Exchange Club Celebrates 105 Years with Dinner in April

The local chapter plans a special event to honor over a century of community service.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 11:00pm

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The Exchange Club of Southwest Michigan is marking its 105th anniversary this year and will celebrate with a special dinner on April 28th at Hidden Pointe Event Hall in Benton Harbor. The event will feature patriotic songs, comedy, and a program highlighting the club's history and national impact.

Why it matters

The Exchange Club has a long history of supporting important community initiatives in the Benton Harbor area, including child abuse prevention, youth programs, and assistance for veterans. This anniversary celebration recognizes the club's lasting impact and commitment to serving the local community.

The details

The Exchange Club's main national mission is to help prevent child abuse, and its local chapter runs three key programs - Americanism, which distributes American flags, support for the Lest We Forget organization, and a partnership with the Fisher House to assist veterans. The anniversary dinner will feature patriotic songs performed by Sally Stine as well as comedy from Craig Tournquist. Past national Exchange Club leaders will also be in attendance to provide historical context on the organization's founding in Detroit in 1911.

  • The Exchange Club of Southwest Michigan will hold its 105th anniversary dinner on April 28, 2026.
  • The club was founded in Detroit in 1911.

The players

Exchange Club of Southwest Michigan

A local chapter of the national Exchange Club organization, focused on community service initiatives like child abuse prevention, supporting veterans, and promoting patriotism.

Lois Ashbrook

A member of the Exchange Club of Southwest Michigan who provided details about the club's history and upcoming anniversary celebration.

Sally Stine

A performer scheduled to sing patriotic songs at the Exchange Club's anniversary dinner.

Craig Tournquist

A comedian scheduled to perform at the Exchange Club's anniversary dinner.

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What they’re saying

“Through Americanism, we give kids a flag, which we do that generally at 4th of July, handing out flags prior to the 4th of July celebration fireworks.”

— Lois Ashbrook, Member, Exchange Club of Southwest Michigan

“We work with Lest We Forget, and then we're also partnering with the Fisher House, which is similar to a Ronald McDonald House, which helps veterans.”

— Lois Ashbrook, Member, Exchange Club of Southwest Michigan

“I also have some members from the Michigan District coming, former past national president. They're going to give a little brief history on the National Exchange and how it started in Detroit in 1911.”

— Lois Ashbrook, Member, Exchange Club of Southwest Michigan

What’s next

Tickets to the April 28th Exchange Club anniversary dinner are $25 and can be purchased by check made payable to the Exchange Club of SWMI and sent to P.O. Box 8755, Benton Harbor, MI 49022.

The takeaway

The Exchange Club of Southwest Michigan's 105-year history of community service and initiatives like child abuse prevention, supporting veterans, and promoting patriotism demonstrates the lasting impact a local civic organization can have on a community over generations.