Top 10 Coolest Clean Sweep Items

Submitted by Kate Crosby, Active Member

Last night, I worked the Departments shift for Clean Sweep 2013. In the midst of rummaging through boxes of donated items, organizing tables and helping determine the price of one man's junk for another's treasure, I found myself "window shopping." All I have to say is when hundreds of women are donating their junk, you are sure to find some fabulous items. I'll be at the Clean Sweep Preview Party tonight with cash and ready to buy some of what I would call "the Top 10 Coolest Clean Sweep Items."

1. Fondue Set. Who doesn't love fondue? For those looking for a cheap Valentine's Day date idea, fondue night is a winner! For just $5 you can be well on your way to having a fondue night for you and your honey.
   
   
   
   
2. Light up palm tree. South Carolinians love their Palmetto Trees! I don't understand why a JLCer would give up this amazing light-up one. I think this would be cool on someone's back porch or by the pool!
   
   
   
   
   3. Red Couch. I couldn't believe it. This couch is in pristine condition. Either this JLCer didn't have messy children or no one ever sat on it! It's such a fun, vibrant red and it would look really cute in a playroom, starter home or even in your office!
   
   
   
   4. Designer maternity jeans. Okay, so I am not having children anytime soon, so this is for all of you who are expecting. There were so many cute maternity clothes! Lots of clothes from A Pea in the Pod and even a pair of Citizens of Humanity designer jeans.
   
   
   
   5. Leopard Chair. This chair is so sassy and cute for your little diva. I wish they made it in my size!
   
   
   
   6. Patio set. This patio set, again, would look great on a back portch or by a pool! Hey, if you get the light-up Palmetto Tree, too...you are totally set for all that entertaining you're going to do this summer.
   
   
   
   The last four of my 10 are things you would only find at a "garage" sale hosted by hundreds of women! Piles upon piles of jewelry, handbags, chick flicks and girly novels. Stock up for you and your friends! I know I am!
   
   
   7. Handbags. 
   
   
   
   8. Jewelry.
   
   
   
   9. Chick Flicks.
   10. Girly Novels.
   
   
   
   Have fun shopping ladies! See you at Preview Party tonight!

Clean Sweep Storage Battles

The 2013 Clean Sweep Preview Party will take on a new twist this year with a LIVE auction! To go along with our "Storage Battles" theme, party-goers will get the chance to preview four different storage containers filled with various merchandise and gift cards to use all over Columbia. After you decide which container will provide you with the most fun experiences, get ready to outbid your friends with the help of a live auctioneer!

Stake your claim on one of the four unique containers!

• The "Pamper Me" Weekend container is full of spa and cooking opportunities! ($300 value)
• Enjoy a Columbia Staycation by bidding on the container with date night activities including dinner, movie tickets, a hotel stay and more! ($380 value)
• The athletic enthusiast should bid on the Sports container to win athletic apparel, a gym membership and opportunities to more fun-filled activities in Columbia! ($250 value)
• Take time to Relax & Enjoy by bidding on the container with spa and beautifying treatments at local salons, followed by a tasty meal! ($180 value)

Come with your energy and appetite to enjoy Bone In BBQ and music from BandKamp while benefitting from all the "steals and deals" of the Junior League's Clean Sweep Preview Party!

So, here's what you need to know!

When: Thursday, January 31st at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Cantey Building at the SC State Fairgrounds
Tickets: Tickets are $30 in advance (until January 30), available at www.jlcolumbia.org or at JLC Headquarters. Tickets are $35 on January 31.
Other Scoop: Auction items and rummage can be paid for by cash or check only. Rummage is twice the price!

