Jaycee support

guest commentary by Jeff Riggs, member of the Fort Smith Jaycees

Back in 2002, I had just moved to town and started working.

Having no local friends, and just knowing the people in my office, I was inspired when the president of the company I work for told all the employees he would like to see us involved with community programs.

I began looking for such programs, and began going to meetings for various social/charitable clubs such as Optimists, Kiwanis, Rotary, etc. All were great organizations; however, I often was the youngest person at the meetings and I just did not feel like it was where I wanted to be.

I overheard someone talking about the Jaycees, and that they had a blast at one of their events. I had never heard of this group before so I called to check it out; after talking to the local chapter president of the Jaycees, I was able to obtain some information about what they did and soon attended a meeting. It definitely was not an older crowd like all the others I attended, but rather more like walking into an open young group of people that liked to have fun and help the community.

My first meeting was very interesting to say the least, and I was sold. Most of those people from that meeting are my friends today and great contacts, and six years later I’m still in it.

The group has matured from those days, but is still fun and as welcoming to new people as it was back then. There are many new faces among the more familiar, and many of those new faces are now my friends. After several years of involvement with the Jaycees, I’ve helped participate in the Downtown Christmas Parade, Suddenly Las Vegas, Haunted Trail Ride, Festival of Trees plus many more events that benefit out local community.

All these events have been put on by the Jaycees for many years, and the proceeds have gone to local charities. We recently rented a building downtown Fort Smith (703 Rogers Ave.), and therefore now have a true office meeting location.

We are always coming up with new ideas how to help the local community while bringing entertainment to the local citizens. Additionally, we are always looking for new members to participate and enjoy it like we do.

I just cannot imagine what my life would be like living here in Fort Smith and not joining this outstanding group of young people. This group has helped me make several great personal friendships, brought insight on helping people out, community involvement, great networking and just good old good fashioned fun and I am glad. Because of this, I am grateful that I joined the Jaycees.