GREENEVILLE, Tenn. — After nearly 97 years of service to Greene County, the Exchange Club of Greeneville officially concluded operations on Tuesday, June 30th.
The decision to disband was approved by club members following several years of declining membership and volunteer participation. While the decision was difficult, members determined that the club no longer had the resources necessary to continue fulfilling its mission effectively.
Founded in December 1929, the Exchange Club of Greeneville was established as a civic organization of men and women dedicated to making their community a better place to live. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the club spent generations promoting volunteerism, supporting local youth, and improving the quality of life throughout Greene County.
“Closing the club was not an easy decision,” said President Bob Schooley. “Since 2021, the Greeneville Exchange Club has experienced declining membership, challenges in recruiting new members, and reduced participation in club events and activities. The club also lost several longtime members due to financial circumstances and relocation from the area.”
Throughout its history, the organization sponsored and supported numerous community projects and programs, including:
Field Day, a tradition of more than 50 years that brings elementary and middle school students from across Greene County together for athletic competition and fellowship at Tusculum University.
Field of Honor, an annual Memorial Day display featuring more than 200 American flags at Veterans Memorial Park honoring local heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Project Give a Kid a Flag to Wave, distributing hundreds of miniature American flags to children during the community’s Independence Day celebrations.
Christmas Parade Float Contest, providing recognition and cash awards for outstanding parade entries.
Youth recognition programs and scholarships, including Youth of the Month, Youth of the Year, the Hugh Felts Scholarships, and the Duggins Memorial Challenge, awarding nearly $10,000 annually to local students.
The club also provided financial support, volunteer service, or both to numerous local organizations, including CASA, the Child Advocacy Center of Mosheim, the Greeneville-Greene County Food Bank, the Greeneville-Greene County Humane Society, the Greeneville Fire Department, Rural Resources, the Greeneville Anti-Drug Coalition, the Hope Center, and the Boys & Girls Club.
While the Exchange Club itself is concluding operations, members noted that Field Day will continue through the efforts of the Foundation Board of Directors and dedicated volunteers committed to preserving the event for future generations of Greene County students.
“As we close the doors on this chapter, we want to thank all of our members, past and present, as well as our community partners, sponsors, and volunteers who made our work possible,” club members said. “Although we are saddened to see the club come to an end, we encourage everyone to continue serving their community through volunteerism and civic engagement.”
Several members also expressed hope that a future generation may once again establish an Exchange Club in Greeneville.
“Organizations may have a lifespan, but the relationships, values, and acts of service they inspire endure far beyond any charter or meeting agenda. We are grateful for the past and confident in our community’s future,” said Secretary Billy Endean.
For nearly a century, the Exchange Club of Greeneville strengthened the community through service, leadership, and volunteerism. Its legacy lives on through the programs it supported, the students it recognized, and the countless lives touched by its members throughout Greene County.
