The Carson Sertoma Club, dedicated to raising funds for local children with hearing and speech problems, cancer, and diabetes, recently revised its by-laws, opening membership in the club to women and youths.
When Sertoma was founded in Carson City in 1964, the by-laws were provided by Sertoma National, which at that time was a national male-only charitable organization. The club had not gotten around to changing them, even when Sertoma National went co-ed in the 1980s.
"We never had a formal application from a woman to become a member, so we never thought about," current president Frank Taylor said. "However, during our last membership drive, this omission was pointed out, and we quickly worked with Sertoma National to have the new by-laws provided, which were approved by the club in June. I would also mention that the new by-laws do not have an age limit for membership, so any community-minded teens who want to help needy children could become a member."
Taylor also encouraged students to consider Sertoma's programs for a senior project.
Carson Sertoma raises funds in support of 10 local charitable organizations, including the Carson School District for Hearing and Speech, Nevada Diabetes Association for Children and Adults, Carson Advocates for Cancer Victims, Angel Kiss, Carson Senior Center, FISH and OARC. Last year the club donated $13,000 to these and other groups.
The organization has three major fundraisers each year: a Family Musical Fun Night in the spring, a golf tournament in the summer, and a football-book program in the fall. Sertoma also sponsors a beer wagon at the Nevada Day Parade.
To continue these fundraisers, the group is seeking to increase its membership, as many of the long-time members are elderly or in poor health. The club's founders, Don Clore and Leroy Winters, still are members, but both are in their 80s.
Membership would not be arduous or time-consuming, Taylor said. For the fundraisers, members sell tickets, obtain raffle prizes, and assist at the actual events, if possible. The only other commitment is the weekly luncheon meeting at 12:10 p.m. Wednesdays at Q's restaurant. Attendance is not mandatory.
Membership in the Carson Sertoma Club provides the opportunity to socialize with Carson City men and, now, women who also want to help the less fortunate in community and make a difference.
For more information, call Taylor at 885-7579 or come as a guest any Wednesday at Q's to observe the program and meet members, while enjoying lunch and the program.