* What is Exchange?
Exchange is an all volunteer, national service organization for men and women who want to serve their community, develop leadership skills, and enjoy new friendships. Exchange is made up of nearly 1,000 clubs and 33,000 members throughout the United States and Puerto Rico.
Exchange is known to millions as America's Service Club, and with good reason. From our organization's earliest days, Exchange Clubs have been unselfishly serving their communities and improving the quality of life. The diverse array of Exchange-sponsored programs and projects have made a considerable impact on America thus enhancing the lives of countless men, women, and children across the nation.
* Why join Exchange?
To help us build a better America, and in doing so, bring out the best of yourself. Exchange helps members to develop leadership, networking, and organizational skills that contribute to success in business, family, and personal endeavors. More importantly, Exchange provides members with the opportunity to share their time and talents to help others whether by reaching out to an abused child who needs love and affection... helping to organize a community crime prevention program... or wielding rakes in a clean-up project. Through these and many other positive, public-spirited projects, Exchangites are making a real difference in cities and towns across America.
* History
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The first local Exchange Club was formed in Detroit, Michigan in 1911. Charles A. Berkey is the man who is credited with the founding of this great organization. The second was the Exchange Club of Toledo, Ohio formed in 1913. Subsequently, two others were organized in Grand Rapids, Michigan and Cleveland, Ohio. These four clubs were the first to be chartered by The National Exchange Club after it was organized as a nonprofit, educational organization in 1917. Since then hundreds of clubs have been chartered in the United States and Puerto Rico. The National Exchange Club headquarters is located in Toledo, Ohio. Our chief objective is to help Exchange Clubs realize their full potential of community service. |
* The Exchange Club of Charleston, SC was organized in November 1923, and chartered on April 15, 1924. The Club started with 32 memberrs, and now has over 250 members, making us the nation's largest Exchange Club. In the mid-1950's, the Club began searching for a community service project which could be a fundraiser to finance other community service events and projects. After purchasing the Charleston County Agricultural and Industrial Fair, the Exchange Club Fair began in 1957.In 1970 the Club purchased a facility on the corner of Calhoun Street and Ashley Avenue for use by the Charleston Chapter of the American Cancer Society to provide overnight accommodations for cancer patients and their families while receiving cancer treatment at local hospitals. In 1982 the Club donated the facility to the local cancer chapter. Since its meager beginnings in 1957, Fair proceeds have funded over $6 million dollars for the Club's community service projects and cash grants to other charitable organizations. The 2005 Fair produced over $500,000 for community service projects and cash grants. The Club has provided financial support to many local charities and service organizations. The Club, along with other Exchange Clubs and the United Way, established an Exchange Club Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse in June 1985. Focused on stopping child abuse before it happens, Project Friend-to-Friend was designed to meet the needs of families at-risk for abuse. Late in the 1990's, the community needed to address a gap in services for young teen parents under the age of 16. A pilot program was conducted offering support and education for these young mothers. The pilot program was successful and was adopted as a service program, known today as Parent Aides Nuturing and Developing Adolescents (PANDA).
* The funds we raise enable us to help many people--the elderly, the young, the poor, inexperienced parents, abused and neglected children. Profits derived from the operation of the Fair are used exclusively for charitable and educational purposes. Our Program of Service impacts the lives of hundreds of people within our community, benefitting them in many ways, such as the following: Child Abuse Prevention, Americanism, Community Service, and Youth Programs.
* What can Exchange do for me?
Affiliation with Exchange provides you with the vehicle to reach out and serve your community while developing leadership skills. By planning, implementing, and completing a volunteer service project, you can enhance your leadership and management skills while making your community place.
* Your involvement in Exchange will introduce you to new friends and enjoyable social events. You will have an opportunity to meet a variety of people who all share a desire to better their community, and have fun while doing so.
* As an Exchange Club member, you can take advantage of numerous educational experiences such as educational conferences and training seminars conducted at national and district conventions. All of these sessions are designed with one thing in mind--to help you become a more effective and knowledgeable citizen and Exchangite. A welcome bonus is the fact that many of the leadership and management skills you will develop through Exchange will also help you reach your personal and professional goals.
