AN
INTRODUCTION
TO THE
DOWNTOWN SERTOMA CLUB
OF
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SERTOMA
INTERNATIONAL
Sertoma is an international civic
organization and is one of the oldest service association in the
DOWNTOWN
SERTOMA CLUB
The Downtown Sertoma Club was
chartered in February 1951 and, at its peak in mid-1980, had 120 members.
However, like other civic clubs, membership has shrunk over the years due to
companies’ unwillingness to encourage their employees to join service
organizations. A major constitutional change occurred in 1985 when the Club
voted to admit women, becoming the first civic-service organization in
Over the years, the Downtown Sertoma
Club has earned many District, Regional and International awards for its
activities and sponsorships in many areas of service to the community.
Since 1965, the Club has supported the Speech and
Notable highlights of the Club’s activities are the
sponsorship of the National Heritage Program, Service To
Mankind Awards program, and participation in the Armed Forces Day Parade.
Monies for the Club’s sponsorships are chiefly derived from
various fund-raiser programs. One of the most successful was the Sports and
Leisure Show - co-sponsored with NewsChannel 9 and
organized in 1985. As times and life styles changed, the Show became less
profitable, in 1995, when it was sold to a promotional organization.
A second source of revenue has been, and continues to be,
the popular annual Seniors Golf Tournament. Proceeds from this event are
forwarded to the Children’s Speech and Hearing Services.
The “Down To Earth” Lawn and Garden Show was launched in
February 2002 at the Chattanooga Choo Choo’s Grand Central. The show was sold out to exhibitors
catering to the gardening enthusiasts, resulting in a move to the Camp Jordan
Arena in
By the International Constitution and the IRS, the Club
keeps 15% of the net profits from such fund-raiser events. These monies go into
the Club’s Sponsorship Fund for further development of future events. The other 85% is donated to charitable
organizations selected by the Board of Directors.
Social events play a part of enjoyment for the members and
their families. These usually include such events as a
The Downtown Sertoma Club is a
dynamic organization known for its spirit, openness and dedication to the
betterment of the community. We welcome all business and professional people,
regardless of race, sex, creed or national origin.
POTPOURRI
Weekly Meetings - Meetings are held every Thursday
from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. However, most members begin arriving as early as
11:30 in order to visit with one another.
Weekly Drawings - Voluntary contributions of $1 are
given by members for a drawing. The winner whose number is drawn receives 1/3rd
of the amount collected. The remainder goes into the Convention Fund to help
fund those members who wish to attend Regional Conventions.
AWARDS
Gem Award - The first award a new member should
strive for is the GEM award (Good Enthusiastic Member). This can be
earned only during the first year and is awarded to those who meet the
requirements as outlined in the New Member Packet. The primary requirement is
the attainment of a new member.
Perfect
Attendance - This award is
achieved by the majority of members. The record held is for 27 years perfect
attendance held by the late Jim Eberle. Makeup can be
achieved by attending another Sertoma Club’s meeting,
a Board meeting, or a Convention.
Sertoman Of The Year - The recipient of this award is at the
discretion of the
President. It is based on, in the President’s opinion, the one member who has
gone beyond “the call of duty”, someone who exemplifies the true spirit of Sertoma in their community.
The recipient of the Sertoman
of The Year award is then nominated for the District Award.
Gold Eagle Awards - These awards consist of the Centurion, Tribune and Senator 1- IIV and are outlined in the New Member Packet. All members are encouraged to participate in their achievement.