WESTERN SPIRIT MAGAZINE TELLING THE KIWANIS STORY OCTOBER 2022 + WORLD SERVICE TIMMY NEXT-GENHEALTHGLOBALTRAINSLEADERS WEARABLE TECH SMART WATCHES AND APPS TRACK HEALTH STATS THE BIG IDEA A INLEARNINGONE-OF-A-KINDSPACEVIRGINIA 2022-23 INTERNATIONALKIWANIS PRESIDENT BERT WEST TAKES THE REINS
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OCTOBER 2022 3 INSIDE Features 8 WESTERN SPIRIT 2022-23 Kiwanis International President Bert West takes the reins. 16 KIWANIS LEADERSHIP 2022-23 Kiwanis International officers. 20 WORLD SERVICE Timmy Global Health’s mission is built on ordinary people doing extraordinary things. 24 WEARABLE TECHNOLOGY These gadgets will help you keep your health on the right track. 30 A MEMBER’S GOOD ADVICE A case for reading your Kiwanis magazine. 34 A LEGACY TO REMEMBER Longtime Kiwanis family member Marc Litwack pledges to support Key Club leaders of the future. Departments 4 VOICES From the executive editor; Diversity statement; President’s message; Executive perspective 40 CLUBS IN ACTION Big ideas; A new approach; Free range. 50 BY THE NUMBERS Money matters Contents OCTOBER 2022 • VOLUME 107, NUMBER 5 THE BIG IDEA • Page 40 Mission Statement The mission of Kiwanis magazine is to empower and inspire Kiwanis members to make differenceslastinginthe lives of children — and to share their powerful work with the world. Cover photo by Julia Vandenoever Photography
The facts are difficult to hear but must be shared. Unless there is a sudden drastic increase in membership and an adjustment of membership fees, I believe more changes are on the horizon for Kiwanis. Given the current environment, it’s difficult to justify printing a magazine. I don’t believe we will ever print eight issues a year again. So, this is where we are. We still provide news and features about great Kiwanis projects from around the world on kiwanis.org and our social channels, and will continue to do so. Keep reading and sharing!
KASEY JACKSON EXECUTIVE EDITOR
From the executive editor H appy Kiwanis New Year! Now that I’ve entered my 17th year as a staff member in the Kiwanis communications department, I believe more than ever that time flies. And with time comes change. Look at a newsstand. Kiwanis isn’t alone in decreasing its publication frequency. While Kiwanis magazine has reduced the number of print issues each year, other legends such as Newsweek, Parents, Redbook, Forbes, Cooking Light and Glamour have decreased issues or stopped printing altogether. It’s expensive to print a maga zine. How expensive? Well, as you can see on page 50, it cost US$1.3 million to produce eight print issues of Kiwanis magazine in 2017-18. We are anticipating an av erage cost of $1.3 million to print just four issues for the 2021-22 Kiwanis year. That’s the same cost for half the number of issues. So it’s no surprise we’ve been forced to change how we do business. Since cutting Kiwanis print issues, I’ve read emails andback.magazinetheirwantpeoplesayingmediaonmentscomsocial Those messages are outnumbered by the emails and feedback about how much many of you enjoy reading Kiwanis stories online. We learn to adapt. Information that used to be available only in print can now be found in a variety of places. We might not be able to control the supply chain or increasing prices, but we can control how we consume news and entertainment. And just think of how many people you can share Kiwanis stories with if you share them through social media and/or email. It’s much easier and the net is cast much wider if we get used to reading and sharing our stories online.
2022–23 KIWANIS INTERNATIONAL OFFICERS
CHIEFEXECUTIVEPRESIDENT-ELECTPRESIDENTIMMEDIATEPASTPRESIDENTTREASURERDIRECTORPHILANTHROPYOFFICER Filip Delanote Koksijde, Belgium Amy Zimmerman Beavercreek, Ohio, U.S. Robert M. “Bob” Garretson Fort Collins, Colorado, U.S. Robert S. Maxwell Topeka, Kansas, U.S. Stan D. Soderstrom Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S. Pam Norman Zionsville, Indiana, U.S.
EXECUTIVEPRESIDENT-ELECTPRESIDENTIMMEDIATEPASTPRESIDENTVICEPRESIDENTDIRECTOR Bert West Divide, Colorado, U.S. Katrina Baranko Albany, Georgia, U.S. Peter Mancuso North Bellmore, New York, U.S. Lee Kuan Yong Petaling Jaya, Malaysia Stan D. Soderstrom Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.
