I often reflect on what has sparked my interest in being a member of this organization for all these years. Why have I been a Jaycee for 41% of my life ? And while receiving some nice hats, shirts, jackets, and other perks are enticing, the true value of serving as a Chagrin Valley Jaycee is rooted far deeper than tangible materials. There ’ s a culture surrounding this organization that ’ s truly exceptional. At its foundation, being a Jaycee encourages the pursuit of personal growth and attaining professional development. On top of that, it ’ s about making bold decisions while knowing you have the support of experienced leaders from all walks of life. It ’ s about building confidence in oneself through the planning and execution of activities, events, and projects for the benefit of others. It ’ s about comfort and surrounding yourself with an arsenal of good-hearted individuals. And my personal favorite, it ’ s about building lifelong friendships. I have the Jaycees to thank for my professional career, my social circle, and most importantly, the character I have developed over the years. The Jaycee character is one that encourages volunteering and dedicating one ’ s time to others. It ’ s a character that emphasizes working smartly, but never forgetting that true reward goes hand and hand with getting your hands dirty. Our members are not above picking up trash, setting up tables and chairs or climbing telephone poles in the dead of winter to hang holiday lights. The Jaycee character that is to always be welcoming to others, realizing that so many seasoned Jaycees offered support and opportunities to you, and knowing that it is important to offer that same support and encouragement to others. The Chagrin Valley Jaycees is continuously growing, and I contribute that success to its membership. We are over 250 members strong, being comprised of doctors, painters, lawyers, managers, laborers, business owners, financial advisors, carpenters, landscapers, and insurance guys, who all bring their professional skills to the table for the advancement of our organization. We often marvel at the fact that very few other groups are able to pull off an event like the Blossom Time Festival in Chagrin Falls, and even fewer still can decorate an entire village with lights, garland, and trees within a three-hour window during the holiday season. This past year I have had the absolute privilege of representing this outstanding group of dedicated volunteers as Jaycee President. I ’ m very proud of our organization ’ s purpose, it ’ s membership, and all the effort our team dedicates, year after year, to enhance the quality of life for the residents of the Chagrin Valley. I owe a lot to the Jaycees, but mostly I owe the Jaycees a great debt of gratitude for helping to shape the man I am today. I look forward to seeing the great work that the Jaycees will continue to do. -Mike Tomaro CVJC President, 2024 A Letter from the President
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online