In 2021, LKNConnect will feature outstanding non-profits and service organizations in the Lake Norman community. Margi Kyle, Director of Non-Profits at LKNConnect and Founder of Little Smiles NC, will be sharing these great organizations with you. — EH Stafford, Managing Editor

 

 

A local civic and service organization

The Exchange Club of Mooresville-Lake Norman, a civic organization and our area’s premier service club, was chartered February 21, 1991, by Lou Chesnut and Tony LeVan. This charter included many community leaders in its 35 original members. Ron Johnson was the Charter President, and he worked alongside Charter President-Elect, Tony LeVan, and Charter Club Secretary, Linda Martin. Fast forward 30 years, and we currently have over 70 diverse members and aid countless projects — including Be Worthy for Thirty!

 

 

 

 

The Exchange Club’s original goals

The original goal of the Exchange Club focused on the national Exchange Club Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse of Iredell County in Statesville. The Exchange Club, in conjunction with the racing community, worked diligently to raise funds for the parenting center. The late Pete Meletis, a charter member, along with Don Miller of Penske Racing, created “Stocks for Tots”. The first “Stocks for Tots” event was held in December 1990 at the National Guard Armory. Don Miller, Dale Earnhardt, and many NASCAR drivers gave their time and memorabilia to this huge event. The program still exists today.

 

 

 

 

 

The Exchange Club’s service projects

The Exchange Club is committed to creating a strong and safe America with unified communities. The Club’s Programs of Service are Americanism, Community Service, and Youth Services. Americanism celebrates the country’s rich, unique heritage and inspires unity. Community Service allows our Club to identify opportunities and help fill gaps in services. Through college scholarships, mentoring, and service recognition, our Youth Program is making a difference in the lives of children. We remain focused on the Prevention of Child Abuse by developing, promoting, and implementing programs that seek to eliminate child abuse, strengthen families, and provide education.

 

 

 

 

Be Worthy for Thirty

It is the mission of the Exchange Club to inspire our community to become a better place to live. With that in mind, the executive board brainstormed ways to celebrate our extraordinary 30-year milestone. To celebrate our 30 years of service, we are challenging everyone to “Be Worthy for Thirty!” You will see fliers, banners, and social media posts encouraging people to participate. We want everyone to engage in creative community service projects with the number “30” in mind. We hope you will participate, take pictures, and share your community service projects and acts of kindness.

 

 

 

 

 

Here are some fabulous actions already shared:

  • Witnessing a young teen boy purchasing necessities for a homeless man in a store parking lot
  • Participating in Read Across America for 30 minutes/hours
  • Volunteering at the local community Covid clinic for the 65+ minority population
  • Volunteering at FeedNC
  • Donating 30 clothing items to Christian Mission
  • Donating time and supplies to reopen the Fuzion Teen Center
  • Creating 30 care packages and cards for veterans
  • Planting 30 flowers for a neighbor

 

Focus on hope

During difficult times such as the pandemic, it is healthy to focus on hope. Strengthening our families and community are steps we can take to make a more promising country. Beth Packard, president of the Exchange Club of Mooresville-Lake Norman, said, “We love our community and want everyone to be involved. Just think of the impact we can make by doing these acts of kindness and service together!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

We hope you will share

Share your Acts of Kindness:

Please include the hashtag #beworthyforthirty.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photos courtesy of Katie Stankiewicz

 

 

Katie Stankiewicz is the founder of Willow Equine and executive director of Soul to Soles Connection. She has always had a passion for horses and a deep desire to see people succeed. Willow Equine offers equine assisted psychotherapy and business development in Mooresville, NC. Her mission is to enlighten clients to their innate abilities. Whether it’s taking the lead in their own health or focusing on leadership within their company, clients re-energize themselves through self-discovery. Clients are able to transform their struggles into authentic successes, which becomes an intricate part of their overall wellness. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you know of a non-profit organization that you would like featured …

Contact Margi Kyle, at mkyle@lknconnect.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The views, thoughts and opinions expressed by our writers belong solely to them
and do not represent LKNConnect.com, its publisher or its staff.