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The major fund-raiser for The Jenna Foundation for Non-Violence is Jenna’s Sweet Charity Ball, held during autumn of each year. We are pleased to report a successful event during 2007 – with much gratitude to our sponsors, auction donors and attendees – and are already busy planning for 2008. The proceeds from the Sweet Charity Ball, and Silent Auction held that night, are used to directly support The Foundation’s mentoring program as well as our work to further safety and education initiatives.
The Jenna Foundation is looking for individuals and businesses to support the Sweet Charity Ball in two ways:
• First, we need businesses to help underwrite the event as Corporate Sponsors. We can provide potential sponsors with an information packet that includes different levels of sponsorship, ranging from $500 to $10,000, and our corresponding recognition, as well as general information about the event and Foundation.
• Second, Silent Auction Donations are needed. Donors of items for the Silent Auction are recognized in the program. Donations may include merchandise, gift certificates, trips, etc.
Call (315) 422-0339 for reservations and more information.
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October 16 & 17, 2007
Jenna Foundation Co-Sponsors
3rd-Annual NY State Cyber Safety Summit
On October 16 and 17, Jenna Foundation staff and volunteers attended this important annual event, held at the capitol plaza in Albany, NY. The 3rd Annual Cyber Safety Summit was attended by hundreds of educators, representatives from law enforcement, civic and business leaders, who chose from a variety of workshops and keynote addresses focusing on internet safety issues for families. At the same time, almost a thousand school children traveled by bus to see a safety-themed play which was also viewed by dozens of schools across the country via live webcast. The Jenna Foundation was instrumental in launching this endeavor in 2005, and this year was a co-presenter for a workshop about online video games.
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September, 2007
Foundation Executive Director Named to
National Board of Directors
Janice Grieshaber has been appointed to the national board of Fight Crime Invest in Kids. Recipient of the 2005 national FCIK “Champion of Children” award, Janice joins six other board members from across the country and adds this responsibility to that of New York State co-chair. As a crime survivor and advocate she joins police chiefs, District Attorneys and other criminal justice advocates in supporting research, legislation and programs that protect children and families.
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June 9th, 2007
2007 Spring Benefit Performance
Many thanks to the Kitchen Theatre Company ensemble, who performed Comfort Food, an original musical comedy from its 2006-07 Season, as a benefit for the Foundation on Saturday, June 9th at the Cazenovia College Catherine Cummings Theater.
All proceeds will support the programs of The Jenna Foundation. Thanks, also, to Cazenovia College and the local businesses and individuals who were sponsors, donors or advertised in our event program.
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May 15, 2007
Janice Grieshaber and Don McPherson Co-Chair Annual Event
for National Center for Victims of Crime
Jenna Foundation executive director Janice Grieshaber recently served as co-chair for the annual leadership award reception sponsored by the National Center for Victims of Crime. Held on May 15, 2007 at the Bryant Park Grill in New York City, the event was also co-chaired by Donald McPherson, longtime foundation supporter and ongoing contributor to our "Mentors for Jenna" program. This year the Annual Leadership Award was presented to Montel Williams for his extraordinary leadership on behalf of victims of crime. Through his nationally-syndicated television talk show, Mr. Williams has distinguished himself in the media by treating crime victims with respect and dignity while raising public awareness about the realities of violent crime. He has also developed the "After Care" program where victims receive personalized support after appearing on the television show. This occasion was the first time Janice and Mr. Williams met since she appeared on the "Montel Williams Show" at the time of the historic passage of "Jenna's Law." |
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April 22– 28, 2007
National Crime Victims' Rights Week
On Thursday, April 26th, 2007 a coalition of Central New York victm advocate agencies once again came together to recognize National Crime Victims' Rights Week with a 7:00 p.m. vigil ceremony, held at St. Paul's Cathedral, 310 Montgomery Street in Syracuse. The ceremony honored those who have survived violent crime and brought remembrance to those we have lost to violence. The Honorable Matthew J. Driscoll, Mayor of the City of Syracuse, offered a welcome to participants and guests.
