May 5th and 6th JAS members enjoyed an educational and fun weekend in Memphis celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the National Association of Junior Auxiliary (NAJA). Outgoing President Jeanne Hildebrandt opened the conference with a welcome address.
Our first speaker was country singer/song writer Jimmy Wayne who wrote “Do You Believe Me Now”. Besides singing for us he shared his story about coming up through the foster care system and the people who influenced his life the most. After becoming successful he walked from Nashville to Phoenix in 2010 to help raise awareness for kids who age out of the foster system and become homeless. He has authored his memoir, Walk to Beautiful, and written a novel and made-for-TV movie, Paper Angels.
Several other speakers covered cyber safety, working with different personalities, cyber bullying, growing leaders and serving without burnout.
The awards banquet included the Parade of Presidents, Presentation of Roses to all past and present chapter presidents, entertainment from Elvis, award presentations and the installation of the 2017-18 NAJA Board of Directors and Incoming President Charlotte Jones.
After the banquet an after party and reception for Jeanne Hildebrandt was hosted by the Slidell Chapter. Make plans to attend next year in Mobile, AL on April 27-28 at the Renaissance Mobile Riverview Plaza Hotel – Mobile Convention Center.
