Welcome to the Junior League of Raleigh!

As the Junior League of Raleigh enters its 97th year, I am filled with gratitude, excitement, and pride for the women, partnerships, and legacy that continue to shape our organization and our community. Since 1930, generations of women have come together through the League to serve Wake County, develop leaders, and create meaningful and lasting impact. It is truly an honor to serve as President during such a special and exciting time in our history as we look toward our centennial celebration.

This year, we are focused on bringing the spark to everything we do — through leadership, service, philanthropy, connection, collaboration, and community engagement. The energy, passion, and dedication of our members continue to inspire me every day, and I am deeply grateful for every member of our League. To our new members, active members, and sustainers: thank you for investing your time, talents, and hearts into the Junior League of Raleigh. Our organization is stronger because of you.

As we begin the 2026–2027 League year, there is so much to celebrate and even more to look forward to. We are especially excited to celebrate our 10th Day of Giving, a milestone that reflects the incredible generosity and commitment of our members, donors, and community supporters who continue to invest in our mission year after year.

This year, we are also proud to host the 42nd annual A Shopping SPREE! at the Raleigh Convention Center. This longstanding fundraising tradition brings together shoppers, sponsors, merchants, volunteers, and community partners in support of the League’s mission and our work throughout Wake County. Through SPREE!, we are honored to continue awarding Legacy Grants to local nonprofit organizations making meaningful impact across our community.

In addition, we are thrilled to welcome back Touch-a-Truck for its 12th year. This beloved family-friendly event connects children and families with local businesses, public safety agencies, government organizations, and community partners through interactive experiences and hands-on learning opportunities.

We are also excited to launch the JLR Teen Leadership Board, a new initiative designed to help develop the next generation of community leaders. Through leadership training, mentorship, volunteer experiences, and collaboration with local nonprofit partners, students will gain hands-on experience serving their community while learning the value of civic engagement and philanthropy. The program will conclude with a student-led community impact project, empowering participants to turn leadership into action.

What makes the Junior League of Raleigh so special is not only the work we do, but the relationships we build and the lives we touch along the way. Whether through volunteer service, fundraising events, leadership development opportunities, or community partnerships, our members continue to show up with compassion, strength, and a shared commitment to making our community better.

To our community partners, sponsors, donors, supporters, and friends — thank you for believing in the mission of the Junior League of Raleigh. Thank you for attending our events, volunteering alongside us, supporting our fundraisers, partnering with us in service, and helping spread awareness of our work throughout the community. Your support allows us to continue investing in leadership development and meaningful impact across Wake County. We are deeply grateful for the relationships and partnerships that help make our work possible.

I am incredibly proud of the impact we make together and honored to serve alongside such talented, passionate, and dedicated women. As we celebrate our 97th year and look toward our centennial, I know our brightest days are still ahead. Together, we will continue developing women leaders, strengthening our community, and bringing the spark to everything we do.

Thank you for being part of this remarkable organization and for helping carry our mission forward. I cannot wait to see all we accomplish together this year.

In Partnership,

Bernette Stivers
2026–2027 President
Junior League of Raleigh