Victim advocate Martin Andrews of Virginia served as guest speaker, through a sponsorship by the National Office for Victims of Crime. Mr. Andrews was the thirteen-year-old victim of Virginia’s most notorious sexual predator. He returned 30 years later to face his abductor and successfully challenge the revolving door system of justice for sexual offenders. His message of hope, survival and advocacy encouraged and inspired those in attendance. The Syracuse Gay & Lesbian Chorus also participated in the event, with choral selections and accompaniment. This annual event is open to all victims of violent crime, their families, supporters and the professionals who serve them.
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November 17th, 2006
Annual "Jenna's Sweet Charity Ball" a Success
Our annual charity ball was held on Friday, November 17th at the Empire Room on the NYS Fairgrounds, and was a great success, with an attendance of over 150 guests in addition to a record-breaking number of corporate sponsors and donors to our silent auction this year.
Many thanks to the Empire Room for their great service and wonderful food, to "Atlas" for another year of great live dance music, and to our corporate sponsors: Alliance Bank, Ascent Aviation, DeLaney & O'Connor, LLP; Druger Eye Care, The Enclave at Skaneateles, Fitness Forum, General Transporation Services, Inc.; Integrated Marketing, Michael P. Kaczor, DDS; Robert L. Newman Foundation, Northwestern Mutual Financial Network, Dr. Robert and Leslie Neulander.
For information about becoming a corporate sponsor for our 2007 charity ball, contact Executive Asst. CJ Young at (315) 422-0339. |
November 12th, 2006
"Jenna's Mentors" Named
National Assoc. of Peer Programs "2006 Program of the Year"
In 2001, the National Association of Peer Programs (NAPP) established an awards program to recognize exemplary peer programs and peer helping professionals in five categories. This year, “Jenna’s Mentors,” along with foundation executive director Janice Grieshaber, were recognized as the 2006 NAPP Peer Program of the Year.
The purpose of this award is to recognize a model peer program. The program nominated for this award must be an existing program within a community or school setting. The selected award recipient must be a program capable of serving as a model for creating strategies to address issues affecting schools and/or communities and should have been in existence for at least five years. This year’s award was presented on November 12 at the 20th Annual NAPP Conference in Providence, Rhode Island, and was publicly announced at The Jenna Foundation’s annual “Sweet Charity Ball,” Friday, November 17th at the Empire Room on the NY State Fairgrounds.
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October 4th, 2006
2nd Annual Cyber Safety Conference
Attended by Hundreds
The second annual NY State Cyber Safety Conference was held on Wednesday, October 4th at the Empire State Plaza in Albany. The Jenna Foundation served as a co-sponsor of the event, which had a theme this year of “Kids Safe Online.” Almost a thousand were in attendance, including civic and business leaders, law enforcement officials and educators, as well as hundreds of elementary school students from the Albany area, who attended a play with a theme of safety on the internet.
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August 17th, 2006
Skaneateles Chief of Police and Director of the Jenna Foundation
Call for Bullying Prevention Programs in Every School
As America’s kids prepare to go back to school, New York State law enforcement leaders released a poll showing that one in three teens and one in six preteens have been victims of cyber bullying. The leaders estimate that more than 13 million children aged 6 to 17 nationally and nearly 1 million in New York State were victims of cyber bullying. More than 2 million of those victims told no one about the attacks. The poll was released by Fight Crime: Invest in Kids members Skaneateles Chief of Police H. Lloyd Perkins, Director of the Jenna Foundation for Non-Violence Janice Grieshaber and Grant Middle School Principle Steve Wolf. The group called on every school in New York State to have a proven bulling prevention program.
