When we asked Charity Gala Committee Chair Celeste Scott-Walker about this year’s team she mentioned a quote by Sandra Day O’Conner: “We don’t accomplish anything in this world alone… and whatever happens is the result of the whole tapestry of one’s life and all the weavings of individual threads form one to another that creates something.”  

With this in mind, it seemed fitting to highlight more than one member for this month’s Member Spotlight to learn more about their experiences in the Junior League and on Charity Gala Committee. Spoiler alert: get excited about the silent auction!

Amanda Spratley, Provisional Member, Charity Gala Communications Council

Hometown: Washington D.C./Northern Virginia area

What made you interested in joining the Junior League?

I wanted to feel more connected to the Boston community. Also, the League makes volunteering easy, simple and fun. It felt like a chance to have a more targeted volunteering experience and make an impact.

What new things have you learned about the volunteer impact of the League since joining?

Since I have an affinity for the arts, it’s great to see the JLB Arts program and the impact that has on the girls who participate.

What are you most excited about seeing on Gala night?

The silent auction. I can’t wait to see all of the items lined up, especially knowing all of the work that the sponsorship committee and other teams did to partner with donors to pull it all together. 

What skills do you feel you have developed as a Junior League Member?

I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to be creative and participate in developing new ideas with the team. Also, I love being able to attend and take advantage of the trainings offered to members – including self-defense, negotiating your salary and the salon series.

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Megan Cox, Provisional Member, Charity Gala Sponsorship Council

Hometown: New Braunfels, Texas

What has been the most rewarding part of being a Junior League member?

Making an impact. Gala is our largest annual fundraiser and financially drives our signature programs. Getting to see our hard work directly impact the League’s mission is incredibly rewarding.

What skills do you feel you’ve developed in your placement?

I’ve been mentored by several women within the Committee, and I hope to take some of their lessons and apply them in my personal and professional life. Michelle Lentz, Celeste Scott-Walker and Meghan Hakanson are all phenomenal women. They are encouraging, supportive and professional leaders, and I have really benefited from their example. I love seeing women empower other women!

What are you most excited about for Gala night?

The silent auction! We have a target goal in mind that would really generate advances in our signature programs, so I’m anxious to meet (and surpass) those goals. I think our guests will be just as excited. 

What are you most looking forward to in your future placements with the league?

I plan to stay on Gala and I hope that next year I can help mentor new members on the committee. In the future, I hope to take on a leadership position; the opportunity to grow as a leader and take on these roles is a unique opportunity offered by Junior League and really adds to the value of being a member.

This month’s member spotlight was written by Communications Council member Mariana Gay.