JLC Leaders Show Support for Human Trafficking and Prevention Month in South Carolina

Submitted by Emily Brady, Public Affairs Team Chair

On Tuesday, January 15, 2013, members of the Junior League of Columbia joined with leaders, victims advocates and elected officials at the South Carolina State House to proclaim January 2013 as Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month. During the press conference, S.C. Lieutenant Governor Glenn McConnell read a proclamation from S.C. Governor Nikki Haley. S.C. Representative Nelson Hardwick addressed the group explaining the human trafficking legislation, "SC's Stand & Citizen Law," which was unanimously passed by the General Assembly in 2012. S.C. Attorney General Alan Wilson spoke about the impact of human trafficking in South Carolina and the task force that has recently been put into action to study the issue, which is being lead by Assistant Attorney General and JLC member Kelly Hall. The task force will be meeting this year to develop a statewide action plan. The JLC Public Affairs Team will stay up to date with the work of the task force and will plan to help advocate for the study once it is completed. Following the press conference, members of JLC met with S.C. Lieutenant Governor McConnell, as well as S.C. Attorney General Wilson (see picture), to express our interest and support for this important issue in South Carolina. Both leaders were impressed with our initiative and look forward to staying engaged with the League and its efforts. If you are interested in learning more about the League's advocacy efforts, please contact Public Affairs Team Chair Emily Brady at 803.238.4767 or EmilyBBrady@gmail.com. 

January Team Players

Each month at the General Membership Meeting, JLC recognizes women who have gone above and beyond for the League. We are honored to recognize the following women for the month of January! Thank you for your service to the Junior League of Columbia!

Carol Caulk, Holiday Market Decorations Committee Member 

 Jennifer Hethcox, Membership Recognition & Satisfaction Co-Chair

 Riley Creech, Provisional Committee Member

Anna Edwards, Membership Recognition & Satisfaction Co-Chair

Healthy Kids with Special Needs Fall Recap

Submitted by Active Members Lauren Leviner and Nan Krieg

The Healthy Kids with Special Needs Committee has been working hard to plan events for families here in the Midlands. This year, the committee expanded to partner with Family Connection, Winston’s Wish, SC Autism Society and the Arc of South Carolina. All four groups specialize in the support, education and care of families with children with various disabilities. Working under this new umbrella the Healthy Kids with Special Needs committee has fifteen events planned for the 2012-2013 calendar year.

   

Several of the events have already taken place, with great success and a wonderful time had by all!

The committee kicked off the year with Family Connection Princess Workshop in September. Girls from Family Connection were invited to come enjoy a day of fun and food and were treated like royalty. Games, hair and makeup and other fun took place, before each child was crowned a Princess! The Princess Workshop is organized by former Miss SC Crystal Garrett and her mother. 

Healthy Kids with Special Needs has also partnered with Winston’s Wish for a year-long Autism Ambassador program. Each JL Ambassador participated in Autism training and is now paired with a child from Winston’s Wish. They serve as pen pals and meet three times during the year for a fun outing. The committee held their first event in November at Tag It Art Studio, where the children painted a special gift to give to their parent for Christmas! During this time, the parents were invited to go next door to Happy Café and enjoy coffee and dessert! 

SC Autism Society and JLC also enjoyed a fun night in November. This event took place at the PLEX and the Healthy Kids with Special needs committee assisted SC Autism Society in their RESPIT event! Children were paired with volunteers from SC Autism Society and JL Members helped play games, serve food and provide a very fun family fun night for all!

The Junior League of Columbia’s Children with Special Needs Committee assisted in throwing Family Connection’s Holiday Social on Sunday, December 2, 2012. This fun family event was held in the Cardinal Newman High School gymnasium and included an array of crafts, games, music and Santa.

The approximately 300 participants arrived on Sunday to a decorated gymnasium filled with music, food and an assortment of activities. A local Girl Scouts troop was on hand to paint children’s faces and league members provided crafts, including coloring, decorating snowflakes, making reindeer antlers and food for Santa’s reindeer, decorating reusable shopping bags and creating handprint ornaments. There were games galore, such as ice fishing, hula hooping, tic tac toe, bean bag toss, a parachute and cake walk. There was even a photo booth with costume accessories and props for families to take home memories.

Entertainment and special guests of the day included Miss South Carolina 2007, Crystal Garrett, who performed a Christmas song, as well as one of her originals for the families. At 1:30 p.m., the DJ/Magician performed an exciting and interactive magic show for the children. And of course, a holiday party would not be complete without a visit from the big guy himself, Santa Claus.

