By Melissa Yarbrough
To be part of a civic organization is not only about being involved in the community but it is a very honorable journey.
My name is Melissa Yarbrough, I am the Treasurer of Smithville Business and Professional Women’s Club in Smithville, Tennessee. This is my second term, prior term was 2008 2010. I have been an active member since 2006.
The Business and Professional Women’s Club of Smithville, Tennessee has been a chartered civic organization since 1985 and has been involved in the beautification of the local city park for many years, along with many community events. The ladies that make up the club have the desire and drive to fulfill continued support throughout the community. Our club is responsible for annual events and a list of donations to put funds raised back into the community. One of the many events that take place is the Fall Festival Beauty Pageants.
There are five age groups of beautiful young contestants, trophies and crowns…a day full of beauty and smiles. The annual donations list consist of a college scholarship recipient, Relay for Life donation, donating to our local division of foster children, and more.
The month of October is recognized as Business and Professional Women’s Club month.
Each year our division has an annual banquet to recognize recipients of Woman of the Year, Woman of Achievement, and Young Woman of Achievement. The prior month, members vote on winners for these awards. I was honored to be presented with the award of Woman of Year on October 12, 2015 and to be one of two recipients for the award of Woman of the Achievement. My work and effort as an active member as well as the office of treasurer is only due to my own drive and desire to be involved with such an amazing organization that continually makes a difference in our community. I did not expect recognition but I am very proud and humbled to receive such awards and to be a part of this organization, club and community.
I am blessed beyond belief to be part of a group of Christian women that have the same desire to be involved, search for additional members, and to fulfill needs with our annual donations throughout the community.
Melissa has lived in Smithville for the past ten years. She moved to the area from Gulfport, MS after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. She is married and has two children. She is a member at New Home Baptist Church in Smithville and has been employed by the DeKalb County Trustee’s office as a clerk for 6 years. She is a member of the Business & Professional Women’s Club and currently holds the office as treasurer. She also has served on committees for the Fall Festival Pageants and other events held by BPW in the community. Melissa has assisted with the DeKalb County Fair pageants for several years, which includes tabulating and organization. In 2013 and 2015 she assisted with the Tennessee State Fair pageants.