Local residents take part in Community of Lights campaign

In mid-March, the Junior League of Birmingham announced 20 Torchbearers for its 2019 Community of Lights campaign, through which the JLB seeks to fight domestic violence and sexual assault by raising money for a permanent home for One Place Metro Alabama Family Justice Center.

The Torchbearers were chosen to represent specific communities, and five of them are representing Forest Park and Redmont, according to a JLB spokesperson. They are attorneys Jenna Bedsole, Andrew Nix and Leila Watson; architect Cindy Coyle; and Bart Crawford, president of The Title Group.

Each of the 20 fundraisers will attempt to raise $10,000, totaling $200,000 for thisyear’s goal. 

One Place provides coordinated services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault through a team of local agencies that work together under one roof, including the Birmingham Police Department and the Jefferson County District Attorney’s office.

In 2017, the JLB announced plans to celebrate the organization’s upcoming 100th anniversary by raising $1.25 million as the lead gift to allow One Place to acquire and remodel a permanent space for operations. The 2017 and 2018 Torchbearers raised over $500,000 toward the goal.One of the largest Junior League organizations in the world, the JLB has nearly 2,300 members, according to a news release from the group. 

The JLB is a women’s organization committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving the community through the leadership of trained volunteers. 

The organization’s community projects focus on four impact areas: education, financial stability, health, and safety and crisis intervention.

To donate to the Community of Lights Campaign through May 9, go to communityoflights.swellgives.com.