Join the Service League of Cherokee County!

Do you have a heart for children and a passion for giving back to your community? Join the Service League of Cherokee County!

Since 1935, the Service League has been one of the oldest and most impactful volunteer organizations in Cherokee County, dedicated to serving underprivileged children. With a membership of 100 women, we collectively volunteer over 10,000 hours annually, raising funds to provide essential support such as food, clothing, dental and medical care, eyeglasses, scholarships, and more for children in need.

Membership Eligibility

We’re looking for women who:

Are between the ages of 23 and 60 when starting their service.
Have a servant’s heart, along with the time, ability, and desire to contribute to the League’s mission.
Have lived or worked in Cherokee County for at least one year and expect to remain in the area.
Can commit to attending all League-sponsored fundraising events, including our flagship Riverfest Arts & Crafts Festival in September and the Reindeer Run for the Children 5K.

Responsibilities of Active Members

Active members are vital to the League’s success. Members are expected to:

Volunteer a minimum of 50 hours annually at League-sponsored events like Riverfest, the Golfing Fore the Children tournament, the Reindeer Run, or other community service activities.
Complete 10 years of active service with the League.
Stay informed about the League and community needs by attending 10 regular monthly meetings (held on the second Tuesday of each month at 4:30 PM at Canton First United Methodist Church, except in April and July).
Attend the New Member Meeting and Annual Luncheon in the spring after acceptance.
Meet an annual financial obligation of $150.

Learn More

Applications for this year are now closed. To explore volunteer opportunities or learn more about the League, visit www.serviceleague.net. Volunteering at one of our events is a great way to get to know us!

Make a lasting impact in the lives of Cherokee County children—join the Service League today!

Service League Cancels 40th Annual Riverfest Due to Hurricane Helene Concerns

In an abundance of caution and in light of the impending weather threat posed by Hurricane Helene, the Service League of Cherokee County has made the difficult decision to cancel the 40th annual Riverfest, scheduled for September 28th and 29th. “The safety and well-being of our community, vendors, concessionaires, entertainers, and attendees are our top priorities, and we believe this decision is in the best interest of all involved,” says Melissa Wehunt, President of the Service League.

We are working diligently to notify all parties affected by this cancellation. We encourage everyone to follow the page for updates and additional information.

Riverfest Arts & Crafts festival is the League’s flagship fundraising event where all funds raised support Cherokee County children in need. While we are saddened by this cancellation, we remain committed to finding alternative ways to continue supporting our mission of helping the children and families in need within our community.

Updates regarding future fundraising plans for Riverfest will be shared on our official Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RiverfestGA/. We encourage everyone to follow the page for updates and additional information.

We appreciate the continued support and understanding of our community as we prioritize safety during this time of uncertainty. Thank you for your patience, and we look forward to seeing you at future events.

Service League of Cherokee County Awards Scholarships to 35 High School Graduates

The Service League of Cherokee County is proud to announce the awarding of scholarships to 35 graduating seniors from high schools across Cherokee County. These scholarships, ranging from $1,000 to $2,300, are designed to support the recipients in furthering their education, whether at a four-year university, technical school, or vocational program. The scholarship recipients come from various high schools within the county, reflecting the diverse academic excellence of Cherokee County School District’s student body. The awards were distributed as follows: seven students from River Ridge High School, eleven from Cherokee High School, one from Creekview High School, four from Sequoyah High School, two students from i-Grad Virtual Academy, three from Woodstock High School, and seven from Etowah High School.

Cherokee High School recipients are: Alyeda Zarate, Alicia Kidd, Ava Stuart, Brenda Hilario, Jaiden Pettersen, Jenna Cuomo, Jesse Young, Johnna Kelly, Karim Noami Sanoja, Katherine Busby, and Wesley Hurt.
Creekview High School recipient is: Grayson Venezia.
Etowah High School recipients are: Abigail Haines, Ashley Varela, Joshua Sacan, Kennedy Johnson, Kyra Albertson, Marissa Migneco, and Sandra Felgueres-Garcia.
i-Grad Virtual Academy recipients are: Amberlyn Broussard and Kiley McDonough
River Ridge High School recipients are: Amelie Vogel, Angel Merced-Herrera, Balileigh Borna, Chloe Martin, Estrella Cano, Julianna Kershaw, and Riley Schoper.
Sequoyah High School recipients are: Abigail Durkin, Blake Smith, Dylan Ross, and Josue Zurita.
Woodstock High School recipients are: Cameron Lavette, Caroline Provost, and Dania Gonzalez.

