SerToMa is an acronym for Service to Mankind which reflects our guiding philosophy. We have been serving our community since 1954. Our members are a diverse group of men and women from the Greater Springfield, Illinois area.
Sertoma’s mission is to improve the quality of life for those at risk or impacted by hearing loss through education and support.
The Sertoma Club of Springfield has served our community for more than 70 years.
2024-2025 Sertoma Board Members
Mick Bernasek
Diane Long
Susan Allen
Richard Moldenhauer
Bob Griffith
Keith Baker (lead), Mick Bernasek, Mark Hanson, Rick Schuster and Chris Wheal
Greg Lueken
Tim Holliday
Dale Blankenship
Mark Hanson, Chris Wheal
Bob Immel, Rick Schuster, Steve Bahner
The annual ‘Service to Mankind’ award is the Club’s highest recognition given to an individual who provides outstanding service in meeting a critical need at the local, state, or national level.
This can be related to Sertoma’s mission of helping those with communication disorders, or it may be connected to a more general community need.
P.O. Box 2471
Springfield, IL 62705-2471
Email: sertomaspringfield@gmail.com
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We are proud to be a member of The Chamber of Commerce.
SHARP
Low income seniors can apply for help with our Sertoma Hearing Aid Request Program (SHARP). With professional audiologists at Central Illinois Hearing, seniors are evaluated and provided with hearing aids at minimal cost. Click here for the application.
Technology
Sertoma has purchased equipment for the public libraries, Hoogland Center for the Arts, Legacy Theater, Lincoln Land Community College, Springfield Muni Opera, and the Old State Capitol. We have also provided funds for equipment for hearing-impaired students at Springfield schools.
San Pedro, Mexico
We’ve provided hearing evaluations with hearing aids when needed as well as cultural exchanges and support for their orphanage. In 2019 Sertoma member and audiologist, Dr. David Groesch, conducted evaluations and provided 61 hearing aids to San Pedro children and adults.
Illinois State University
We provide up to five scholarships for Central Illinois students at Illinois State University entering the fields of teacher education for hearing-impaired students, speech pathology, and audiology.
Recipients
2024-25
Camryn Kirkham and Molly Whitcomb—Audiology
Cate Conlon and Alison Burrell—Special Education
2023-24
Molly Bastida and Emma Friedwald—Audiology
2022-2023
Britta Warren and Meredith Peebles—Audiology
2021-2022
Toryn Davis and Katherine Hummert—Audiology
2020-2021
Macy Pohlman—Speech/Language Pathology
Jennifer Banovic—Audiology
National Annual Fund
Provides college scholarships for hearing-impaired students. Click here for application
Sertoma Club of Springfield has been a strong supporter of non-profit organizations throughout our area, providing approximately $10,000 annually to the following.
Boys and Girls Club of Central Illinois has had our support for over 60 years. This includes donations, assistance with their activities, building a new dock for kayaks at Lake Springfield’s new Camp Sertoma, and renovations at their main facility.
Motherland Gardens is the recipient of donations and awards from Sertoma for their work to provide fresh and healthy food in an underserved urban community.
Helping Hands of Springfield has received local and national awards and grants to assist the homeless.
Naturalization ceremony
We provide assistance and national heritage documents to new citizens.
Golden Laurel Awards are given to outstanding area high school students.
Donations to local organizations such as Central Illinois Foodbank, Contact Ministries, Grace United Food Pantry, Holy Family Food Pantry, Inner City Missions, Kumler Outreach Ministries, Mini O’Beirne Crisis Nursery, Salvation Army, Washington Street Mission and Sojourn Shelter.
Become a Sertoman
Join us! One thing that brings all Sertomans together is the yearning to be part of something bigger than ourselves. Sertomans across the country are united with a single purpose to serve our communities and improve the lives of those who need help.
Sertoma Club of Springfield meets on the first and third Mondays (excluding holidays) at MCL cafeteria, 2151 W. Wabash. We have lunch, discuss club business and social interaction. Informative speakers are the highlight of each meeting. Guests are always welcome.
