National Charity League Honors Volunteers, Graduating Seniors

National Charity League, Inc. Lake Sammamish Chapter held its annual Mother-Daughter Tea under a bright blue sky and blooming rhododendrons at the Sahalee Country Club on Sunday, May 6, 2012. 

A tradition for members, and an opportunity to spend some quality time with mothers and daughters as well as reflect on the year’s accomplishments and recognize those girls and mothers who have gone above and beyond in serving the Chapter and the Community.

Dressed in spring attire—the theme this year, “A Mad Hatter’s Tea Party”—was reflected in a variety of fashionable and fun hats worn by all. The nearly 160 members in attendance listened to an energizing performance by the Skyline High School Vocal Jazz Ensemble, who topped off their medley of a capella songs with a great rendition of “Java Jive”. 

After a welcome from incoming Class of 2013 President Makenzie Schmid, Chapter President Michelle Weiss presided over introductions and a review of the year’s accomplishments.  Michelle’s platform for the year asked members to give just five more hours beyond their requirements during the year — “Take the Time to Make the Climb; High Five!” The Chapter logged more than 4,200 hours of Community Service between April 1, 2011 and March 31, 2012, more than 1100 hours above the platform’s goal.

The Chapter’s graduating Class of 2012 was honored and included: Emily Cushing, Eve Franklin, Grace Hamilton, Alena Karkanias, Olivia Krueger, Lindsey Lee, Kate McDonald, Jillian Nichols, Kate Pullen, Ali Savage, Kelly Senegor, and Blaine Weiss.  

Eve Franklin led the Class in introducing each other to the rest of the Chapter and sharing what they had learned about each other on this 4 year journey. The Senior Service Award, which is given to the graduating member who served the most hours over the course of their NCL Experience, was awarded to Kelly Senegor. 

The Chapter awarded the following members for their service and leadership:

Mother-Daughter Award: Kathy & Kirsten Anderson, Carol & Spencer DeLucia, Briand & Mikelle Anguili

Modelette Award: Terri, Abby, Maddy, and Sage Schmidt

Yellow Rosebud Award: Spencer DeLucia (50 or more hours above required hours)

Yellow Rose Award: Kirsten Anderson (75 or more hours above the required hours)

Merci Award: Kirsten Anderson (Highest Award given by NCL, Inc. for most hours served in the community)

To round out the day and continue the mission of service, the Lake Sammamish Chapter collected and delivered over $700 in twin sheet sets and gifts cards to Camp Korey to assist with the upcoming expansion of the camp programs for children with serious and life-altering medical conditions.  Camp Korey is available to these families at no cost and gives children the medical support needed while allowing them to “just be kids” and have fun. The Lake Sammamish Chapter has partnered with Camp Korey since last spring, and has become a favorite philanthropy among members to volunteer at camp clean up and various events.

The Lake Sammamish Chapter, which formed in July, 2008 just completed its first full year as a fully Chartered Chapter under the NCL, Inc. National Organization. One of 182 Chapters in 19 States with more than 45,000 members, National Charity League, Inc. has a unique mission to foster the mother-daughter relationship in a philanthropic organization committed to community service, leadership development and cultural experiences.

This provides a clear vision: “Through the mother-daughter relationship, National Charity League will develop strong women leaders impacting communities today and for generations to come.” Currently there are four active Chapters in Washington: Evergreen (Mercer Island); Lake Washington (Mercer Island); Lake Sammamish (Eastside of Lake Sammamish), and Emerald City (Bellevue/Medina).

The Lake Sammamish Chapter extends a special “Thank You” to the members of the Tea Committee, Board of Directors, Skyline Vocal Jazz Ensemble, Nadalin Photography and the sunshine for making it a wonderful event.

--Information from National Charity League Inc.