The Exchange Club of Southwest Michigan is marking its 105th anniversary this year, and it’s planning a special celebration for next month.
The club’s Lois Ashbrook tells us the Exchange Club’s main mission nationally is to help prevent child abuse, and it has three local programs.
“Americanism,” Ashbrook said. “Through Americanism, we give kids a flag, which we do that generally at 4th of July, handing out flags prior to the 4th of July celebration fireworks. We work with Lest We Forget, and then we’re also partnering with the Fisher House, which is similar to a Ronald McDonald House, which helps veterans.”
The Exchange Club of Southwest Michigan will honor more than a century of service to the community with a dinner on April 28 at Hidden Pointe Event Hall in Benton Harbor. The evening will include a special program featuring patriotic songs by Sally Stine and the comedy of Craig Tournquist.
“I also have some members from the Michigan District coming, former past national president. They’re going to give a little brief history on the National Exchange and how it started in Detroit in 1911.”
Ashbrook says the Exchange Club of Southwest Michigan has made a lasting impact locally through initiatives like the Goodfellow Sale, support for the Children’s Advocacy Center, and youth programs.
Tickets to the April 28 celebration are $25 and can be purchased from the Exchange Club by check. They should be payable to Exchange Club of SWMI and sent to P.O. Box 8755, Benton Harbor, MI 49022.
For more information about the event or the Exchange Club of Southwest Michigan, email Brenda Yenchus at brenda@starksfh.com
