By JOSHUA THOMAS

C-S-E Editor

ST. JOHNSVILLE — On Saturday, the H.C. Smith Benefit Club held their 50th anniversary celebration, and there was much to rejoice, as over the course of the last half-century, the club has helped tens of thousands — possibly even hundreds of thousands — of people.

Just last year, the club held 52 events throughout their ten months open (as they’re annually closed in January and August), serving over 9,300 people.

The club currently has 35 sustaining members, (along with associate members, who pay an annual fee) that all volunteer based on availability. Club Secretary Michele Lull noted that it’s not unusual to have over 30 — and sometimes all — sustaining members participating during large events.

Often, club members are called to hold impromptu events, for example, a funeral luncheon for 100 people, and even though club members all have lives, families and full time jobs outside the organization, there are always enough members willing to spring to action to make each event happen.

“We are a great family here,” said Lull, explaining that the members “all extend love, support and concern for each other’s families, and that pours out into the community.”

The club has sustained itself for so many years not only because of the charitable work they do, but partially because many benefit club members involve their families from an early age, raising them to understand the importance of giving back, ingraining an attitude of selflessness. Lull said her children have been volunteering throughout the community since the age of 5. Two of her three kids are associate members, and still work at the club when they’re home from college.

During Saturday’s event, a candle lighting and dedication was led by Rev. David Johnson, with five of the club’s oldest members taking part, including Gordon Davis, George Swartz, Gary Johnson, Shirley Shannon and Louis Danible. Swartz is one of the club’s original members, and Davis, at 94 years old, is the club’s oldest living member, while Johnson has been in the club for over 45 years.

While the H.C. Smith Benefit Club is well-known for how much they give, they are quick to credit many others who have done the same for them. Every year, the D.H. Robbins Elementary School holds fundraising activities, collecting toys, food and money, donating proceeds to the benefit club for their annual Christmas giveaway. The school is amongst the many community members, groups, organizations and businesses who selflessly give to help the benefit club so that they can do the same, said Lull, stating, “Every organization in this community has the same common goal, and we all work together to get it done, no questions asked.”

The Senior Saints also hold their annual Christmas party at the club, donating money to the organization to help them with their Christmas giveaway. As thanks, the benefit club holds an annual summer barbecue for the seniors.

The H.C. Smith Benefit Club always has upcoming events planned, including their next benefit, which takes place this Saturday, October 20, beginning at 12 Noon. This weekend’s benefit will raise money for area food pantries. This is a new event never before held by the club, and it’s slated to feature a live auction, bake sale, face painting, lunch and dinner. Entry requires a donation of $15 per person, with children 12 and under entering for free.

To send a donation, or for more information, contact Debbie at (518) 568-2514.

The H.C. Smith Benefit Club is always looking for new members. “We don’t turn hands away,” said Lull, noting that those interested in becoming part of the club, or obtaining more information, can contact her at (315) 525-9549.