Who Are We?

The Greater Hartford Jaycees have been in the business of leadership training through community service for over 64 years. Founded in 1944 as part of the United States Junior Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Hartford Jaycees provide young adults between the ages of 21 and 40 with numerous opportunities for leadership training, professional development and networking by managing projects within our Community, Individual, International, and Management Development areas.

"Being a Jaycee member can change your life! There are so many opportunities for personal and professional development through managing projects, people, and budgets. And, by participating in projects that are fun, you are able to impact the community and world around you. The friendships and connections you will make will last your entire lifetime," says 2007 President, Amy C. Anderson.

Our chapter is most commonly associated with our primary fundraiser, the Travelers Championship, formerly the Greater Hartford Open, an annual golf tournament known fondly by New England fans as the "GHO". The Tournament was founded by the Greater Hartford Jaycees in 1952, and today the Jaycees recruit and manage over 1,500 volunteers that it takes a day to run the Tournament.

Proceeds from the Travelers Championship allows the Jaycees to give back to the community while we develop the leadership and professional skills of our members by planning and organizing over 40 projects annually. The planning and administration of projects, grants, scholarships, and events in our organization are carried out solely by volunteers. Each time a member runs a project, researches a grant, interviews a scholarship recipient or organizes a meeting, he or she is gaining valuable leadership experience. This is the basic tenant of our chapter, and the primary message in our motto, "Leadership Development through Community Service".

Along with financing community and leadership development projects, Tournament revenue is returned to the community through the Greater Hartford Jaycees Foundation. Since 1971, the Foundation has awarded over $15 Million in grants and scholarships to non-profit organizations and students in the Greater Hartford Area.

Our 2004 Annual Report

Below is a listing of the charities we support: