Gaining recognition: Jaycees collect service awards during banquet
Though they didn’t join the Jaycees to be recognized for their community efforts, that’s not to say local members aren’t excited they brought home 13 awards from the state organization’s first-quarter convention held recently in Nashville.
“Traditionally, McMinnville has always been an active chapter, doing a number of great projects,” said Jaycee president Harrison Woodlee. “However, we have not always been recognized in the state organization for those projects. This is a wonderful result for us.”
The Jaycees, which is short for Junior Chamber of Commerce, is a national organization for men and women between the ages of 21 and 39. Its purpose is to give young adults the opportunity to develop personal and leadership skills through service to others.
Begun in 1939, the McMinnville Jaycees has always worked for the betterment of Warren County by conducting projects which benefit those less fortunate, as well as the community at large.
Today the group has around 80 members and remains busy year round with such fund-raising projects as the Little Miss and Mister Pageant, the Patrick Ramsey Memorial Golf Tournament, the Jaycee Softball Tournament, the Jaycee Haunted House, a fair food booth and cow pasture bingo.
The majority of money raised from these efforts goes toward providing a Christmas party – complete with gifts – for approximately 100 underprivileged children in Warren County. Some money also goes toward helping Camp Discovery, a Gainsboro camp for mentally challenged and handicapped children.
The group also sponsors events which benefit a great portion community such as its annual Easter egg hunt, RSVP banquet, adopt a highway, Jaycee basketball and softball, and college scholarships.
Chapter awards won by the McMinnville Jaycees include: first place Population Division 4 for a Community Project, Distinguished Service Award Banquet; second place Sweepstakes-Area of Community, Distinguished Service Award Banquet; third place Net Growth Chapter for Population Division 4.
“Our focus has never really been to get awards,” said Woodlee. “We have always focused of doing things for our community. But it is nice to be recognized for doing those community activities.”
Woodlee added anyone interested in becoming a member of the Jaycees can call him at 668-7136 for more information.
(McMinnville, Tenn.)