Junior League of Tuscaloosa Highlights Year of Growth and Impact

The Junior League of Tuscaloosa wrapped up a successful 2025-2026 league season at their recent May meeting and Annual Awards ceremony.

To kick off the evening, Junior League of Tuscaloosa President Danielle Kimbrough Spikes said that she believes “when women work hard, lead hard, and serve their communities well, they deserve to be celebrated loudly.”

She also emphasized the importance of balancing careers, families, volunteer work, fundraising, and leadership roles, reinforcing that “the women behind that work matter.”

Spikes reminded attendees that the Association of Junior Leagues International spans nearly 300 leagues worldwide, while emphasizing that the Junior League of Tuscaloosa continues to make a meaningful impact in Tuscaloosa County as part of that larger global mission.

The president also reflected on her own League journey, from joining as a provisional member to ultimately serving as president. She shared how an early fundraising pilot project ignited her passion for fund development, helping pave the way for the creation and continued growth of the Northport Bunny Trail.

With 210 members, the League contributed “26 service projects, 349 community service hours, and raised $64,864 through fundraising efforts and grants,” said the JLT Annual 2026 report.

Also, members supported the Annual Northport Bunny Trail, which generated “record-breaking revenue, $54,733, which was a 18% increase from 2025.” And launched a new free community event, “A Night Out for Every Woman,” which was inspired by the Association of Junior League International’s ‘Every Woman. All Things.’ campaign.

In addition, JLT continued its support of Holt Elementary through various hands-on volunteer efforts, such as welcoming students on the first day of school, hosting game nights, organizing math events, participating in fall festivals, “meal-in-a-bag,” and stocking the Pillar Store.

Community Centennial Partnerships

“Each year leading up to our centennial celebration (2029), the Junior League of Tuscaloosa selects one historic community partner to receive a $20,000 financial commitment along with 100 volunteer service hours from our members,” said Chelsea Ratcliff, JLT President-Elect.

Tuscaloosa’s One Place (TOP) was the 2025-2026 Centennial Partnership. Throughout the year, JLT members volunteered in workforce development and educational programs, beautified the facility, supported awareness efforts during Child Abuse Prevention Month, and created the Family First Boutique.

Ratcliff also announced that the “2026–2027 Centennial Community Partner will be RISE Center.” Where JLT has pledged a “$20,000 financial commitment and 100 volunteer service.”

2026 Junior League Presidential Honors

These awards, presented at the sole discretion of the JLT president, honor partners who help advance the organization.

Spikes honored the City of Northport for its unwavering support during the Northport Bunny Trail season. “The success and continued growth of the Northport Bunny Trail would simply not be possible without the City of Northport.” Also, she noted that “behind the scenes, there is an enormous amount of planning, coordination, logistics, installation work, troubleshooting, and operational support required to bring an event of that scale to life.”

Also recognized was Shanna McIntosh, the immediate past JLT president, for her efforts with the Northport Bunny Trail. Spikes said that McIntosh stepped back in to help with logistics, event details, and more.  “Leadership does not end when a title does — it is service, commitment, and showing up when it matters most.”

2026 Junior League of Tuscaloosa Award Winners

I had the honor of hosting the awards segment, celebrating members whose dedication, leadership, and service made a lasting impact on the organization during the 2025-2026 league year.

JLT Placement Award: Tiff Butler

The JLT Placement Award honors a member who exemplifies the purpose of the Junior League of Tuscaloosa through extraordinary service in her placement.

Bulter was honored for her creativity, initiative, and dedication as the Northport Bunny Trail’s Social Media Manager and Content Creator.

Dr. Karen Thompson-Jackson Commitment Award: Raychel Davidson

This award honors a member who exemplifies the purpose of the Junior League, like the award’s namesake - our very own Dr. Karen Thompson-Jackson. Other community service is not necessary, only service to the Junior League of Tuscaloosa, above and beyond her placement.

As Vice President of Membership, Davidson was recognized for leading with positivity, creativity, and purpose, elevating events and creating meaningful opportunities for members to connect and grow.

Mary Colwick Award: Whitney Johnson

This award is bestowed on the member who best lives by George Bernard Shaw's credo: "My life belongs to the community, and as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it what I can…"  This award honors the memory of Mary Colwick, an outstanding former member of the League and mother of League member Elizabeth Colwick Hamner.

Throughout the year, Johnson worked tirelessly to support Holt’s needs, ensure volunteer engagement, and foster meaningful relationships within the school community.

Volunteer of the Year Award: Vessie Simmons

This award honors the member who exemplifies the purpose of the Junior League and is equally involved in other community areas.

Whether volunteering behind the scenes or stepping in during moments of need, Simmons approaches every task with enthusiasm, professionalism, and a genuine desire to serve others.

Provisional of the Year Award: Dalis Lampkins

This award goes to the provisional member who has gone above and beyond on behalf of her provisional class and clearly shown leadership and passion early in her league career.

Recognized for her warmth, creativity, service-minded spirit, and willingness to help others, Lampkins made a lasting impression on both her provisional class and the League as a whole.

Carolyn Fritz Sustainer of the Year Award: Jennifer Colburn

The Carolyn Fritz Sustainer of the Year Award recognizes a sustaining member who exemplifies the Junior League of Tuscaloosa’s mission through outstanding service, leadership, and commitment to our community.

Colburn was honored for her work that led to the transformation of the Baby Boutique Vault at Tuscaloosa’s One Place, reimagining the space into a warm, dignified, and empowering environment for families in need.

JLT Leadership Award: Chelsea Ratcliff

This award honors the work of Allison Leitner, an outstanding League member. It is awarded to any provisional, active, or sustaining member of the Junior League of Tuscaloosa who exemplifies the purpose and ideals of the League and is devoted to the study and practice of leadership at any organizational level.

Ratcliff was highlighted for her unique ability to listen to multiple perspectives, guide conversations with compassion, and foster collaboration while still holding others accountable with kindness and integrity.

Bloom Where You Are Planted

Valerie Autry, Maggie Bates, Molly Dickey, Stephanie Dunnam, Kate Gundling, Didi Henry, Stacie Hollingsworth, Jonna Martin, and Whitney Wells.

The Bloom Where You Are Planted Award recognizes members who have gone above and beyond in their placements, demonstrating exceptional dedication to the mission and values of the Junior League of Tuscaloosa.

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In the president's closing remarks, she hopes that members take away from her presidency is that you truly get out of this organization what you put into it,” said Spikes.

“If you lean in, this League will grow you. It will challenge you. It will develop your confidence, expand your relationships, and give you opportunities to lead and serve in ways you may never have imagined for yourself.”