Submitted Photo Pictured back row are long-time Sertoma members: Brent Askvig, Craig Nansen, Pat White (receiving the longevity award on behalf of her husband, Keith White); Mark Larson, Erv Johnson, front row Neil Scharpe, Allen Larson, Dave Gowan and Dale Mattern. Not pictured is Gary Lybeck.

The Minot Sertoma Club recently celebrated its 60th anniversary.

Sue Stewart said over those years the organization has donated more than $1 million to area groups, organizations and businesses.

The service club gives about $30,000 to $40,000 each year to community groups with a focus on the needs of speech and hearing and area youth, said Stewart.

Minot Sertoma Club raises money through three major fundraisers each year. Its next big fundraiser will be Christmas in the Park. The club decorates Oak Park with lighting and people can pay $5 to drive through the park after Thanksgiving through New Year’s.

According to material provided by Sertoma, some of the groups, organizations, and businesses that have received donations over the years include the Air Museum of Minot, Alzheimer’s Association, Bishop Ryan and Little Flower Schools, Boy and Girl Scout Councils, Burlington Recreation Commission, Companions for Children, Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch, Dream Catchers, Easter Seals, First District Health Unit, Gym Dandies, Hands & Voices, International Music Camp, La Sertoma, Burning Hills Amphitheater at Medora, Minot Family YMCA, Minot Park Board, Minot Public Schools, Minot Recreation Commission, Minot State University, Minot Vocational Workshop, Minot Youth T-Ball League, Muscular Dystrophy Association, ND 4-H Foundation, ND School for the Deaf, ND Tourism, Norsk Hostfest, Roosevelt Park Zoo, Second Story, Sertoma Foundation, Souris Valley United Way (Dolly Parton Library), Special Olympics, Triangle Y Camp, Ward County Red Cross and Y’s Men of Minot.

The group also honored long-term members during the celebration.

Allen Larson, a founding member, has been a member of Sertoma for 60 years and is 13th longest tenured member of Sertoma in the nation, Stewart said in an email. Other long-term members include Dale Mattern, who has been a member for 50 years; Keith White, who has been a member for 36 years, Gary Lybeck, Neil Scharpe, and Mark Larson, who have all been members for 33 years; Brent Askvig, Craig Nansen, Erv Johnson, and Dave Gowan, who have all been members for 30 years.

Stewart said the organization is also looking for new members.

People can contact the group for more information via its Facebook page or its website celebratesound.org.