H*4091 Resolution, By Stavrinakis, Harrell, McCoy, Merrill, Mack, Murphy, 
Crosby, Limehouse, Sottile, Gilliard, Whipper and R.L. Brown
 A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE EXCHANGE CLUB OF CHARLESTON FOR
 ITS OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY SERVICE AND TO WISH THE CLUB MEMBERS WELL AS THEY
 CONTINUE TO SERVE THE PEOPLE OF SOUTH CAROLINA.

   05/02/13  House  Introduced and adopted (House Journal-page 10)

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE EXCHANGE CLUB OF CHARLESTON FOR ITS OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY SERVICE AND TO WISH THE CLUB MEMBERS WELL AS THEY CONTINUE TO SERVE THE PEOPLE OF SOUTH CAROLINA.

Whereas, it is with great pleasure that the South Carolina House of Representatives honors groups who freely give of their time and resources for the good of others; and

Whereas, the Exchange Club of Charleston has contributed valuable community service to the citizens of the Palmetto State and is thereby worthy of praise; and

Whereas, the Exchange Club of Charleston was chartered in April 1924 as part of a national all-volunteer community service organization. To further its service goals, on October 29, 1957, the club commenced operation of the Coastal Carolina Fair, which in 2013 will celebrate its fifty-seventh year of operation. At the 2012 fair, members of the Exchange Club of Charleston put in over fourteen thousand volunteer hours; and

Whereas, the club's membership, through proceeds from the Coastal Carolina Fair, has given more than $11 million, most of this amount in the last six years, back to the community in grants, scholarships, and recognition of police officers, firemen, and our military. In 2013, the club gave grants to seventy-seven different organizations; and

Whereas, annually, the Exchange Club of Charleston gives five scholarships to students from the five colleges and universities in the tri-county area. In addition, the club recognizes elementary and middle school students who demonstrate good citizenship. A contribution to a charity of the student's choice is given in each student's name; and

Whereas, further, the club gives scholarships to graduating high school seniors who demonstrate outstanding scholastic accomplishment and community service. It also gives a scholarship to a graduating high school senior who has overcome great odds and who, in spite of these difficult life challenges, has excelled. This scholarship is known as the ACE (Accepting the Challenge of Excellence) Award; and

Whereas, during its National Defense Day program, the club recognizes members from each branch of the military, including active, reserve, and National Guard; and

Whereas, the club also honors an individual for a lifetime of youth mentoring; and

Whereas, the members of the House of Representatives recognize that the success of the State of South Carolina, the strength of its communities, and the vitality of American society as a whole depend, in great measure, upon the dedication of groups like the Exchange Club of Charleston who use their members' talents and resources to serve others. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and honor the Exchange Club of Charleston for its outstanding community service and wish the club members well as they continue to serve the people of South Carolina.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be provided to the Exchange Club of Charleston.