The Akima Club of Knoxville: Leading Through Service and Friendship
The Akima Club of Knoxville has been a long-time supporter of Sertoma. Recently we had the opportunity to sit down with Candace Jarrett, Chairman, and Tricia Lee, Vice-Chairman, to take a deep dive into the history of this impressive organization.
Founded in 1947, the Akima Club of Knoxville has been a beacon of service and community support for over 75 years. The club’s name, “Akima,” is derived from a Native American word meaning “leader,” which perfectly encapsulates their mission and spirit. Based in Knoxville, Tennessee, this women’s service organization is dedicated to enriching the community through volunteerism and financial support.
A Legacy of Impact
With 129 dedicated members, Akima makes a significant impact on our community. Every two years, the club hosts the Akima Cabaret, a lively fundraising event featuring performances by members and their spouses. This event, alongside annual membership dues of $75, funds the grants that Akima awards to local nonprofits. This year alone, they received 67 grant applications totaling $196,207.79, with 19 of those being new applicants. The Grant Committee met on April 15th and, after thorough review and discussion, funded 51 grants, 30 of which were fully funded, amounting to $86,975.00.
Their volunteer efforts are equally impressive, as members logged a total of 4,272 volunteer hours last year.
Membership and Community Engagement
Membership in Akima is both a privilege and a commitment. Members are required to earn six points annually through volunteer work, with every three hours of service equating to one point. This year, Akima welcomed 24 new members who join through networking opportunities. Each new member is paired with a sponsor who helps them navigate their responsibilities and stay engaged.
The club’s commitment to fostering relationships and supporting each other is evident in their structure. Sponsors ensure new members are up-to-date with their points and duties, providing a friendly face and guidance throughout their journey.
Supporting Sertoma and Beyond
Akima has been a steadfast supporter of Sertoma for 40 years, contributing both financially and through volunteer work. Their involvement is visible at every Sertoma fundraising event, where their smiling faces are a testament to their dedication. Akima has met crucial needs for Sertoma, such as funding an electric Hoyer lift, and perhaps their most cherished contribution is purchasing over 400 Christmas presents annually for individuals supported by Sertoma.
In addition to their work with Sertoma, Akima’s grants program touches a wide array of community needs. From arts and culture to medical and social services, their financial support reaches various sectors, making a significant impact across Knoxville.
Celebrating 75 Years of Service
In 2022, Akima celebrated its 75th anniversary, marking over seven decades of community service and friendship. This milestone underscores the club’s enduring commitment to Knoxville. Through events like the Cabaret and continuous volunteer efforts, Akima members embody their vision: “Women, bound by friendship, serving together to enrich our community.”
For more information about the Akima Club of Knoxville and how you can support their mission, visit their official website. https://www.akimaclub.org
SOCIAL POST:
The Akima Club of Knoxville has been a steadfast supporter of Sertoma for over 40 years, contributing both financially and through volunteer work. Recently we had the opportunity to sit down with Candace Jarrett, Chairman, and Tricia Lee, Vice-Chairman, to take a deep dive into the history of this impressive organization.
Their involvement is visible at every Sertoma fundraising event, where their smiling faces are a testament to their dedication. Akima has met crucial needs for Sertoma, such as funding an electric Hoyer lift, and perhaps their most cherished contribution is purchasing over 400 Christmas presents annually for individuals supported by Sertoma.
The Akima Club has been a pillar of community support for over 75 years. With 129 members, they support over 110 charities and recently awarded over $86,000 in grants. Their volunteer efforts, and events like the Akima Cabaret make a huge impact in Knoxville.
Thank you to Candace and Tricia for taking time to meet with us!
