by Amanda Binns

Fun facts from 2009… Kanye West interrupted Taylor Swift during her VMA speech, North Carolina was the NCAA champs and I, Amanda Binns, joined the Junior League of Dallas. I was so excited about joining the League mostly to give back, but also to have fun and meet new people.

During my provisional year, my sweet grandma, Ann, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and sadly lost her battle a few months later. I was heartbroken and needed an outlet. When I started reading about placement options for my 1st active year in the Junior League, I was introduced to Gilda’s Club of Dallas. I understood first-hand the toll cancer takes on families and caregivers and Gilda’s Club was the perfect match for me at that time in my life.

Gilda’s Club New York City was founded in memory of Gilda Radner, well known for her time on Saturday Night Live. She lost her fight with cancer and Gilda’s Club was founded to provide support for those and their families facing cancer.

JLD was great and I enjoyed my time there very much. However, career opportunities brought husband and me to San Francisco. We were thrilled to move to San Francisco and I immediately sent in my transfer application. Transferring was a great way to get connected in our new city. Funny side note. I walked into my first JLSF general membership meeting to see wine & snacks being served. JLD does not allow food or drinks in meetings, so I knew San Francisco Junior League was going to be fun!

I’ve had so many rewarding volunteer experiences in JLSF on various committees: Done- In-A- Day (DIAD), Membership Activity Committee (MAC), Advocacy and Finance. In DIAD you volunteer with organizations around the community for a short period of time, about four hours, and help with things like silent auctions and special events. MAC exists to create fun, interesting events for Junior League members such as shopping or working out.The Advocacy Committee works on a variety of league related priorities and connects our strategic goals to elected officials, policy makers and the larger community.

As a transfer, DIAD and Advocacy were unique ways to learn about the city, local government and see fun places around San Francisco at the same time. The finance committee establishes policies and procedures for maintaining financial records and tracking budgets for each council and committee. I’ve had so much fun with each committee placement I don’t think I could pick a favorite. I’ve met many wonderful people in the League and couldn’t be happier to call San Francisco my home.