“A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” – John C. Maxwell
You may have seen their logo around town, or may have even participated in one of their events to benefit our local non-profit organizations. They are a group of young leaders who are committed to helping each other, building and establishing relationships in business and in the community. They are the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Worldwide Federation of Young Leaders and Entrepreneurs…The Santa Clarita Valley Jaycees.
 The JCI began in 1915, in St. Louis, Missouri, and has grown and become a highly recognized worldwide source of successful young business, political and social leaders. The Santa Clarita chapter was formed about 17 years ago. “Our mission is to provide development opportunities that empower young people to create positive change,” states Neil Fitzgerald, SCV Jaycees President. Neil moved from the United Kingdom in January of 2012. On his second day of being in the U.S., Neil was invited by a friend to attend a dodgeball game. “After the game, we met up with friends who were also a part of the Jaycees,” states Neil. “I had no idea what the organization was about, but I had a great time and signed myself up immediately.” Neil serves as the current President of the SCV Jaycees and was also selected as one of the members who make up the SCV 40 Under Forty Class of 2013. Anyone between the ages of 21 and 40 can become a member and have the opportunity to work with other like-minded peers through various projects that benefit our community. “There’s a saying that in the Jaycees, you know someone, who knows someone who can get stuff done!” Neil continues, “We help a variety of events here in the Santa Clarita, from the Child & Family Center’s Taste of the Town to the SCV Winefest and the Michael Hoefflin Foundation’s Evening Under the Stars Gala. We also participate in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life and we help staff events from the Child & Family Center’s Kid Expo and Single Mothers Outreach Empowering HeArts.” The SCV Jaycees also work with the Brenda Mehling Cancer Fund, helping organize their 5K and 10K every May. This year’s event raised over $30,000 for young people with cancer. Every year, the organization participates in the SCV Jaycees Santa’s Helpers Toy Drive. The purpose of this event is to assist Santa Clarita Valley families in need during the holiday season by collecting gifts for children. “We work with three local non profit organizations to help create a holiday experience complete with gifts for under privileged children up to 18 years old,” states Neil. “We need people to donate gifts and gift cards. We have boxes all over Santa Clarita and would like more places to host boxes or donate toys and/or gift cards. Planet Yogurt at the Promenade Shopping Center is acting as a central hub for us.” With the new year on the horizon, the SCV Jaycees will invest their 2014 board and have their annuals awards and installation banquet. “It’s a chance for our members to dress up for the evening and reflect on a successful year. We are also planning to have a weight loss challenge and we will be hitting the ground running with planning our events for 2014.” If you want to make 2014 a year of positive change, then come join the SCV Jaycees and see how you can help. For more information on how you can become part of the Santa Clarita Valley Jaycees, visit www.scvjaycees.com. |
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| photo by Joie de Vivre Photographie |