The St. Joseph Sertoma Club recently awarded $500 each to three local organizations during its quarterly meeting, marking the club’s 112th anniversary. The funds were presented to representatives from the AFL-CIO, Special Olympics, and the YMCA by Board Chair Pat Dillon. This initiative reflects the club’s ongoing commitment to supporting community-focused activities.
At the same meeting, Club President Bill McMurray honored two longtime members, Ed and Pat Burton, with the Sertoman of the Year plaques. The Burtons were recognized for their decades-long dedication to the club’s mission of providing “SERvice TO MAnkind.” Their contributions have significantly impacted the community, demonstrating the values that the Sertoma Club embodies.
Celebrating Community Service
Notably present at the event was Bill Williams, the International Director from Springfield, Missouri. He commended the St. Joseph Sertoma Club for its impressive legacy of over 100 years of community service. Since its establishment in 1914, the club has been instrumental in organizing events that benefit both local and national causes.
The Sertoma Club’s initiatives include placing American flags during ten different community events and volunteering for Meals on Wheels. Such activities illustrate the club’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life in St. Joseph, Missouri, and beyond.
The St. Joseph Sertoma Club is one of the oldest Sertoma organizations in the United States, having been founded just two years after the inception of the Sertoma movement in Kansas City. Its longevity and active participation in community service underscore the importance of local organizations in fostering a sense of community and support among residents.
As the club continues to celebrate its history and impact, the recent awards to the AFL-CIO, Special Olympics, and YMCA highlight the ongoing need for collaboration between community organizations to uplift and empower those in need. Such partnerships are vital in building a stronger, more resilient community.