To end the holiday social on a high note, children, parents and League members danced the afternoon away to songs like the Chicken Dance, Hokey Pokey, Gangnam Style, Cha Cha Slide, Cupid Shuffle and Wobble.

Healthy Kids with Special Needs has upcoming events planned with all four organizations over the next several months! Stay tuned for an update and see what else this year has in store!

Check out our awesome JLC members volunteering at the Family Connection Holiday Social:

A Sneak Preview of the Holiday Market Auction

Getting geared up for the Holiday Market Preview Party this Wednesday at the SC State Fairgrounds? It's sure to be a merry and bright night to remember! To help get you in the spirit, the Silent Auction committee wanted to make sure you knew about a few special items that we'll be offering this year. Get ready to bid - and have fun!

 

A Trip to Paradise

Enjoy a week at the Ritz Carlton Club in St. Thomas, USVI. Stay in a beautifully appointed 3-bedroom, 3 ½ bath condo will full kitchen, living room and accommodations that comfortably sleep 8 and overlook the pristine Great Bay.Take advantage of amenities like snorkeling, sailing excursions and a full-service spa - but, most of all, just relax in one of the world’s most beautiful spots.Make your own fireworks in paradise this Fourth of July! Stay is from June 29 – July 6, 2013. Value: $7,500.

 

 

 

Dove Hunter's Delight

Get ready to go on an exceptional hunting adventure! Courtesy of Sporting Adventures International, this 4-person, 3-day dove hunting package in Argentina includes gourmet meals, 5-star accommodations, and custom clearing. Open bar, laundry service and daily gun cleaning included. Airfare isn’t part of the package, but Sporting Adventures can help you with excellent group rates. Don’t miss out! Expires Nov. 28, 2013. Value: $11,000.

 

 

 

Dinner - The Southern Way

Who said entertaining wasn’t easy? Thanks to Southern Way Catering , you can host an elegant dinner for 8 at your home, with a delicious, 3-course meal that includes salad, entree, dessert – and wine service! Simply send the invitations and let Southern Way handle everything else. Now that’s the way to entertain! Value: $2,500.

An Evening at The Oak Table

Take an evening and indulge at one of Columbia’s newest hot spots! Partake in a private dinner for 10 at The Oak Table in the heart of downtown Columbia. Delight in executive chef Joseph Jacobson’s modern American cuisine highlighting regionally sourced ingredients and a seasonal menu. And don’t forget the inspired cocktails –including The Mac-Hattan or a Basil Ginger Lemonade. Mmm... Value: $1,000.

 

 

 

Get your tickets now to Preview Party at http://www.jlcolumbia.org/?nd=holiday_market_public.

 

Holiday Market Made Possible by our Sponsors

The Junior League of Columbia's annual Holiday Market raises hundreds of thousands of dollars that go back into the Columbia community through community projects. This wouldn't be possible without the support of our sponsors, so we would like to take a moment to say THANK YOU!

League Leader
Southern Way Catering
Franklin Jones Coldwell Banker

League Partner
Displays Unlimited
Palmetto Party Rental
Two Men and A Truck
The State Media Company
Wells Fargo
PODS Mobile Storage
Spectra Integration
Heartstrings Hospice

League Advocate Alliance Consulting Engineers BlueCross BlueShield of SC League Supporter SakiTumi NBSC First Citizens Cricket Newman Grecian Gardens Ed Robinson Cleaners Chocolate Nirvana DiPrato's Cupcake Blue Marlin Villa Tronco Solstice Mr. Friendly's Cellar on Greene Takosushi Terra Morganelli's Worth Repeating League Friend ACE Glass Bluestein, Delgado, Thompson Bokesch & Tipton, LLC Pout Groucho's We would like to say thank you to the following companies: Colliers International California Dreaming Cantina 76 Chick-Fil-A Chipotle Edible Arrangements Everyday Gourmet Greek Boys Gruber Farms Hooligans Honey Baked Ham Moe's Nut Hut Otis Spunkmeyer Little Gym Karen Johnson Apria Tag It Art Food for Thought