Cheryl Pellicci wants to bring the Jaycees group back to Clarkston and is looking for some help.
The Clarkston resident came up with the idea when looking for a way to give back to the community.
“I have a co-worker who is an active Jaycee member and that sparked my interest,” Pellicci said. “I was looking to get involved in a professional organization and volunteer in the community.”
The Jaycees were once a flourishing organization in Clarkston. Pellicci is not sure why the Clarkston chapter disbanded, but she is ready to help it get off the ground again.
In order to start a chapter, Pellicci needs 20 people ready to commit to the project. She is spending time visiting businesses to try to recruit interested individuals and also plans on having a booth at the Clarkston Business Expo.
Pellicci is looking for individuals within the ages of 21 to 39 who are looking to make a difference in their community. While the Jaycees were once men only, it is now a co-ed organization.
“It is a great organization to be a part of to help our community. It is also a great way to network and build skill level,” Pellicci said. “We hope to find out what the community needs and wants through a community survey.”
Pellicci is receiving help starting the chapter from Mike Cole, who is the Administrative Vice President of Michigan Jaycees and Doug Hawes, who is the president of the Howell Chapter.
“The Jaycees are very involved in the community,” Cole said. “The great thing about it is the individual Jaycees can decide where they want their organization to go. They decide what they feel the community needs and perform service projects based on those needs.”
The Jaycees were founded in 1920 with the primary focus of providing members with opportunities to make business connections and gain experience in the work environment. The ability to obtain managerial and organizational skills is gained by chairing projects and serving on the board of directors.
There are 86 chapters in the state of Michigan. Cole, who was born in Clarkston and now lives in Allegan, said he decided to help with this chapter because Clarkston has all the necessary tools for a productive Jaycees.
“First you look for one committed person and we definitely have that in Cheryl. She is a very motivated person. Then we looked at the type of area Clarkston is, and we said it would absolutely work,” Cole said.
The Jaycees work closely with the local Chamber of Commerce.
“When the Jaycees were here they would run a lot of the events that are still taking place today,” Cole said.
Charter members of the group will only need to pay $30 membership fees.
“I am hoping to have a lot of fundraisers to help pay for the dues and get the financial burden off the members,” Pellicci said. “I think if people give their time we should help them with the financial end.”
Anyone interested in learning more about the Jaycees or signing up for the group can e-mail Pellicci at clarkstonjc@yahoo.com or call (248) 623-2419. Individuals may also visit their booth at the Clarkston Expo Thursday, Nov. 6 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Clarkston High School.