Lorraine Hendricks began her journey with the Boys & Girls Club of the Smoky Mountains in January 1991.  At that time the Smoky Mountains was a struggling unit of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Knoxville (now the Boys & Girls Club the Tennessee Valley).  Lorraine’s leadership skills, along with her grit and determination lead to the formation of the Boys & Girls Club of the Smoky Mountains in 1993.    

In Lorraine’s 20+ year board membership she has consistently made a significant impact on the lives of smoky mountain children. Lorraine started her board work as the board secretary from 1992-1996. Lorraine then put her human resources background to work by serving on our personnel committee from 1997-2009.  Since 2010 Lorraine has served on the program committee where she still continues to volunteer her time.    

Lorraine has been a 100% financial contributor to the Boys & Girls Club of the Smoky Mountains for over 20 years.  She has worked on multiple Steak & Burger, Auction and Golf committees as well as being a member of the It Just Takes One giving societies since its inception in 2005.     Lorraine has attended at least 6 Tennessee Area Council meetings and at least 7 BGCA National Conferences.    

Lorraine Hendricks volunteer work is legendary in the Smoky Mountains.  At 90 years young, she still actively   participates as a volunteer at LeConte Medical Center, a board member at the Robert F. Thomas Foundation, a member of the Sunrise Rotary Club and actively participates in her church. Lorraine is an inspiration and role model to everyone in the Boys & Girls Club of the Smoky Mountains family.    

In my 15-year career with the Smoky Mountains, I have never witnessed Lorraine Hendricks complain, be out worked or let any obstacle stand in the way of achieving her goal.  “She is my HERO!” stated Mark Ross, CPO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Smoky Mountains.