Pub 1 2021 Issue 1

Women Elevated 12 The Adventures of Purchasing the JLSLC Headquarters The year I served as the president of The League was one of the most challenging, collaborative and rewarding experi- ences of my life. In 12 months, we purchased a building, did a total remodel, and raised over a million dollars to fund the whole thing. Lisa Mietchen (Past President), Carol Firmage (President-elect), Joanie Shupe (Board Member) and I led the purchase and construction part of the project, but it was our gracious and generous Sustainer Capital Campaign Commit- tee members who made it all possible. The League membership voted in 1998 to start looking for a property to purchase; our lease was expiring on our office space next to Phillips Gallery in Downtown Salt Lake City. We wanted to find a building that would be large enough for our members to gather together and to offer space for Women Helping Women. Our vision was to share our meeting spac- es with other nonprofits in our city, embracing the Junior League’s role as a community support agent. In the summer of 1999, we toured our building — the “Squire Hair for Men” headquarters (a men’s hair transplant compa- ny!). It was ugly, rundown, and just the right price. When it really sunk in, my heart sank in that this project is what I would By Katy Andrews JLSLC President 1999-00 SUSTAINING MEMBERS