By By JOHN EBY / Dowagiac Daily News
Cass County Civitan Club, organized Aug. 21, 1986, to help with the 1987 Special Olympics at the University of Notre Dame, celebrates its 20th anniversary Oct. 26 at 5:30 p.m. with a reunion at Dowagiac Lions Club on Bluebird Lane, according to President Audrey Sperling.
Charter 1986-87 officers included President Fred Dowsett, President-elect Dr. Alan Montgomery, Secretary Judy Corak, Treasurer Audrey Sperling and Directors Alice Barrett, Joanne Carlin, Jack Drouillard, Ronald First, Gordon Gwilt, Charles Sarabyn and Zana Smallen.
Charter members also included Beth Dodge, Rosanne Dowsett, Jan Drouillard, Wanda Franklin, Joanne E. Gast, James P. Giles, Janet Gwilt, Michael E. Harrison, Norma Jessup, Mildred J. McGath, Clara Nate, Jan Nate, John J. Nate Sr., Duane Rauschenberger, Linda L. Rogers, Leslye Anderson Runkle, Agnes Sarabyn, Ilene Sheffer, Gretchen Stamp, Michael Swartz, Don Switzer, Arthur Towe and Joseph Underwood.
In 1993, Cass County Civitan received an award from Michigan Special Olympics for being the "Best Area Service Club of the Year."
An auction and mostaciolli dinner has been the prime fundraiser for the club since 1992.
Each year in February Civitan sponsors a clergy luncheon.
On Feb. 3, 1943, during World War II, a torpedoed troop transport sank off Greenland, taking 675 men, including four chaplains, to watery graves.
The chaplains went down with the ship after giving their life jackets to soldiers.
With utter disregard for themselves, they stood hand-in-hand praying for the men leaving the foundering ship.
In recognition of that sacrifice and in honor of what clergy do for all people by devoting their lives to serving communities with their ministries, the Albuquerque Breakfast Civitan Club in New Mexico set aside the week of Feb. 3 to show appreciation to clergy of all faiths.
Civitan, the first national service club to welcome women in 1974, started March 17, 1917, in Birmingham, Ala., when business and professional leaders began meeting weekly for lunch.
They determined they would strive to make a difference in their community and in their world by becoming a positive community service force.
"Civitan" was coined from the Latin "civitas," or citizenship.
They chose as a motto "builders of good citizenship."
The dream of an international organization originated with Dr. Courtney W. Shropshire, a surgeon known for the red carnation he wore on his lapel.
"Shrop," as he was known, became the first international president.
Leading up to the 1987 Special Olympics, the new club picked and sold pumpkins from Charlie and Ag Sarabyn's donated pumpkin patch.
Clayton fruitcakes were also sold for the club's Notre Dame football tickets.
Civitan's most widely-recognized fundraising program, the candy box project, was also implemented in this area, with members placing peppermints in businesses and establishing asting bonds of friendship throughout the community.
On charter night, Aug. 21, 1986, President Fred Dowsett presented Brian Connelly, International Summer Special Olympics coordinator, a check for $1,700 – representing a $50 contribution for each of the 34 members.
When awards were handed out that first year, Cass County received the "Honor Club of Distinction" – the highest honor any club can receive.
Civitan service projects support young people, senior citizens and low-income families with an emphasis on helping people with mental or physical disabilities.
Civitan meets on the second and fourth Mondays each month at the LaGrange Township Hall (next to Inn Between on M-62) at 6 p.m. They share a meal, then start the meeting at 6:45.
Upcoming dates
Oct. 19 – Halloween bingo party, VFW.
Oct. 26 – 20th anniversary party, Lions Club.
November – Thanksgiving baskets.
December – Christmas gifts and baskets; Christmas bingo party, VFW.
January – Bingo for senior citizens, Chestnut Towers.
February – Clergy luncheon, First United Methodist Church; Red Cross blood drive, Lions Club.
March – Spring prom for the handicapped, Elks Lodge.
April – Bingo for the handicapped, VFW; SMC scholarships.