A Letter From Our President

Another great year has come to a close for Junior Achievement and we have once again surpassed our goal in the number of children we expected to serve. I am pleased to report that over 19,000 children (a 57% increase in three years) throughout greater Richmond and over 2,000 in the Charlottesville region received JA programs.

As always there are so many people to thank and you most certainly know who you are. Our volunteers are our greatest asset. It is you who not only ensure that we deliver quality programs but you are our brokers of experiences that often alter the lives of our youth. To you we are forever grateful, you are what brings JA to life by giving of your time and your talents.

To our funders, we could not provide the JA experience without your investment. We have continued to operate at a deficit while expanding our programs. The time has come to end this practice as the dollars no longer exist. We are confident in what we do and the impact it has made on so many, thank you. We ask that you continue to support JA while we cultivate new investors and expand our reach so that all children are taught to value free enterprise, business and economics to improve the quality of their lives.

To our local schools, it is your belief in our programs and their impact that allows the students to have this great experience. You continually show your support through wonderful teachers who have continued to teach JA for years while allowing new teachers to have our programs that assist with Standards of Learning tests. Just as importantly, you allow us to the bridge the gap between business and education by letting a business person share their real world experience. You know our value and continue to welcome us and build relationships.

We also have had two great events this year. Our Hall of Fame is always the capstone event of the year and the individuals that we honor always set a great example for the youth of our community, this year was no exception. Our Bowl A Thon, once again hosted over 1,000 people at three different bowling centers. This event allows for a fun filled afternoon in which everyone has a great time raising funds for JA. Both of these events take an array of people to make them successful, thank you to all involved.

I continually consider myself blessed to work for such a great organization that affects thousands of people, young and old. Whether you are receiving a program or the one teaching JA, there is so much to learn and so much to be gained. To all of our supporters, thank you for allowing me to do something I believe in so very much. I encourage others to get involved and discover the value of moving from success to significance.

Sincerely,
Anne Marie McHugh
President
Junior Achievement of Central Virginia

© 2004, Junior Achievement of Central Virginia