Each year the Exchange Club of Helena Strives to successfully complete a number of charitable projects that fall within one of four main areas. These areas are Americanism, Community Service, Child Abuse Prevention, and Youth. In addition there are a number of Standing Committee’s to which we may be called to serve on.
The assignments of responsibility for each of these projects and standing committees are listed on the following pages.

                                                                        Americanism

Promoting pride country, respect for the flag, and appreciation of our freedoms are the primary purposes of Exchange’s Americanism Projects
FREEDOM SHRINE                                                                                                                             BOARD MEMBER: Dan Powell
The Freedom Shrine is the perfect means of bringing the inspirational message of our American Heritage to the youth of our Nation. These collections of the most cherished documents in American history, are beautifully frames and laminated, and are on display in several schools and public buildings as gifts of our club. The responsibility of the committee is to arrange for presentation or rededication of a Freedom Shrine during May. This includes making all contacts, program arrangement and publicity releases. The committee should also explore the possibility of a corporate sponsor or co­sponsor for the financial costs of the Freedom Shrine.
Committee Chair: Dan Powell                                                                                             Members: Jim Lindquist, , Bill Cockhill
Dates: May

GIVEAKIDAFLAGTOWAVE                                                                                                                 BOARD MEMBER: Bill Northey
Project Give A Kid A Flag To Wave (usually spelled “Giveakidaflagtowave”) is an easily implemented and effective program designed to cultivate a deeper sense of patriotism and respect of the American Flag among our nation’s children. The key to this program is as simple as its name suggests... providing children with the symbol of our national unity- the American Flag! The committee is responsible for distributing small American flags to children at appropriately selected events throughout the year. Volunteers to distribute flags will be requested from the club membership if needed.
Committee Chair: Rich Norstrom                                                                                            Members:  April Gerth Adam Larson
Dates:

MILESTONES OF FREEDOM                                                                                                           BOARD MEMBER: Tom Dedman
Milestones of Freedom provides Exchange club with an opportunity to focus public attention on the Freedom Shrine Programs and on Exchanges continuing emphasis on American Citizenship. This program provides an incentive for middle-school students to examine the documents. The sole purpose of this program is to broaden the young student’s appreciation and understanding of America's most important precepts and their significance in our history.
Committee Chair: Jake Doubek                                                                     Members: Martin Lewis, Mike Morris, John Schaffer
Dates: May

ONE NATION UNDER GOD (Done through other local organization)                                              BOARD MEMBER: Ashlee Benson
The "One Nation Under God" committee is responsible for making presentations in area schools on the history of the flag, the President of the United States and the Pledge of Allegiance. The goal of this committee is to impart knowledge of our nation’s patriotic and democratic heritage.
Committee Chair: Don Betts                                                                                       Members: John Schaffer Casey Massengale
Dates: November

PROUDLY WE HAIL                                                                                                                      BOARD MEMBER: Rich Conaway
“Proudly We Hail” is a program that encourages display of the American Flag by individuals, commercial establishments, industries and other entities by ceremoniously honoring them through the presentation of a handsome “Proudly We Hail: plaque. This easy to execute program is an ongoing effort that promotes American Citizenship and community recognition of Exchange. The committee will select recipients for the award and resent one award a month for a total of six months. The committee is also responsible for arranging that the recipients attend club meetings to receive their awards.
Committee Chair: Debbie Churchill                                                                 Members: Scott McHugh, Rick Schlenker, Adrian  Ambro
Dates: 6 total during the year

                                                   Community Service

Community service is the lifeline of Exchange. Exchange clubs across the country spend countless hours and dollars improving communities each year. Unlike our projects in other areas of our program of service (Americanism, Youth, and the Prevention of Child Abuse) the following projects are broader in scope and are designed to benefit every community member.

BLUE & GOLD                                                                                                                                   BOARD MEMBER: Clyde Dailey
The Blue & Gold Wounded in Service Award was conceived as an effort to properly pay the highest possible tribute to law enforcement officers who, in the line of duty, have paid so severe and, in some cases, the ultimate price to serve and protect their citizens. Hopefully, this award won’t have to be made, but on the occasions which warrant it, it is the Clubs role to further enhance the public’s level of respect, admiration and appreciation for the sacrifices which law enforcement officers and firefighters make in the line of duty.
Committee Chair: Bert Gailushas                                                                                             Members: Dan Prebil, Dale Reagor 
Dates: As needed