Please print and mail the completed application to us at PO Box 2471, Springfield, IL 62705-2471. Link to application here.
Support Fundraising
Celebrate Sound
Our major fundraiser for hearing health is held in Washington Park, 1501 South Grand West, each October. Join us as we celebrate sound and enjoy a walk in the park. Proceeds are used to directly improve the quality of life for those impacted by hearing loss in our community. Be an event sponsor or form a team of supporters.
Link to Celebrate Sound
Baseball Raffle
Each spring Sertoma sells baseball raffle books to St. Louis Cardinal and Cub fans as well as those like an opportunity to help in our fundraising efforts and like a chance to be a winner. There are weekly drawings throughout the baseball season with many chances to win.
Charity Golf
Members, their friends, and relatives participate as volunteers at the Corn Ferry Golf Tournament held at Panther Creek Country Club each June. Join us as we raise awareness and provide help to this charity event.
Donate Hearing Aids
Used hearing aids can be refurbished and provided to low income seniors at a nominal cost.
Learn about Hearing Loss
Over half the people in the U.S. 75 and older have some hearing loss. Because it happens gradually, you might not notice it at first. Noise levels over 70 decibels can start to damage hearing over time. Louder noises mean it takes less time to cause lasting hearing loss.
| Muffled speech and other sounds | Turning up the TV or radio |
| Asking to repeat, to speak slower and louder | Ringing in the ears, or tinnitus |
| Implications of Hearing Loss | Prevention |
|---|---|
| Social withdrawal, becoming lonely, less active, less connected with others, staying home more | Protect your ears. Stay away from loud noise, wear earplugs |
| Older adults often report being depressed | Have your hearing tested |
| Less physical activity declining balance, and more at risk for falling | Avoid risk from hobbies and play |
| Inform others you’ve lost some hearing | Get their attention before speaking |
| Face the person you’re talking to | Choose quiet settings |
| Ask others to speak clearly | Use hearing aids or other listening devices |
Visit Us at Farmers Markets
We’re often at the downtown Farmer’s Markets or the Illinois State fairgrounds.
Make a Donation
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| May 5 | Noon Meeting-MCL |
| May 8 | Springfield Chartered 1954 |
| May 13 | Board Meeting 5p Zoom |
| May 15-17 | Great Lakes Regional-INDY |
| May 19 | Noon Meeting-MCL |
| June 2 | Noon Meeting-MCL |
| June 10 | Board Meeting 5p Zoom |
| June 16 | Noon Meeting-MCL |
| June 26-29 | Memorial Health Championship (Panther Creek) |
| July 7 | Noon Meeting-MCL |
| July 15 | Board Meeting 5p Zoom |
| July 21 | Noon Meeting-MCL |
| August 4 | Noon Meeting-MCL |
| August 12 | Board Meeting 5p Zoom |
| August 21 | Noon Meeting-MCL |
| September 1 | Labor Day No Meeting |
| September 8 | Noon Meeting-MCL |
| September 9 | Board Meeting 5p Zoom |
| September 22 | Noon Meeting-MCL |
| October 4 | Celebrate Sound Walk (Washington Park) |
| October 6 | Noon Meeting-MCL |
| October 10-17 | Sertoma International (Dublin, Ohio) |
| October 14 | Board Meeting 5p Zoom |
| October 20 | Noon Meeting-MCL |
| November 3 | Noon Meeting-MCL |
| November 11 | Board Meeting 5p Zoom |
| November 17 | Noon Meeting-MCL |
| December 1 | Noon Meeting-MCL |
Camp Sertoma 1962
Sertoma 70th Anniversary
Donating Equipment to Lincoln Library
Sertoma Cleanup Day
Fun Time Holiday Party
Proud Sertoman of the Year
Sertoma members present check to Illinois Symphony Orchestra in May 2025. It will provide sound shields to protect musicians from hearing loss due to high decibel sounds.
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