Community Service Programs

Community Service – A Pillar of Purpose

As one of the four pillars of the National Exchange Club, Community Service reflects our commitment to improving lives and strengthening neighborhoods. Through volunteerism, civic engagement, and support for local needs, Exchange Club members build a better America—one community at a time. Whether it’s honoring heroes, organizing events, or lending a hand in times of need, we serve with pride and purpose.

Salute to Service

Honoring Excellence in Public Safety

A Tradition of Gratitude

Our Club is honored to host this annual recognition event as a way of expressing our deep appreciation for the tireless efforts of law enforcement personnel. The event includes:

  • A formal awards presentation

  • Remarks by city and department leadership

  • A community luncheon bringing together civic leaders and supporters

Through the Salute to Service Program, we aim to not only commend outstanding service but also strengthen the bond between our Club and those who protect and serve Newport Beach with distinction.

Each year, the Exchange Club of Newport Harbor proudly presents its Salute to Service Program, recognizing the outstanding men and women of the Newport Beach Police Department for their exceptional commitment and service to our community.


This special program celebrates the Police Department Employees of the Year, acknowledging individuals who go above and beyond in their roles to ensure the safety, well-being, and trust of the Newport Beach community. Honorees are selected by the department for their professionalism, integrity, and dedication.

Officer of the Year: Austin Laverty 

Austin joined the Department in 2020 with six years of prior experience with another law enforcement agency.

He became a motor officer in the Traffic Division in 2021 and was awarded the Century Award by Mother’s Against Drunk Driving (MADD) for arresting 101 DUI’s that year. Austin became a Traffic Investigator in 2022 as well as becoming an explorer advisor to the award-winning Newport Beach Police Explorer Post 1050. This program develops young men and women between the ages of 14 and 21 through mentorship, training, teamwork, competitions, character development, and community service. In 2023, he won the Case of the Year from the Southern California Traffic Investigator’s Association for a fatal traffic collision investigation he headed. In addition to his regular duties, Austin assists with shift coverage in the Patrol division, works on various special events, and takes on projects to enhance the working environment for his peers.

Proud Grant Sponsor: Newport-Mesa Schools Foundation (NMSF)

The Exchange Club of Newport Harbor is honored to be a Grant Sponsor for the Newport-Mesa Schools Foundation (NMSF). Through this partnership, we help provide vital funding that empowers teachers to bring innovative, engaging, and impactful learning experiences into their classrooms.

These grants support projects that go beyond the standard curriculum—encouraging creativity, critical thinking, and hands-on learning. From STEM initiatives and art programs to literacy development and social-emotional learning, NMSF grants make a meaningful difference in the lives of students across the Newport-Mesa Unified School District.

By investing in our educators, we are investing in our youth—the heart of our community. This sponsorship aligns perfectly with the Exchange Club’s mission to strengthen families, uplift youth, and support education.

We are proud to stand with NMSF in creating opportunities that inspire students and support teachers in shaping the future, one classroom at a time. Insert Link to NMSF website. 

This year’s grant recipients, selected for their innovative and engaging classroom projects, include:

  • Jim Blackie – Ensign Intermediate
    “Dr. Bunsen, I Presume?”
    This grant fills a critical gap in lab equipment by providing the iconic Bunsen Burner—an essential tool used in science classrooms around the world for over 100 years. The project will help “ignite” student engagement and deepen understanding of scientific concepts through hands-on experimentation.
  • Karissa Nguyen – Lincoln Elementary
    “Makey Makey Circuit STEM Kit”
    This project offers a hands-on learning experience that bridges physical materials with digital technology. Through interactive activities, students will gain a stronger grasp of key STEM principles in a fun and innovative way.
  • Jung Park – Woodland Elementary
    “Early Explorers”
    Designed to introduce young learners to engineering fundamentals, this project uses engaging STEAM tools and interactive play to promote exploration, creativity, and problem-solving.

Proud 2024/2025 ANNUAL Sponsor: Let's Be Kind

The Exchange Club of Newport Harbor is a proud sponsor of Let’s Be Kind—a student-led movement that promotes connection, empathy, and support among students.

This impactful program fosters lasting peer-to-peer relationships through the creation of Kindness Lounges, including one our Club helped establish. More than just a physical space, the Kindness Lounge serves as a safe and welcoming environment where students can engage in meaningful conversations with trusted adults, ensuring they feel seen, heard, and valued.

Let’s Be Kind goes beyond the lounge. It provides students with monthly lessons focused on leadership, empathy, and kindness—equipping them with the tools they need to be positive change-makers in their schools and communities. The program aligns with the Exchange Club’s core mission: uplifting youth and strengthening our community.

We’re also proud to support The Buddy Bench initiative, which—like Let’s Be Kind—creates safe spaces and opportunities for students to connect, build friendships, and support one another.

Many schools throughout the Newport-Mesa Unified School District now celebrate Let’s Be Kind Days, helping to create a culture of inclusion and compassion.

These programs are more than acts of kindness—they’re investments in our future. By promoting empathy, leadership, and kindness, we are helping students build strong values they will carry with them throughout their lives. It’s our way of paying it forward—ensuring that the kindness experienced today becomes a lasting ripple of goodwill in the years to come.

Click here to check out "LET's BE KIND"

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