The Service League of Cherokee County has a long-standing tradition of supporting the educational aspirations of local students. Since its founding in 1935, the organization has been dedicated to positively impacting the community by providing support to children and families in need. These scholarships are a key part of that mission, alleviating the financial burden of higher education for deserving students and helping them to achieve their academic and career goals. “We believe in the potential of our youth and are committed to supporting their educational journeys,” said Melissa Wehunt, President of the Service League of Cherokee County. “These scholarships are an investment in the future of our community, and we are proud to help these students take the next step in their educational pursuits.”

The Service League of Cherokee County congratulates all the scholarship recipients and wishes them the best of luck in their future endeavors. The organization’s commitment to fostering educational opportunities for local students underscores its dedication to the growth and success of Cherokee County. For more information about the Service League of Cherokee County and its scholarship program, please visit www.serviceleague.net.

Service League member Savannah Holcomb presented awards at the i-Grad Virtual Academy awards breakfast to Amberlyn Broussard and Kiley McDonough.

Service League Members Sara Bobo and Kristin Johnson presented awards to Amelie Vogel, Angel Merced-Herrera, Balileigh Borna, Chloe Martin, Estrella Cano, Julianna Kershaw, and Riley Schoper at River Ridge High School’s Awards Night.

Service League Awards $50,000 in Community Impact Grants

The Service League of Cherokee County is honored to award $50,000 in Community Impact Grants to eleven different non-profit organizations committed to enhancing the lives of children in Cherokee County. The grants were awarded April 19, 2024 following a rigorous evaluation process led by a committee of League members.

The League received 25 Community Impact Grant applications. The application review process emphasized alignment with the League’s mission, focusing on projects or programs that directly benefit children or families with children in need within Cherokee County. Proposals were evaluated by the Grants and Special Projects committee based on the applicant’s ability to address identified community needs effectively, with priority given to those that directed funds towards initiatives directly impacting children, rather than administrative costs or salaries. This strategic allocation aimed to maximize the positive outcomes for Cherokee County’s youth population.

Like the Service League, many non-profit organizations are working to improve the lives of children in Cherokee County. The League holds a firm belief that by working together and supporting other non-profits in the community, we can affect meaningful change, and continue to remove barriers facing families and children in Cherokee County. Our Community Impacts Grants are a key part of that collaboration.

The $50,000 in grant funding was distributed among eleven different non-profits. The recipients were:

Anna Crawford Children’s Center: the funds will be used to provide emergency assistance with housing, utility and food costs for families impacted by abuse.

MUST Ministries: the Grant will provide funding for emergency hotel stays for families in crisis in Cherokee County.

Safe Kids Cherokee: the grant will fund the Safe Sleep Program to provide safe places for babies to sleep that might not have one to help reduce infant death rates by funding pack and plays and accessories so children have their own dedicated sleep spaces.

Cherokee Family Violence Center: the grant will fund activities and summer camp for children who have been impacted by family violence.

Cherokee County Homeless Coalition: Families facing homelessness will be provided with hotel stays while families are working to secure long term housing.

4H: the funds will be used to pay for the costs of summer camp excursions for children who might not otherwise be able to afford to attend camp.

Cherokee Makerspace: Grant funding will be used to purchase the materials needed so high school students can create two adaptive wheelchairs to assist children with disabilities.

Cherokee Youth Foundation: grant funding will be used to expand Cherokee Youth Foundation’s soccer program into more local elementary schools to help children participate in sports without the added financial burden on the family.

Circle of Friends: grant funding will be used to expand Circle of Friends current programs to include children between the ages of 11 to 18 and introduce those children to the programs offered by Circle of Friends prior to the children’s high school graduation.

Highland Rivers: the funds will be used to establish calming corners in schools within the Cherokee County School District for children suffering from the effects of mental health issues.

Bethany Place: Bethany Place runs a non-profit assisting single mothers by providing housing and food but also by helping the mothers become self-sufficient. The funds will be used to replenish the food pantry at Bethany Place.

Overall, the Service League of Cherokee County’s annual grant funding initiative reflects its unwavering commitment to supporting children and families in need, fostering a brighter future for the community. This year’s Community Impact Grant funding was made possible thanks to numerous successful fundraisers this past year including a record breaking Riverfest Arts and Crafts Festival.