BOOK OF GOLDEN DEEDS                                                                                                                  BOARD MEMBER: Pat Jupka
The Book of Golden Deeds is widely and enthusiastically sponsored by local Exchange Clubs as a recurring activity. This exclusive Exchange Club project affords the opportunity to bestow deserved tribute upon the heroes and heroines of everyday life whose sacrifice, toil and achievements too often pass unrecognized and unsung. The committee will organize a program and select a very special person to be honored at a club meeting with the entire membership present. Community leaders press and news personnel should be invited guests.
Committee Chair: PJ McHugh                                                                                             Members: Jim Lindquist, Jason Merkel
Dates: May or June

CRIME PREVENTION                                                                                                                       BOARD MEMBER: Clyde Dailey
Crime in one of the most disturbing internal problems confronting American’s today. The committee’s responsibility is to plan and carry out the annual Police Officer of the Year Award. In addition, close cooperation with Lewis & Clark County Crime stoppers is encouraged throughout the year.
Committee Chair: Rick Schlenker                                                                                        Members: Ken Pankratz, Jason Merkel
Dates: October

FIRE PREVENTION                                                                                                                        BOARD MEMBER: Jeff Springer
The National Exchange Club believes that a program to educate the public in basic rules of fire prevention can greatly reduce devastating and costly fires in the nation. The committee is responsible to contact the fire departments and schools (Helena, East Helena, Montana City, Kessler, Clancy) for distribution of materials that may be made available for grade school students, during Fire Prevention Week in October. In addition, the committee should identify other ways for our Club to become involved in the fire prevention effort in the future years.
Committee Chair: Andy Fitzhugh                                                                          Members: Mark Esponda, Mike Miller, Don Betts
Dates: October, Fire prevention week

                                                Child Abuse Prevention

The prevention of child abuse and neglect is the national project of Exchange. The National Exchange Club Foundations for the Prevention of Child Abuse was started to provide financial support for the project through the contributions of individuals, clubs, businesses, corporations and other foundations. Exchange Centers for the Prevention of Child Abuse has been established by the Foundation in communities throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. There is a center in Missoula and umbrella center in Idaho Falls, Idaho.

COATS FOR KIDS                                                                                   BOARD MEMBER: Lesley Gallagher-Tolon, Betsy Rispen
This program designed to provide direct support for Helena exchange club’s efforts to provide winter coats, gloves, hats, etc for those children in our community that otherwise would be challenged to be properly outfitted for winter weather. The committee is responsible to see that proper selection procedures and communication with local schools and service organizations in selecting the youth to receive coats each winter. This committee is responsible for both scheduled fundraising event (annual wine fair) and informal weekly collection to insure coats program is self-financed.
Committee Chair: Heather Kahler                                                                                           Members: Tom Dwyer, Parker Heller
Dates: November, December

PREVENTION OF CHILD ABUSE                                                                                 BOARD MEMBER: Lesley Gallagher-Tolon
The prevention of child abuse and neglect is the national project of Exchange. The National Exchange Club Foundations for the Prevention of Child Abuse was started to provide financial support for the project through the contributions of individuals, clubs, businesses, corporations and other foundations. Exchange Centers for the Prevention of Child Abuse has been established by the Foundation in communities throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. There is a center in Missoula and umbrella center in Idaho Falls, Idaho.
Committee Chair: Mark Esponda / April Gerth                                                                        Members: Rich Norstrom, Linda Streets
Dates: April

SUNSHINE SPECIAL                                                                                                                      BOARD MEMBER: Steve Miles
Perhaps the most gratifying service youth project sponsored by the Exchange Club is the Sunshine Special. The program treats orphaned, handicapped or otherwise underprivileged children to a day of unforgettable enjoyment at an amusement park, beach or other destination. The committee is also responsible to organize and carry out the program with assistance from the entire membership.
Committee Chair:  Dan Prebil                                                                                        Members: Rich Norstrom,, Debbie Churchill
Dates: July, August

                                                           Youth

America’s young people are its most precious resource. This is why, for many years, Exchange has sponsored an impressive selection of activities designed to benefit and encourage our nation’s youth.

ACE AWARD                                                                                                                       BOARD MEMBER: Betsy Rispens
The ACE Award recognizes High School students who have made a dramatic change in attitude and/or performance in school, or have overcome a great physical or social obstacle. The ACE Award is a positive program designed to help encourage students to overcome problems and obstacles, while getting back on track towards a High School Diploma and beyond. The committee will coordinate with school counselors and honor up to three students with a special program and presentation of cash or merchandise awards.
Committee Chair: Bert Gailushas                                                                   Members: Marshall Price, Dan Mazurek, Lita Barnes
Dates:

