Culver City Exchange Club – Interview with Club President Bruce Popkin
By Todd Miller
The Culver City Exchange Club is the local service organization responsible for putting on the Fourth of July Fireworks Show, the annual Car Show and other fun events in Culver City. The current President, Bruce Popkin, shares his insight about the club.
Bruce, first off, what is the “Exchange Club”?
The Exchange Club is a service organization. Our mission statement is the prevention of child abuse. We have many different events that we put on to raise money that we then give back to charitable groups in the community.
Where does the Exchange Club meet and who are its members?
The Exchange Club meets at 12 p.m. every Tuesday at the Elks Lodge in Culver City. Anyone is welcome to join us for lunch to see what we are all about. Our members are local business owners and residents.
What are some of the events the Exchange Club puts on?
Our next event is the Car Show on May 11 in Downtown Culver City. We have been putting on the Fireworks show at the High School for the past 46 years, but sadly, because of renovations at the school, we will not be having a show this year. We will be running the Beer & Wine Garden at this summer’s Fiesta La Ballona.
What are some of the charities and organizations that the Exchange Club donates to?
Every year the Culver City Exchange Club gives out thousands of dollars in charitable contributions. Some of our past recipients include the Culver Palms YMCA, Culver City Youth Health Center, Culver City Education Foundation, High school Booster Club, Upward Bound House, Harvest Home and the Downey Child Abuse Prevention Center. We also give out approximately $13,000 in scholarships to local high school seniors every year.
We heard that the Exchange Club has been one of the most consistent supporters of the Culver/Palms YMCA? What has the Club done for the Y?
For over 25 years, the Exchange Club has given the Culver Palms YMCA about $7,500 per year, making our small club one of the Y’s best supporters. They, in turn, use this money to provide support to local families.
As President this past year, what are you proud of?
As President of the club I have been honored to work with some fantastic men and women throughout our community, a bunch of do-gooders as I call them. I also set some goals for myself, which I am happy to say we achieved, such as donating money to several elementary schools, which will directly help our children.
What does it take to join the Exchange Club? Do you need new members?
We absolutely need new members! If you are a person that wants to give back to your community, then you should come to a meeting on Tuesday, everyone is welcome. Some of my best friends are people I’ve come to know through the Exchange Club. Feel free to call me if you have any questions at 310-398-1557.