League are a strong and remarkable group of women who, even after completing the requirements for active league participation, continue to give of their time and resources to this community. This
month we feature sustainer Lucy Carter Wilson, a lifelong resident of Martinsville.

620 stockings were filled last holiday season to bring
Christmas Joy and Happiness to local children.

The Parish House sparkled with candlelight and wine
glasses on a very cold winter night as 75 guests gathered
together to enjoy each other’s company.

Twenty past presidents gathered to hear the State of League Address presented by Tiffani Underwood. Underwood updated
the board on the activities and placements of the 34
active league members.

What's going on in the lives of the ladies of the Charity League?

Bargain Fair Donations can be Picked up Year-Round!

For the first time in 11 years, Bargain Fair made more money than the year before, instead of less. Let's make that a trend that continues.

Fall…what an exciting time of year. From back to school and football games, to Halloween and Holiday preparations, there is so much going on and the same can be said for the Charity League as well.

Thank you to all the sustainers who donated this year. Your dedication are part of what keeps Charity League alive.

New Babies and an engagement and a wedding.... so many special events happening in our League.

The Charity League of Martinsville and Henry County recently awarded 25 scholarships worth $1000.00 each to area high school graduates and college students.

One of several Charity League volunteer placements is working with Success by Six. The members serving in this placement volunteer on Saturday mornings in the fall and spring to help with the “Building Blocks” program. This program is led by Janet Boucher at the Martinsville Branch of the Blue Ridge Regional Library.

The Fundraising Committee has been busy with events this summer.

Charity League members and sustainers will see some changes in this year's Bargain Fair in efforts to restore the event to the greater profitability of earlier years.

The Board of Governors met Thursday, January 24th, 2008 at the home of Virginia Hamlet.

With a brand new setting complete with a 32 foot Christmas tree, this year’s Charity League Holiday Social was a joyous event.

The Boys and Girls Club of Martinsville Henry County (BGCMHC) became a Charity League placement in 2005, one year after the first club sites opened in our area.

Bargain Fair's Preview Party will be held from 7-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 12 at the National Guard Armory on Commonwealth Boulevard. The event will be catered by Rachael Revell's Sasafras Catering.

Children swimming and playing tag, husbands commiserating about their busy wives and "testing" the food, and women enjoying meeting families and catching up with each other was the scene at the annual Board-Provisional Social this summer.

We are going to try to locate some of our past recipients of our CL scholarships, and do a feature article on them in an upcoming newsletter.

Seven-year-old Morgan Dunnigan, who takes therapy at Tackfully Teamed, spoke at the Charity League of Martinsville's June meeting in hopes of getting some new volunteers for the therapeutic riding program. Below is the speech she read. She did a terrific job.

We are almost at the end of our second year of baking goodies and selling
cookbooks at the Farmer’s Market. We have found that the cookbooks are a hit, we have “regulars” coming to buy our baked goods each month, and that it might be worth looking into making and selling several sugar-free selections. 

You may have read recently in the local newspaper about Charity League being the recipient of the Matthew Fontanie Maury Distinguished Service Award that was presented at the Thomas Jefferson Awards Program by the Virginia Natural History Museum...

Fourteen wonderfully talented, hard working women have been nominated and selected as provisional members of the Charity League...

Congratulations to our provisionals and members whose families are growing. We wish everyone the very best in their new adventures!

Wendy Philpott, Deb Easley, Dawn Mills, Mary Nester, Tiffany Coleman, Wendy Seamon, Liz Goldstein

This year the Member Events committee hosted a Sustainer Dessert at the Parish House on the same evening as the Provisional Dessert. It was a most delightful evening. Rachael Revel prepared scrumptious appetizers and desserts "to die for". It was truly a lovely presentation.

May 2006- To the tune of “So Long, Farewell” from the Sound of Music, the outgoing class of 2006 swept President Michelle Norris out of the room.  And there I stood-oh my gosh--- I really am President of Charity League now!!! Breathe Deep….Breath Slow….I can do this.

We would like to thank the many people who have generously given to the Sustainer Fund.

The week of April 16-21, 2007, the Charity League hosted its annual Missoula Children's Theatre for the 10th year. A new version of the old tale, "The Little Mermaid," was presented by 58 local youth, including nine children of CL members or sustainers.

Charity League Of Martinsville & Henry County members present a check for $50,000 to Dr. Dennis Casey...

Resolutions honoring The Charity League of Martinsville & Henry County on its 75th anniversary were presented by state legislators on Friday.

As the “Not Me, Not Now” program begins, we wanted to sit down with Dawn Mills, Chairperson for the League’s Teen Pregnancy program, to learn more about this new groundbreaking program.

Time does fly!!! Thanks to the support of our members and sustainers, hundreds of less advantaged children in our community will experience the hapiness and joys of the holidays this season...

In September, 2005, the Carnival of the Animals kicked off its first performance of the new school year!

The 2005 Heart and Soul Gala was a tremendous success...

For over ten years, the Charity League has committed to coordinate with the Salvation Army to fill Christmas stockings for needy children in Martinsville and Henry County...

Exhibiting schools and dates for 2004 through 2005.

The League's Emergency Fund has a special mission in our community. This fund is designated to assist area families with children who do not fit need assistance profiles in local and state agencies...

In September, the League donated 225 children's books to Success by Six as a part of the United Way's Day of Caring...

This fall the League has two new and 'filling' ways to support our ongoing community programs...

The League awarded 18 scholarships worth $1,000 each to area high school graduates for the 2003-2004 school year...

The Charity League ?Carnival of the Animals? is just about to finish up with their performances this year. Each fall, the Carnival Team travels to 15 area schools to perform for first graders...

Don?t forget to use your Food Lion MVP card to support The Charity League...

As the morning mist cleared on Saturday, October 9th, the line to the door of the National Guard Armory became apparent. It would be a good Bargain Fair. Excitement was in the air - or was that baked goods and coffee...

The Charity League?s first fundraiser was a Christmas Dance to raise money for needy children in the area. The Heart and Soul Gala held February 7, 2004 did just the same thing 74 years later...

The Annual Board of Governors Meeting was held January 29, 2004 at Eliza Severt?s home.  Betsy Cole, Elaine Ferrill and Eliza Severt hosted the meeting...

The Christmas Cocktail Party held at The Parish House was a big success.  Nearly 100 actives, sustainers and spouses attended the event and everyone enjoyed the music provided by The Piedmont Players...

Our stocking stuffing project has gotten kicked off with a bang!

After surveying sustainers and actives, we realized the need to combine our mission and service opportunities with occasions for members to become more aquainted with one another...

The Charity League Board would like to thank all of you that responded the Sustainer and Active Surveys. We have analyzed the information you provided, and are looking to make some changes, using your suggestions...

Although the economy of this area suffers, Bargain Fair was a success. Due to the hard work and dedication of members and sustainers, we raised approximately $20,000 through our efforts...