The Derby Day WAY fundraiser benefits the Junior League Wellness Adventure Yards (JL WAY). It's May 5th at Thousand Oaks Country Club from 4pm til 8pm. Tickets are $50.00 per person -- a tax deductible donation. Derby attire, southern cuisine, Derby style games and cocktails.

Helping children in our community is nothing new to the volunteers of the Junior League of Grand Rapids and their latest project is no exception. Adventure education provides opportunities for children to practice goal setting, build confidence, and explore concepts of cooperation and teamwork during play sessions on specialized equipment. The trained volunteers of the Junior League of Grand Rapids are focused on enriching the lives and perspectives of women and children through mentoring and quality experiences that promote healthy lifestyles. These environments are uniquely designed to encourage interaction between children and their caregivers or between groups of children. The concept of Adventure Education supports the focus of the Junior League and our goal is to install the JLGR Wellness Adventure Yards at numerous sites in the city of Grand Rapids, ideally reaching those communities where city funding has resulted in a lack of park maintenance and development.

The first JL W.A.Y. site concept is nearing completion and fundraising has begun with a goal of the initial phase of installation at a local domestic abuse shelter anticipated to begin later this year. There are several ways you can help support this worthwhile JLGR project.

For more information about the events or the Junior League, go to www.juniorleaguegr.com or call 616-451-0452.