Junior League to Kick Off 60th Anniversary With a 'Sparkly' Party

It's been 60 years, and the Junior League of Birmingham is still sparkling.

That's the theme of the Junior League's gala kick-off party this Thursday, held to honor the group's 60th anniversary.

The party kicks off at Zazios from 6-9 p.m. and is open to the public. Your $30 ticket includes two drink and appetizers. Attendees will also be entered into a drawing to win two free tickets to the Junior League's official 60th anniversary gala, to be held April 27, 2013.

What's required? Since the Junior League is "still sparkling after 60 years," the Junior League's Netti Boivin said attendees are only required to wear "sparkly" attire.

Birmingham's junior league chapter was established in 1952 and is made up of women from Birmingham, Troy, Berkley, Ferndale, Bloomfield Hills, Rochester Hills, Farmington, Canton, Northville and more.

According to the group's website, the organization is committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving the community through volunteer efforts and training volunteers.

The Birmingham chapter was the 177th league to become a member of the Association of the Junior Leagues of America, Inc. (AJLI). The group began with the work of three women — Mrs. Jon Sander, Mrs. Paul Hoffman and Mrs. Merrill Bates — who took charge of the Thrift Shop at the Birmingham Community House in 1938 and began organizing volunteer efforts around town.

In 1943, the group had 64 members and began meeting as the Birmingham-Bloomfield Group of the Detroit Junior League. A year later, they voted to become the Oakland County Branch of the Detroit Junior League, eventually growing to 150 members.

To purchase tickets for the gala kick-off party, visit www.jlbham.org. Tickets will also be available at the door. For more information, email 60years@jlbham.org.