2018 JLA Fun Run

Join Junior League of Annapolis, Inc. (JLA) for our 11th annual Jennifer Summer’s Barrett Volunteers on the Run 5K on April 28, 2018 along the trails of Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis, Maryland. Participants can run, walk, or push a stroller enjoying the scenic route around the park. There is even an opportunity to be a phantom runner, which allows contributions without running. Post run activities include music, giveaways and awards. Sign-up the whole family for a morning of fun!

JLA is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Our membership of over three hundred women strives to narrow the achievement gap in Anne Arundel County, with a specific focus on the self-sufficiency of women and children. JLA is part of the Association of Junior Leagues International, Inc. As of today, JLA members have donated over 20,000 service hours to the community each year. JLA trains members to act effectively as community volunteers through an established volunteer leadership-training curriculum.

In order to accomplish our mission, JLA partners with strong, local non-profits to develop new projects that meet community needs in our focus and issue area. Further, we host community-focused fundraisers, and we would like you to be part of it. This event honors the memory of past JLA member, Jennifer Summers Barrett, and her dedication to the betterment of our community.

The proceeds from this event will help raise funds for our community-based programs.

• Done In A Day – These one-time special projects are completed in a short period of time and meet a specific community need in Anne Arundel County that is in sync with JLA’s mission and community programs.
• Community of Hope – JLA is partnering with the Anne Arundel County Partnership for Children, Youth, and Families to establish a Community of Hope in the Brooklyn Park community of Anne Arundel County, an area which has the highest need and least resources in the county. Our objectives are to help develop and establish, together with community members, various initiatives which promote healthy and successful children and families.
• Seeds 4 Success – Seeds 4 Success began as a grass roots, after-school program to create more positive opportunities for youth living in public housing. S4S currently has four programs: Eastport Girls Club, I Am a Reader, Parent Challenge, and The Alumnae and College Access Program, created to prepare and empower 10th-12th grade Eastport Girls Club graduates to attend and successfully complete college.

About Jennifer Summers Barrett

Jennifer Summers Barrett epitomized a strong, dedicated Junior League woman who cared deeply about her community and especially our children. She understood the importance of literacy for youth and established the Talk, Play, Read program, connecting Junior League of Annapolis, Inc. with underprivileged neighborhoods.

Jenn’s Talk, Play, Read program offered members the opportunity to read to the children from these neighborhoods and encourage ways to continue reading at home, establishing a lasting love of reading and books. Jenn knew that this could be a gateway to a better life for these families. She reminded us all that these amazing children are our future and it is equally important to take care of them, just as we would our own children.

Jenn tragically passed away on July 27, 2011 from a bacterial infection. She was the biggest supporter of the Junior League’s annual Volunteers on the Run 5k fun run event. In memory of her support and her efforts as a member of our organization and community. The Jennifer Summers Barrett Volunteers on the Run 5K serves as a reminder to us all of Jenn, her legacy, and her hard work in our community and the importance of caring for our children.