Director of Nominating Marissa Bellio (L), Sarah Lawrence Award Recipient Melissa Lee Alexander (Center), and President Michelle Lentz

A highlight of our year-end General Membership Meeting is always recognition of our outstanding volunteers. The Sarah Lawrence Award, named after the Junior League of Boston’s founder, is given to an Active or Sustainer who has used her training and experience in the JL Boston to benefit another non-profit organization in the greater Boston area. This year’s recipient was Melissa Lee Alexander. The text below is adapted from the announcement of her award. Congratulations, Melissa!

In her years since serving on the board of directors for JL Boston, Melissa has been an active voice fundraising for the Children’s Heart Foundation. For several years she has organized a team to participate in their annual fundraising walk benefiting cardiac research. This year, Melissa was selected to chair the Children’s Congenital Heart Walk in Boston, which took place on April 20, 2019 in the Boston Common. Despite the rainy morning, 40 teams and 300 walkers participated, and the event raised over $50,000. This was her second year as chair and organizer of the event, raising a combined total of $170,000.

Melissa is a shining example of a Junior League of Boston member who has used her league training in volunteer management, event planning, fundraising and storytelling to inspire others and have a positive impact on our community. Thank you, Melissa, for all that you do!