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June 20th, 2006
Janice Grieshaber Named "Woman of Distinction"
Senator John A. DeFrancisco (R-I-C-WF, Syracuse) announced that Janice Grieshaber, the Executive Director of the Jenna Foundation for Non-Violence, has been named the 2006 “Woman of Distinction” for the 50th Senate District. Janice was recognized during a June 20, 2006 ceremony in Albany, New York.
“I am proud to honor the many contributions of Janice Grieshaber,” said Senator DeFrancisco. “She has been a wonderful inspiration to many in our Central New York community. Janice has persevered in the midst of her own tragedy. After losing her daughter, Jenna, Janice used that adversity to become a true advocate for all victims. Through her efforts with the Jenna Foundation she has helped the families of many victims take their messages to Albany. She continues to work to protect the rights of innocent victims and to help make our neighborhoods a safer and better place. She should be commended for her dedication to helping others in their time of need, enriching the lives of others and for helping to improve the quality of life for all Central New Yorkers through her unwavering determination and advocacy.”
Senator DeFrancisco and his Senate Majority Colleagues started the “Women Of Distinction” program in 1998 as a way to recognize the contributions of women in New York State who have enhanced the lives of those around them and who, through their achievements, have inspired their communities.
The “Women of Distinction” program was created as part of the State Senate’s celebration of Women’s History Month. The Senate will honor women from Central New York and throughout the State at an Albany reception. In addition to the ceremony, each honoree’s photograph and biography will be displayed in an exhibit proclaiming the special contributions of each “Woman of Distinction.”
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June 1st, 2006
"Jenna's Peace Ambassador" Scholarship
Congratulations to Henninger High School student Jillian Scarson, who is the recipient of the 2005-2006 Jenna’s Peace Ambassador Scholarship, awarded each year to one outstanding graduating student in the Syracuse City School District who has participated in the “Jenna’s Mentors” program. Jillian has been an active volunteer for the Foundation throughout her tenure as a Mentor (often lending a hand at special events such as the charity ball and state fair booth), and an outstanding role model for the young fifth graders with whom she worked.
Our “Jenna’s Mentors,” area high school students, are special volunteers for the Foundation. Once again it’s time to say farewell (but never goodbye!) to our seniors, and we are delighted to recognize those who have received awards and scholarships as they graduate. That they have been part of our mentoring program is in itself a distinction and we congratulate all of our seniors for making a difference in the lives of the fifth-graders they have worked with in the program.
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April 23rd, 2006
2006 Spring Benefit Performance
Many thanks to the Kitchen Theatre Company ensemble, who performed Tony & the Soprano, a brand new musical comedy from its 2005-06 Season, as a benefit for the Foundation on Sunday, April 23rd at the LeMoyne College Coyne Center for the Performing Arts.
With about 100 in attendance, the benefit was a great success – proceeds will support the programs of The Jenna Foundation. The one-night-only performance was a Syracuse-area premiere for the production, which played to sold-out houses in Ithaca earlier this year.
This event was Sponsored in part by
Druger Eye Care
Dermody, Burke & Brown, CPAs, LLC
The Whyland Family
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April 23 – 29, 2006
National Crime Victims' Rights Week
Once again National Crime Victims' Rights Week was recognized locally by a coalition of victims' advocate agencies from Onondaga County, with a Vigil Ceremony held on Sunday, April 23rd at St. Paul's Cathedral in Syracuse. This event is for all victims of crime, their families and supporters, and the professionals who serve them. Included was a "Candles of Hope" cermony, choral music by the Greater New Testament Missionary Baptist Church choir, and a message of "strength in unity," this year's theme for the week, by guest speaker Ednita Wright, PhD, LCSW.
Also included in the events for Onondaga County was a Tuesday, April 25th lunchtime Awards Presentation held at the "Old Courthouse," 401 Montgomery St. in Syracuse. Detective Peter Payne of the Syracuse Police Department received the "Spirit of Justice" Award, and Anne Burlingham, Senior Advocate with Vera House, received the "Victim Service" Award.
