The Lima Sertoma Club was born December 16, 1937. Known in those days as the Cooperative Club, it was sponsored by a group of Dayton Co-Operators headed by Herb Noneman, who later became International President. About 25 people from other Co-operative clubs in Springfield, Columbus and Dayton attend this first meeting. As the saying goes – “Great Oaks from Little Acorns Grow” and thus we grew to our present 100 plus member Noon Sertoma Club. The name cooperative was changed to Sertoma at the International convention held at Richmond VA in 1950 due to confusion with other organizations of similar names. Sertoma is not only a name but stands for SERvice TO Mankind.

The Lima Sertoma Club has served mankind of Limaland in many ways over these many years. To name just a few; we have sponsored a milk fund for underprivileged children, established a blood bank, purchased wheelchairs for the disabled, engaged in city wide cleanup efforts, sent food and clothing to Europe after WW II, supported the YMCA & YWCA, Junior Achievement, United Way Fund, Youth Exchange to foreign countries, furnished shoes to needy youngsters and of course our Annual Pancake Day for the last 50 years. In addition the Salvation Army has been very close to our hearts and we furnish both money and personnel for supporting this worthwhile agency. In 1957, our club held its first annual Pancake Day community wide event. This became and remains today our major fund raiser. This has proven to be an outstanding event attracting thousands of local folks and requires the help and energy of over 200 volunteers to run the event. The years have brought to the fore front many leaders in our club, including but not limited to notable people such as Charles Cook, who went on to become Sertoma’s National President, Jim Duncan, International Director and many District Governors. The primary sponsorship of our annual fund raising efforts goes to support the Summer Speech and Hearing Clinic. Each year Lima Sertoma recognizes citizens of the area by bestowing on them our Service to Mankind award. Some of the notable folks have been Easter Straker, John Galvin, Mary Ann Brown, Monsignor Herr, Wendell Freeland and many more too numerous to mention.

We also honor annually a Fire Fighter of the Year, awarding those deserving men and women who help protect our community. As a well rounded club, the Lima Sertoma members have participated in bowling, golf leagues, family weekend excursions and many others. Each year we conduct our Inaugural Ball at which time the new officers take their oath for the coming term. History is the past experience of mankind. Men and Women make history.