Hollywood Jaycees Executive Director Elected Florida JCI Senate President

“You receive your JCI Senatorship,” she explained, after serving a minimum of five years as a Jaycee. Then you start all over and start to serve on the Senate Board.”

Trying to capitalize and enhance the social component of the organization, Saunders – not that the woman who was affectionately dubbed the “Community Queen” could ever overlook making a difference – “Bee Kind to Others.”

“Being Kind,” she stated, “had to start within the organization. That’s the basis of building friendships.” She added how that was imperative toward the organization succeeding socially. “People will only want to come out to state functions if they are going to see their friends and have a good time.”

She also pointed out how in the Jaycees, the friendships equated with trust. If you were asked to chair a project, there was no fear or anxiety, because you knew your friends had your back/the same was true when the roles were reversed – that you would have your friend’s back when they stepped up.

In the Jaycees, Saunders was well known not only for the support she lent to fellow members, but for the lengths she would go to ensure that chapter projects succeeded. She was subsequently recognized for her efforts repeatedly, on the local, regional, and state levels.

This ultimately led to her being elected in 1993, as Chapter President of the Coconut Grove Jaycees. It in itself, was a considerable honor as Coconut Grove had over the years, been recognized as the standard for excellence – not only locally, but on the state, national, and even international level.

Saunders did not shy away, and filled the big shoes admirably. Under her leadership, the chapter excelled once again. It proved to be one of the best in Florida and as a result, captured the coveted Henry Giessenbier Memorial Award. Her outstanding effort was recognized as well, with her capturing a Seldon P. Waldo Award, as one of the best chapter presidents in the state.

She has brought that same level of enthusiasm to the Florida JCI Senate. Now as the Senate’s State President, she is hoping the positive attitude is infectious. She is promoting just that with her uplifting Bee Kind theme.

“Let’s have fun,” she called out to the membership. “Stay busy as bees, lift each other up, and continue making a difference in the communities we serve.”

With a Community Queen moniker, one knew it wouldn’t be long until she pointed to the strides the organization would take. She noted that JCI Senators still believed in the Jaycee Creed, of which the last line is, “And Service to Humanity is the Best Work of Life.”

“I’m especially excited,” she went on, “to bring back some hands-on, feel-good service projects at our August and November State Conferences. Together, we’ll role up our sleeves and support meaningful ‘Bee Kind’ initiates – whether that’s helping teachers with school supplies, assembling food baskets for families in need, supporting local food pantries, or creating care packages for seniors in nursing homes. Small acts of kindness,” she summed up, “can make a big impact, and I can’t wait to see what we can accomplish together.”

She made a point of thanking both her board of directors and the membership for taking the upcoming journey with her. She added how much she was “looking forward to the exciting year ahead, filled with friendship, fellowship, service, and plenty of kindness.”