April 5th, 2006:
"More Than Java With Gents"
Cayuga Counseling Services Annual Fundraiser
Cayuga Counseling Services, Inc., annual fundraiser, More Than Java with the Gents, was held on Wednesday, April 5, 2006, at Springside Inn on West Lake Road, Auburn. The annual event included a social hour followed by a family style dinner with complimentary wine and desserts served by the Gents. The Gents are a special part of the evening, comprised of affluent members of the Cayuga County community; the Gents are selected due to their ongoing commitment and support of S.A.V.A.R. throughout the year.
This year Bruce and Janice Grieshaber were honored with the prestigious S.A.V.A.R. Gold Award for their dedication and commitment to the prevention of violence in society through the establishment of Jenna’s Law and the Jenna Foundation.
As part of the festivities, Dan Cummings, News Channel 9, WSYR, was the keynote speaker. Dan addressed his homecoming to Cayuga County, as well as the collaborative efforts made by those in attendance to prevent violence in society. His speech also highlighted the work accomplished by Bruce and Janice Grieshaber.
Saturday, April 1st, 2006
Corcoran High School Holds Spring Musical Benefit
Many thanks to the drama group at Corcoran High School, the Corcoran Association of Student Theatre, who dedicated half of the proceeds from their Saturday, April 1st matinee performance of Suessical to The Jenna Foundation. It is due to both the dedication of our "Jenna's Mentors" who are involved in the theatre program, and the generosity and community spirit of all the participants in CAST that made this event possible!
Friday, November 11th, 2005
The Jenna Foundation Hosts Successful Annual Charity Ball
More than 150 were in attendance at the 2005 "Jenna's Sweet Charity Ball," held at the Empire Room on the NY State Fairgrounds. The annual charity fund-raiser raised proceeds in excess of $15,000, due to a record-breaking number of guests and a much-supported silent auction featuring more than 80 donations from local businesses and artisans, including hand-made jewelry and quilts, weekend get-aways, a color television and much more. "Sweet Charity" guests enjoyed live dance music by the locally-popular band, "Atlas," a fabulous dinner of carved turkey and roast beef, and a delightful array of desserts, which are a signature of the event. During the evening, Jenna Foundation Board President Darryl Geddes was named "Volunteer of the Year," in recognition of his leadership, initiative and ongoing support of the Foundation in our community.
Tuesday, October 25th, 2005
Janice Grieshaber Honored as Champion for Children at Washington, DC Gala
Fight Crime: Invest in Kids honored Jenna Foundation Executive Director Janice Grieshaber, a violence survivor and advocate, for her work to increase proven interventions for kids that reduce crime. She received the Champions for Children Award at the third annual Champions for Children gala in Washington, D.C.
Seattle Chief of Police and chairman of Fight Crime: Invest in Kids Gil Kerlikowske presented Janice Grieshaber with her award. He said, “Janice’s commitment to Fight Crime: Invest in Kids demonstrates her unwavering dedication to making sure we are all safer by getting kids off to the right start in life and preventing them from ever becoming criminals.”
“We have to fight crime before people are hurt,” said Grieshaber, “If we fail to invest in programs that give kids the opportunities for success in school and life, we’ll pay more later for increased crime.”
Along with her work at the Jenna Foundation, Grieshaber is one of four co-chairs of Fight Crime: Invest in Kids, New York. Fight Crime: Invest in Kids, New York is part of the national non-profit anti-crime organization Fight Crime: Invest in Kids, made up of more than 2,500 chiefs, sheriffs, prosecutors, police leaders, and survivors of violence.
Fight Crime: Invest in Kids honored Grieshaber because of her ongoing work with New York lawmakers to continue improving the state’s commitment to crime prevention. The Jenna Foundation for Non-Violence and Fight Crime: Invest in Kids, New York have been important strategic partners locally and throughout the state in their combined efforts to urge more legislative support for programs that cut crime—notably New York State’s Universal pre-kindergarten Program.
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