EXCHANGE BASEBALL/FOOTBALL/SOFTBALL                                                                                BOARD MEMBER: Bill Northy
Each year, the Helena Exchange Club sponsors a baseball and football team in the community youth leagues. Historically, our teams do well. Our support includes paying sponsorship fee and providing needed equipment and uniforms. The committee’s responsibilities include coordinating with the coaches of our teams, arranging for payment of fees and expenses and inviting coaches once or twice a season to attend a meeting to update the membership on team activities.
Committee Chair: Brad Cozzie                                                                      Members: John Harrington, Mike Wong, Mike Morris
Dates: As needed

EXCHANGE/RYAN FIELDS                                                                                                              BOARD MEMBER: Dan Mazurek 
This committee as formed during the summer of 1998 to work closely with the Babe Ruth Baseball Association to improve the conditions at the Exchange/Ryan Baseball Fields. Through the committees efforts, donations, grants and other means of raising money will be considered and implemented for improvements on fields 1&2 both in short and long term goals.
Committee Chair: Brad Cozzie                                                                                                   Members: Mike Wong, Mike Morris
Dates: As needed

LYLE OLSON SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION                                                                                  BOARD MEMBER: Dale Field
Committee Chair: Mike Wong                                                                                                          Members:
Dates:

YOUTH OF THE MONTH/YEAR                                                                                                       BOARD MEMBER: John Hilton
The youth of the Month program provides a means to recognize and publicize the worthy achievements of upstanding, law-abiding young people. The project’s principal objective is to provide proper incentives to our youth by recognizing leadership, scholarship, athletic ability and industry. The Youth of the Month program culminates in April with a banquet (or reception) when we present a scholarship to the Youth of the Year winner from among the monthly winners. The responsibility of the committee is to visit our two high schools and present the criteria for selection to the designated guidance counselors from each school. Each school then selects three Youth of the Month candidates five times each school year. The committee is also responsive to see that proper selection procedures and reports are filed for selecting the Youth of the Year and entering our candidate in District coordinating the Annual Banquet (or reception) where outstanding youth and their families are honored.
Committee Chair: John Harrington                                                                                  Members: Tom Dwyer, Mark Johnston
Dates: October through February, one meeting per month

                                                Standing Committees

From the Weekly Bulletin to the fund raising efforts at Stampede or our annual Festival of Wines these committees are the gears driving our club successfully into the future.

BULLETIN                                                                                                                 BOARD MEMBER: Lesley Gallagher-Tolon
A weekly bulletin summarizing the activities of each meeting and announcing upcoming dates helps to keep members who are unable to attend a meeting up-to-date and should help in maintaining the general interest of the membership. The committee is responsible for preparing and distributing a weekly bulletin to all members, District Officers, The National Exchange Club headquarters and for maintaining an accurate mailing list.
Committee Chair: Martin Lewis                                                                            Members:
Dates: On-going

CHRISTMAS PARTY                                                                                                       BOARD MEMBER: Dale Field/ Pat Jupka
This committee is responsible to plan and carry out our annual Christmas Party for all members, spouses, and guests. Duties include arranging for a location, social hour, dinner, music and programs including encouragement of member participation in our gift-giving projects for needy children.
Committee Chair: Mark Esponda                                                         Members: Mike Morris, Debbie Churchill, Lita Barnes,
                                                                                                                               Jason Merkel, Linda Streets, Vicki Thomas
Dates: Schedule in July

CONVENTIONS                                                                                                        BOARD MEMBER: Dale Field  
The goals of the committee are to educate Club members about conventions, encourage attendance and bid for future conventions.
Committee Chair: Clyde Dailey                                                                            Members: Bill Northey
Dates: Update as needed

FAIRGROUNDS/EQUIPMENT & BEER                                                                                             BOARD MEMBER: Steve Miles
(Report due to the Fairgrounds Users 45 days prior to Stampede)
Our major fund raising activity is through the beer concessions during such events at Horse racing, Last Chance Stampede and the Lineman’s Rodeo. The committee is responsible for communication and coordination with the Racing Association, Stampede Chair and Montana Power Company. To generate a significant profit, facilities and equipment must be adequately designed and maintained. The committee coordinates the design, construction and maintenance of our concession facilities at the Fairgrounds. The committee arranges for repairs, organized cleanup sessions and “winterizes” the booths.
Committee Chair: Mark Johnston                               Members: Jake Doubek, Scott McHugh, Mike Miller, Jason Merkel
Dates: July

FAIRGROUNDS LEGAL & ACCOUNTING                                                                                  BOARD MEMBER: Betsy Rispens
This committee is responsible for scheduling crews for beer pours and arranging everything related to this fund raising effort. Purchase of licenses, permits providing seed money, arranging for armored car service, opening and closing beer booths, making deposits and reporting to the club.
Committee Chair:Justin Mosness                                                                                                          Members: Adam Larson
Dates: July