Speaker's Series   

The Speaker Series is one of York’s most respected fundraisers and is often the most visible JLY activity in the community. Committee members are charged with selecting an individual who will be of interest to the community and then book that person for the annual spring “In the Spotlight” event. Members begin working in the summer (or before) to select a speaker whose schedule will coincide with the JLY year. Members sell ads for the program, secure corporate or individual sponsorships, engage JLY membership to assist in various capacities and coordinate promotions and publicity for the event.

Through its “In the Spotlight” series, JLY has sponsored national political figures, celebrities or other newsmakers since 1988. The Speaker Series has brought in such luminaries as former President George H.W. Bush, Walter Cronkite, Lady Margaret Thatcher, Gen. Colin Powell, Katie Couric, Sidney Poitier, Oliver North, Her Majesty Queen Noor, Tim Russert, and most recently, Terry Bradshaw.

Funds raised from the Speaker Series and other JLY fundraisers allow the League to support its own projects and assist many other local organizations. Currently the League’s area of impact is Beautification.