The Ypsilanti Area Jaycees were organized on July 8, 1937, with 19 young men being inducted that evening. That same night saw Charles Hill elected the first President. However, it was not until February 23, 1938, that a charter was presented to the Ypsilanti group by the State and National organizations. The 19 Ypsilanti members grew to 46 by the end of that first year and have maintained a strong and active membership ever since that first year, reaching a height of 231 members in 1970.

Community projects sponsored by the Ypsilanti Area Jaycees over the years include such outstanding services as the first bond drive in the area, the first blood bank in the community, housing of the “War Workers”, muscular dystrophy drives, sickle cell clinics, recreational development, needy children’s Christmas Shopping tour, Holiday Food Baskets, Junior Miss, Project Santa, Santa’s Hotline, Books for the Library, auto safety checks, seat belt clinics, Project Concern’s Walk for Mankind, Senior Citizens programs, Easter Egg Hunt, leadership roles in Ypsilanti’s spectacular Sesiquicentennial in 1973, The nationally famous “Governor’s Cup” boat races and Supporting D.A.R.E. by purchasing t-shirts for the graduates.

This history of which we are very proud includes twenty-two blue chips, three gold chips, two Bill Otto Awards (1966-67, 2004), eight Giessenbier Awards (1965-66, 1966-67, 1972-73, 1978-79, 1979-80, 1980-81, 2001, 2004), National Howard Memorial Awards (1980-81, 2001) and numerous awards for programming.

After a national court ruling in 1984, the Ypsilanti Area Jaycee (Auxiliary) Women merged with the Ypsilanti Area Jaycees to form a group of young people who’s prime objectives are organized development, individual development and community service. By continuing this service and development we will assure that the Ypsilanti Area Jaycees will be the most outstanding and dynamic young person’s organization in our community.