About the Club
The Friendship Force of Knoxville was chartered on May 16, 1981. We have approximately 50 members who live in Knoxville, and in surrounding communities (Farragut, Maryville and Oak Ridge.) We welcome at least two incoming journeys each year and send out at least one outgoing journey.
See below for a list of officers, club PDF documents and board meeting minutes.
2023 Club Officers & Board
2023 Club Officers & Board
2023 Club Officers & Board
President: Jayne Raparelli
Vice-President: Betsy Tonkin
Secretary: Mike McDonough
Treasurer: Bill Cherry
Communications Committee Chair: Janis Robinson
Webmaster: Ray Simko
Newsletter Editor: Janis Robinson
Hospitality Chair: Barbara Elder
Program Chair: Marsha Mitchell
Membership Chair: Betsy Tonkin
Club Concerns: Paulette Anderson
Historian: Betsy Tonkin
Ambassador (Outbound} Coordinators:
FF Western Colorado June 11-17, 2023
Janis and Bruce Robinson
Tuxla-Gutierrerz, Mexico November 1-8, 2023
Leslie Badaines
Host (Inbound) Coordinators:
FF Western Colorado April 23-29, 2023
Leslie Badaines and Betsy Tonkin
FF Spokane, Washington September 13-18, 2023
Diana Lopez
Past Club Presidents
2023 Club Officers & Board
2023 Club Officers & Board
1981-82: Aileen Caldwell
1983: Claude Haws
1984: William Grieve
1985-86: Robert Ebinger
1986-88: Robert Young
1988-89: Gordon Ford
1990-91: Byrl Logan
1992: Letha Dixon
1993: Betty Rose
1994: Hugh Sells
1995: William Grieve
1996-97: Fritzie Logan
1998: Thomas Bush
1999-00: James Dennis
2001-02: Roger Frye
2003-04: Grant Stradley
2005-07: Joanne Schuetz
2008-09: Phyllis Driver
2010-13: Joanne Schuetz
2014 -15: Panos Ioannides
2016-19: Diana Lopez
2020: Kaye Bultemeier
2020 -2023 Jayne Raparelli
About the Journeys
Our primary emphasis is for the Host Family and Ambassadors to get to know each other and share cultures. We take pride in giving our Ambassadors a chance to enjoy our Southern hospitality, picturesque countryside, mountains and friendly people.
A typical "Journey" will include an opening reception hosted by our Mayor and a gala farewell party. Non-hosting FFK members also join in the festivities. Each stay is tailored to the Ambassadors' interests. These activities may include visiting museums, hiking in the mountains, shopping for local crafts, attending sporting events, exploring the Civil War sites, and participating in local festivals.
Through such activities, we bond with our Ambassadors, establishing long and lasting friendships, and hope they take a fond memory of our beautiful East Tennessee and friendly people back home with them.
Read, print or download Club Documents
2023 Board Meeting Minutes
Copyright © 2023 Friendship Force Knoxville - All Rights Reserved.