Now accepting Community Impact Grant applications!

The Service League is pleased to announce the League will be awarding Community Impact Grants in the Spring of 2024. Thanks to successful fundraisers like Riverfest, Golfing for the Children, Reindeer Run for the Children 5k, and the Gala and Benefit for the Children, the League is able to set aside funds to assist other child focused organizations in Cherokee County. Specifically, the League is seeking to support other organizations who, like the Service League, work to remove barriers and enable children to grow, learn, and prosper in our community. The League is looking from requests for grant funding from organizations who have new ideas and new projects that will have a positive impact on children in Cherokee County.

Proposals will be evaluated by a committee of League members and scored using a rubric which gives priority to the criteria outlined below. Successful proposals must meet the following criteria:

Organization is a non-profit or government entity that seeks funding for a project/program that will benefit children or families with children in need in Cherokee County.
Aligns with the Service League’s mission of assisting children and families with children in need in Cherokee County. Applications which clearly define the community need and a plan to address it will be given higher priority.
Demonstrates a clear project overview and budget
Submits a clear application by the deadline April 1, 2024
Priority will be given to applications which utilize funds to directly impact children. Applications which will primarily be used to fund salaries or administrative costs will be given lower priority.

The application deadline of April 1, 2024 has now passed and applications for 2024 are closed. Recipients will be notified by April 22, 2024. Questions should be directed to pastpresident@serviceleague.net.

Service League of Cherokee County Awards 3rd Annual Heritage of Hope Award to Dr. Brian Hightower

Cherokee County, GA — January 27, 2024 — The Service League of Cherokee County is proud to announce that Dr. Brian V. Hightower has been honored with the prestigious 3rd Annual Heritage of Hope Award. The award was presented during the Service League’s Annual Gala and Benefit held on January 27, 2024 at the historic Wheeler House in Ball Ground.

Dr. Hightower, Superintendent of Schools, was selected from a pool of outstanding finalists, including Megan Allen, a dedicated social worker with the Cherokee County School District, and Virginia Stephens, a compassionate leader at Woodstock First Baptist Church.

Throughout his remarkable 40-year career in education, Dr. Hightower has exemplified unwavering dedication to the well-being and success of Cherokee County’s children. From his early days as a classroom teacher and coach to his current role as Superintendent, Dr. Hightower has consistently demonstrated excellence, humility, and a deep commitment to serving the community.

Under Dr. Hightower’s leadership, Cherokee County’s schools have consistently surpassed national, state, and local benchmarks, thanks to his steadfast focus on student success, extensive experience, and collaborative approach to governance. Beyond the school district, Dr. Hightower has been actively involved in various community organizations, advocating for initiatives that improve the lives of all residents, especially children.

“We are honored to present Dr. Brian Hightower with the Heritage of Hope Award this year,” said Marcey Stein, President of the Service League of Cherokee County. “His tireless dedication to education and his compassionate leadership have made a profound and lasting impact on our community. Dr. Hightower truly embodies the spirit of hope and service, and we are grateful for his invaluable contributions.”

The Heritage of Hope Award recognizes individuals like Dr. Hightower who have gone above and beyond to make a difference in Cherokee County. Through their selfless actions and unwavering commitment, recipients of this award inspire hope and create positive change for future generations. Prior recipients include Amy Economoplous with the Anna Crawford Children’s Center and Judge Jennifer Davis with Cherokee County Juvenile Court.

At the Gala and Benefit, the League also recognized other finalists for this year’s award, including, Megan Allen and Virginia Stephens.

Megan Allen has tirelessly worked to improve the well-being of students and families within the Cherokee County community. As a social worker with the school district, she has shown a deep understanding of the challenges faced by vulnerable populations and has dedicated countless hours to providing them with necessary resources and support. Ms. Allen’s compassion and empathy shine through in every interaction, making her an invaluable asset to the community.

Virginia Stephens has been a pillar of support for families in Cherokee County, particularly single parents and widows, through her work at FBC Woodstock. As the overseer of the benevolence ministry, she has provided invaluable assistance to those in need throughout the year. Additionally, her leadership of the Caring Christmas program has brought joy and hope to hundreds of children, ensuring they receive gifts and support during the holiday season.

