The Heritage Junior Women’s Club presented over $11,000 to fund some of North Baldwin County’s programs at their annual end of the year banquet.

During the banquet they also recognized some of their own members for their work over the past year and appointed new officers.

Teacher’s grants totaling $5,000 were awarded to area teachers. In addition to sponsoring the many programs presented by these educators, the club made donations to fund literacy and reading programs.

The “Reach to Read” literacy program, lead by Jessica Hagemeier, received $800 and the Bay Minette Public Library received $1,000.

The club’s provisional member’s community service project was a Pets in the Park fund-raiser which helped generate funds for the North Baldwin Animal Shelter. Raising money through this and the chili cook-off, the club was able to donate $3,000 for the shelter.

A $250 donation was made to the Garrett DeLoach Scholarship Fund and the Baldwin County Junior Miss Program received a $250 scholarship.

Club awards were presented during the banquet acknowledging all the hard work these members did throughout the year.

Dawn Hoover was awarded the Justice Lyn Stuart Community Service Award for her civic work with North Baldwin United Way, the Rotary Ambassador program at Baldwin County, Light of the Village and First United Methodist Church.

“Through her vision, this club began Emily’s Closet which provides prom dresses for those who may not be able to afford one on their own,” said Tina Covington of Hoover.

Bridget Wilson was presented the HJWC Leadership Award. Wilson has served as club treasurer, president and currently serves as the provisional liaison. The Bebe Kobos Clubwoman of the Year Award was awarded to Lara Goodman for her work on the annual chili cook-off, one of the club’s largest fund-raisers, as well as serving as records director.