DIAD: 12th Annual Pancake Breakfast

By Lianne Avila, Communications Committee

The Junior League of Palo Alto-Mid Peninsula partnered with the Menlo Park Fire Department for the 12th Annual Pancake Breakfast. The Menlo Park Police Department and Menlo Park Boy Scouts Troop 222 were also there to help. Set-up began at 5:15 A.M. and the breakfast began at 7 A.M. The firefighters were the chefs and the firehouse was transformed into a breakfast hall serving pancakes to everyone. There was also face painting and pictures on the Fire Truck for the kiddies. The firemen did rescue demonstrations for the group and people toured the firehouse.

This is one of the largest fundraisers for the JLPA-MP. We are excited to say that 688 people attended and we raised $8,000. All the proceeds will go to the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation. The foundation helps burn survivors and promotes burn prevention education. For more information visit www.aarbf.org

More photos from the event are available on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/JLPAMP

And the Hunt Begins... with the Provisionals

By Ana White, Communications Team

It’s that time of year again to welcome the future women of our league. While looking around the room of more than 80 women at the Menlo Circus Club, it was exciting to see the energy and engagement of the new provisional class. It was one of my most unique experiences, as an active member, to see new faces and the anticipation of a phenomenal new year.

Abbie Paris, Anne Delfino, Kellin Dunne, Beckie Callahan, Gemma Newlove, Doreen Suruki



Stacey Harbeson, Dana Orquiza, Shannon Adams-Ferris

The first half of the provisional retreat started off with greetings and icebreakers by provisional co-chairs and seasoned JL veterans, Angie Klein and Lauren Case. Following the getting-to-know-you session, the group received a welcome message from our fearless leader of the year, Meaux Costello, and finally, a riveting talk by, Sustainer, Suzie Tinsley. More fun and info gathering followed, with the scavenger hunt to the Gatehouse, Menlo Park fire Dept, and The Shop.

The group split into mini teams and were let loose into the wilds of Menlo Park. The ladies’ first stop was the Menlo Park Firehouse. Although there were no studly firemen to be seen, provisional members signed up immediately for the Pancake Breakfast on October 1st (yes, shameless plug for ALL to attend!)

Catherine Boley, Ann Altman, Stacy Tyrala, Jayme Allen

At the Gatehouse, actives led an info session about the general membership meeting requirements and the historical importance about our Gatehouse. The last stop at The Shop, league members sashayed around in the Shop’s finest attire. Provisionals learned about the Shop’s importance to supporting our programs and league activities, along with all the different ways they can support the Shop… including shopping for awesome finds!

All in all, the league should be thrilled to welcome the new members on September 14th and look forward to an amazing and fulfilling year.

Hilarie Bako, Jennifer Warren, Gemma Newlove, Beckie Callahan

Pancake Breakfast 2009 in Photos

Many hours...one morning...volunteering to support the Alisa Burn Foundation

9TH ANNUAL MENLO PARK PANCAKE BREAKFAST BENEFITING LOCAL BURN FOUNDATION

The Junior League of Palo Alto•Mid Peninsula, Menlo Park Fire District and Stanford Park Hotel piled up the pancakes to host the 9th Annual Menlo Park Pancake Breakfast to benefit the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation. This family-friendly event was held at the Menlo Park Fire District Headquarters at 300 Middlefield Road on Saturday, Oct. 3 from 7:30 – 11 a.m.
“The Menlo Park Pancake Breakfast has become an annual tradition that is embraced by the entire community,” says Junior League of Palo Alto•Mid Peninsula (JLPA•MP) President Jan Woolsey. “The League is extremely privileged to have the opportunity once again to partner with the Menlo Park Fire District and the Stanford Park Hotel to support the development, confidence and growth of burn survivors in our local neighborhoods.”
In addition to pancakes cooked to perfection by Menlo Park firefighters, the event featured a variety of children’s activities including face painting, arts and crafts and tours of antique fire engines. All proceeds will go to The Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation and its programs for burn survivors.


About the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation
The Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation works to promote burn prevention education and enrich the lives of burn survivors in California with the widespread support of the fire service, medical professionals, and community volunteers. One program provided by the foundation is Champ Camp, a week-long, residential summer camp that allows burn-injured children to meet others who have gone through similar experiences and realize that they are not alone with their injuries. Champ Camp spotlights inner beauty, not the burn scars, in a supportive atmosphere where kids feel at ease and enjoy summer. For more information on the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation and Champ Camp, please visit www.aarbf.org.

About the Stanford Park Hotel
An oasis of refined elegance and sophistication awaits you at the Stanford Park Hotel. Located at 100 El Camino Real in Menlo Park, the Stanford Park Hotel is one of the Peninsula's Five Star Diamond hotels, featuring 163 luxurious guestrooms, award-winning dining in the Duck Club Restaurant and a chic vibe permeating in the Lounge at the Park. For special events or meetings, the hotel offers six architecturally unique conference rooms for up to 190 people and a beautiful outdoor courtyard in a park like setting able to accommodate up to 300 people. These features combined with a host of amenities, will meet the needs of the most discerning traveler.

About the Junior League of Palo Alto•Mid Peninsula
The Junior League of Palo Alto•Mid Peninsula, Inc. focuses on developing the potential of families through its projects, community grants and public policy advocacy. It focuses on training a diverse group of women volunteers, with a goal of serving those interested in developing their leadership potential, broadening their skills and effecting positive change in our community. The JLPA•MP serves the San Francisco Bay Area Peninsula communities of Atherton, Belmont, East Palo Alto, Foster City, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Menlo Park, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Portola Valley, Redwood City, San Carlos, Stanford, Sunnyvale and Woodside.
The JLPA•MP is a part of the Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI), which consists of 294 Leagues and more than 170,000 members from the USA, Mexico, Canada and Great Britain. For more information, please go to AJLI’s website at www.ajli.org.