Heritage of Hope winner Dr. Brian Hightower

Heritage of Hope winner Dr. Brian Hightower with fellow nominee, Megan Allen, and Service League President Marcey Stein

Service League Class of 2014 honored for their 10 years of service. Pictured (L-R): Brandie Bennett, Ashley Carlile, Mary Beth McInvale, Brandi Clotfelter, Jennifer Reynolds, and Kelly Scott Not pictured: Katie Smith, Ashley Adams, Neely Bursmith, and Amanda Day

2023-24 Scholarship Applications Now Open

As part of our mission of serving the children in our community, the Service League continues the tradition of awarding college scholarships to local seniors. This year a limited number of need based scholarships will be awarded to qualified graduating seniors currently attending a Cherokee County School District high school. Recipients will be selected based on financial need, academic and extracurricular achievement, and recommendations.

A committee of representatives from the Service League of Cherokee County will review all applications. Representatives from the Service League of Cherokee County will recognize the students chosen to receive the scholarships in the spring. *Scholarship award funds will be paid directly to the postsecondary institution as a one-time payment if the student is enrolled full time in a post-secondary institution.

All applications and supporting documentation must be submitted online by Friday, March 15, 2024.

In order to be considered, applications should include:

College Acceptance Letter – Must be provided for scholarship to be considered. Scholarship award funds will be paid directly to the postsecondary institution as a one-time payment if the student is enrolled full time in a post-secondary institution.
High School Transcript (through S1 2023-24 school year)
Individual senior photo/headshot (to be used for promotional purposes associated with this scholarship competition)
SAT or ACT Scores (optional)

Any questions should be directed to the scholarship chair at scholarships@serviceleague.net.

Scholarship Application

Scholarship Checklist

Scholarship Flyer

Thank you to our 2024 Gala & Benefit Sponsors!

Thank you to the sponsors of a 2024 Gala & Benefit. The work of the Service League depends on the support of businesses in our community. In addition to a wonderful evening of music, food and mingling, a Gala Sponsorship is essential to enabling the League to fulfill its purpose of providing for children in need in Cherokee County!

Join the Service League!

Do you have a heart for children and want to give back to the community?
Join the Service League!

Established in 1935, the Service League of Cherokee County is one of the oldest volunteer organizations in our community with a rich heritage of service to the underprivileged children of Cherokee County. Our membership of 100 women volunteer approximately 10,000 hours each year, raising funds to provide food, clothing, dental care, eyeglasses, medical care, scholarships and much more for children in need throughout our community.

Statement of Membership

Eligibility Requirements for Prospective Members

Individuals seeking active membership in the Service League of Cherokee County must meet all of the following eligibility requirements:

Prospective members must be women who begin their service between the ages of 23 and 60.
Prospective members must possess a servant’s heart, as well as the ability, desire and time to carry on all phases of the required work of the League.
Prospective members must live and/or work in Cherokee County for one calendar year and must have expected permanency.
Prospective members must be available for mandatory attendance at all League-sponsored fundraising events, including but not limited to the annual Reindeer Run for the Children, as well as our largest fundraiser, Riverfest Arts & Crafts Festival, held annually during the last full weekend of September.

Responsibilities of Active Members

The following requirements must be fulfilled by active members of the Service League of Cherokee County:

Each member is required to complete at least 50 hours of personal volunteer service in conjunction with a full year’s service during each year. These hours will be earned through participation in League coordinated or sponsored events and fundraisers like Riverfest, Golfing Fore the Children golf tournament, Reindeer Run for the Children or other community service activities.
Ten years of active service is expected of each League member.
Members must be informed on the organization and activities of the League, as well as the social, economic, educational, cultural and civic conditions of the community. This information is acquired through the mandatory attendance at 10 regular monthly meetings, held on the second Tuesday of each month at 4:30 p.m. at Canton First United Methodist Church, excluding the months of April and July.
After acceptance, newly elected members must attend the New Member Meeting and the Annual Luncheon, held annually each Spring.
Members are required to meet annual financial obligations, currently at $150.00 per year. Members are also required to purchase one Service League Cookbook. Both of these financial obligations need to be completed by the new member meeting.

A great way to learn more about membership is to volunteer at one of our fundraising events. If you would like to know more about us or about volunteer opportunities throughout the year, please visit www.serviceleague.net.

Thank you to our 2023 Run for the Children Sponsors!

Thank you to our 2023 Run for the Children sponsors! Sponsors are essential to our work and we are grateful for the sponsors who choose to continue putting their resources to work to support the children of Cherokee County.