Active, ambitious and selfless are just some of the words one can use to describe the group of members that make up the Auburn 20-30 club.

Serving the community of Auburn for more than 80 years, this club provides young adults in their 20s and 30s with an opportunity for personal growth and friendships, while improving the quality of life for children with special needs in Auburn.

Auburn 20-30 is the second oldest 20-30 Club in the nation.

It was first established as a men’s only club in 1929 and according to President Lora Sutherland, the club became co-ed only four years ago.

Sutherland is the first woman president in the history of the club. She said Auburn 20-30 holds a distinction other clubs do not.

“One neat thing about our club is we have second and third generation members,” Sutherland said. “This is something very unique to Auburn.”

Sutherland said they sing songs at meetings that have been passed down from generation to generation and have a nice collection of memorabilia that help maintain the history of the club.

“We have neat memorabilia that has been passed down through the years, such as a Dodge Firetruck from the 1930’s,” Sutherland said. “We use this in the light parade.”

Through organized fundraisers, Auburn 20-30 support many local community groups involving children.

“Our purpose is to raise money for underprivileged and needy children in the community,” Sutherland said. “All the money our club makes goes back to the community.”

Some of the organizations the club works with are the Boys and Girls Club, Head Start and Acres of Hope.

They organize the annual Easter egg hunt at the Auburn Fairgrounds and the Christmas Shopping Spree, where they take each participating child to Kmart for clothes, toys and necessities.

“With our projects, we try and find things that are hands on where we work directly with the kids,” Sutherland said. “We want to give back to them.”

The club meets twice a month throughout the year for business and social meetings.

Sutherland said they have a lot of fun and she encourages people between the ages of 20-39 to try it out.

“We are always looking for new members,” Sutherland said. “People who are interested in making a difference in the community and people who want to be leaders.”