Exchange Club of Southwest Michigan Celebrates 105 Years

The community service organization plans a special dinner event in April to mark the milestone.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 7:00am

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The Exchange Club of Southwest Michigan is celebrating its 105th anniversary this year and will host a special dinner event on April 28 at Hidden Pointe Event Hall in Benton Harbor. The evening will feature patriotic songs, comedy, and a program highlighting the club's history and national impact. The Exchange Club is known locally for initiatives like the Goodfellow Sale, support for the Children's Advocacy Center, and youth programs.

Why it matters

The Exchange Club has been a fixture in the Southwest Michigan community for over a century, demonstrating the lasting impact that community service organizations can have. As one of the oldest and most established clubs in the region, the Exchange Club's anniversary celebration showcases the enduring power of civic engagement and volunteerism.

The details

The Exchange Club of Southwest Michigan's main national mission is to help prevent child abuse, and the local club has three key programs: Americanism (distributing flags for 4th of July), partnering with Lest We Forget, and working with the Fisher House to support veterans. For the 105th anniversary celebration, the club has planned a dinner event featuring patriotic songs by Sally Stine, comedy by Craig Tournquist, and a history presentation by members of the Michigan District and a former national president.

  • The Exchange Club of Southwest Michigan was founded in 1911.
  • The club's 105th anniversary celebration will take place on April 28, 2026.

The players

Lois Ashbrook

A member of the Exchange Club of Southwest Michigan who shared details about the club's mission and upcoming anniversary event.

Brenda Yenchus

The person to contact for more information about the Exchange Club of Southwest Michigan and its 105th anniversary celebration.

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What they’re saying

“'Americanism,' Ashbrook said. '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. 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

What’s next

Tickets to the April 28 celebration are $25 and can be purchased from the Exchange Club by check. They should be payable to Exchange Club of SWMI and sent to P.O. Box 8755, Benton Harbor, MI 49022.

The takeaway

The Exchange Club of Southwest Michigan's 105th anniversary celebration is a testament to the enduring power of community service organizations. By maintaining a focus on initiatives like child abuse prevention, patriotism, and support for veterans, the club has built a lasting legacy in the region and continues to make a positive impact.