By Jason E. Camis, IOM


The Sertoma International Board of Directors met on Thursday, October 17, 2024, in conjunction with the 2024 Sertoma International Conference in Dallas, TX. As always, it was a productive meeting with a few notable accomplishments.

As with any board meeting, the board began by reviewing the organization’s financial position and received an update from our investment managers at Raymond James. Of particular importance to members, the board approved the 2025 Regional Convention Budgets, enabling staff to begin advertising the events.

The board then moved onto various topics including membership, programs and services, administration, etc., including, but not limited to:

• Approval of a 100-year Club Anniversary Proposal to honor our Sertoma clubs that will hit the century mark in 2025 (Emporia, KS, and Dayton, OH), as well as those clubs that have already celebrated their 100-year anniversary.
• Establishing an ad-hoc award committee to review Sertoma awards.
• Discussed development/annual fund activities, from both a historical perspective and the direction Sertoma is heading in the future. Staff will begin exploring working with a development consultant to help guide us.
• Listened to updates from Executive Director Jason Camis about communication with members as he continues to visit Sertoma clubs across the U.S. In addition, Jason shared updates about the Kansas City (aka Mother Club), his club visit in Canada, and renewed communication with the Sertoma clubs in Mexico.
• Received an update about the continued growth of the Hearing Aid Project and our newest program, Hear2Help.

The most significant initiative that was approved was brought forth by Southeastern Regional Director Steve Thrash and Atlantic Coast Regional Director Robert White to establish a Sertoma Club Disaster Fund. The purpose of the fund is to support clubs who have lost fundraising events due to natural disasters (hence the ability to financially support their communities). The board authorized staff to use $25,000 from Sertoma International’s charitable reserves to seed the fund, and it will also accept donations from clubs/members who wish to support fellow Sertoma clubs that have been impacted. Grants of up to $2,500 will be made upon a short application by affected clubs. For more information, email aellington@sertoma.org.