By Brandi McGrath Kong, Director of Communications & Conference
Clubs helping clubs. What’s better than that? We always love to hear stories of our clubs coming together in a shared community or region to put on a special event, throw a big fundraiser, support an important cause or celebrate a noteworthy achievement.
In South Carolina, Communication Specialist Karen Baier has observed a robust culture of collaboration among many of the clubs she engages with.
“Five of the seven clubs I deal with often work together,” Baier, who is a member of the Wade Hampton Sertoma Club, said. “We help each other out with fundraisers.”
Baier recently shared that when the Richland Sertoma Club held their big fundraiser in August, members from four other clubs were on hand to volunteer and show their support. Beyond attending, several Sertomans gave six or more hours of their time to help. She also noted volunteers from other clubs helped the North Lake Sertoma Club in the selling, picking and packing of barbecue pork for its fundraiser.
Clubs in South Carolina are well-known for their long dedication to Camp Sertoma. These clubs, which are all located in the general Columbia, South Carolina, area, are no exception. They come together to rent a bus to make sure that area children get to camp. Club members from all five also serve as chaperones.
However, it’s not all about just service, fundraising and work. The clubs find time to celebrate together and just have fun.
“We have Christmas gatherings, and I put together a picnic at a state park in June that members from four of the clubs came to,” Baier shared.
The spirit of these Columbia-area clubs working together exemplifies the power of community and collaboration. Their collective efforts showcase the remarkable difference that unity and shared purpose can make, highlighting the extraordinary achievements that can be realized when organizations come together for the common good.
Eight Benefits of Working Together:
- Increased resources
- Broader reach
- Shared expertise
- Enhanced creativity
- Strengthened community
- Larger volunteer base
- Shared budgeting opportunities