TRUSTEES Juanita F. Edwards, Cherry Log, Georgia, U.S.; Mark G. Esposito, Sicklerville, New Jersey, U.S.; Lenora J. Hanna, Ashland, Nebraska, U.S.; Brenda Leigh Johnson, Elmira, New York, U.S.; Babukrishna Karki, Kathmandu, Nepal; Lee Kuan Yong, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia; Peter J. Mancuso, North Bellmore, New York, U.S.; Richard A. “Rick” Poulton, Elgin, Illinois, U.S.; Elizabeth M. Tezza, Sullivans Island, South Carolina, U.S.; John G. Tyner II, Rockville, Maryland, U.S.; Francesco Valenti, Lentini, Italy; Koji “George” Yoshida, Tokyo, Japan Kew Drive, Windsor, ON N8T 3B7. Member’s annual subscription is US$8. Nonmembers may subscribe for US$12 per year. The information in this magazine is for illustrative and discussion purposes only. It is intended to provide general information about the subject matter covered and is provided with the understanding that Kiwanis is not rendering legal, accounting or tax advice. You should consult with appropriate counsel or other advisors on all matters pertaining to legal, tax or accounting obligations and requirements. Copyright ©2022 Kiwanis International INTERNATIONAL
PUBLISHER CHIEF MULTIMEDIAMANAGINGEXECUTIVECOMMUNICATIONSOFFICEREDITOREDITORARTDIRECTORASSISTANTEDITORPROJECTSEDITOR Stan D. Soderstrom Ben CurtisJulieAndyTonyKaseyHendricksJacksonKnodererAustinSaetreBillue KIWANIS MAGAZINE STAFF KIWANIS INTERNATIONAL OFFICE 3636 Woodview Trace, Indianapolis, IN, U.S. 46268-3196 1-800-KIWANIS (in U.S./Canada), +1-317-875-8755 Fax: +1-317-879-0204 Email:Website:magazine@kiwanis.orgkiwanis.org Magazine website: kiwanismagazine.org ADVERTISING SALES Fox Associates Inc. 116 West Kinzie Street, Chicago, IL, U.S. 60654-4655 1-800-440-0231 (U.S./Canada), +1-312-644-3888 Fax: +1-312-644-8718 Email: adinfo.kiwanis@foxrep.com FUTURE CONVENTIONS Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S., June 21-24, 2023 Denver, Colorado, U.S., July 3-7, 2024 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S., June 25-28, 2025 KIWANIS (ISSN 0162-5276) is published quarterly in January, April, July and October by Kiwanis International. Postmaster: Send address changes to Kiwanis, 3636 Woodview Trace, Indianapolis, IN 46268-3196. Periodicals postage paid at India napolis, IN and additional mailing offices. (CPC Pub Agreement #40030511) Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to Kiwanis, 2835
2022–23 KIWANIS CHILDREN’S FUND OFFICERS
4 KIWANISMAGAZINE.ORG VOICES
KIWANIS
TRUSTEES Kip Crain, Wooster, Ohio, U.S.; Chuck Fletcher, Frankfort, Kentucky, U.S.; Michel Fongue, Noumea, South Province, New Caledonia; Buheita Fujiwara, Kita-ku, Tokyo, Japan; Trinidad P. “Toto” Gonzales, Pampanga, Philippines; Gary Graham, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, U.S.; Steven “Steve” Ingram, Valparaiso, Indiana, U.S.; Gary Jander, San Diego, California, U.S.; Linda Lawther, Ypsilanti, Michigan, U.S.; Daniel “Dan” Leikvold, Lead, South Dakota, U.S.; Hope Markes, Hanover, Jamaica; Jackie Sue McFarlin, Othello, Washington, U.S.; Michael Mulhaul, Interlaken, New Jersey, U.S.; Éliane Ott-Scheffer, Ohnenheim, France; Vincent G. Salembier, Kooigem, Belgium
Diversity: We commit to increasing diversity and cele brating the range of human differences. Kiwanis clubs shall not discriminate based upon race, color, creed, national origin, age or sex, including sexual orientation and gender identity, when considering membership or during any of their activities or operations.
STRENGTH IN DIVERSITY
Inclusion: We commit to pursuing efforts to ensure the dignity of all people is recognized, respected, valued and empowered.
Equity: We commit to a policy of opportunity that promotes fairness, impartiality and nondiscriminatory actions for all persons — no matter the criteria.
To ensure our vision comes to life, it is imperative that our Kiwanis family welcomes, includes and serves individuals with diverse backgrounds, talents and perspectives. With Kiwanis’ world wide presence, it is critical that we work with and engage members and organizations representing diverse communities throughout all levels of our organization.
A t Kiwanis, our mission — to serve the children of the world, one child and one community at a time — is reflected in our continuing commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. We understand that the children of the world represent a variety of races, ethnicities, religions, abilities, socioeconomic statuses, gender identities and sexual orientations. Our vision is to be a positive influence in societies worldwide, so that one day, regardless of background, all children wake up in communities that believe in them, nurture them and provide the support they need to survive.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION
6 KIWANISMAGAZINE.ORG
Thank you for the opportunity to serve along side each of you. getSo,detailsremember,Andmatter.“Don’tFortheSalt.”
VOICES
Executive perspective
W ow! Over 50 years ago, as a very young boy of 4 “help ing” my grandpa and the Tulare Kiwanis club serve pan cakes for the Fair Parade, nothing suggested that some day I would write an article for Kiwanis maga zine. In 1988, reading “Green Eggs and Ham” to second graders at Woodlake Elementary School in a very small chair, nothing suggested future leadership. In the late 1990s, working three days on a girls soft ball tournament for the Ute Pass Woodland Park club, I hadn’t even considered being governor of the Rocky Mountain District. But here we are. Sometimes it’s hard to believe that a small-town boy could be president. Every one of us has an oppor tunity to lead this organization at every level. Every Kiwanian around the world has a unique perspective and brings another voice to the table. I hope that you will use your voice and perspective to help shape our image in the best way possible to promote the Objects of Ki wanis — not only this year, but in years to come. When we focus on collaboration, not competition, we will continue to succeed in positive service. I encourage you to use your skills and passion to help promote and expand our Service Leadership Programs — especially K-Kids. If we start elementary school students with the knowledge that the world is bigger than their school and with the importance of service to their community, we start them on a path to their own legacies of service.
Ultimately, Kiwanis Internation al’s financial health has resulted from the kinds of decisions we face now. In this new Kiwanis year, I’m confident we’ll face this one — and continue maintaining our strength. We’ll share more information with clubs in the proposal.justmentesboardmonthscomingasthefinalizadues-ad
Kiwanis has been able to forgo a dues adjustment since 2015, thanks to our strong investment portfo lio. The organization’s financial reserve belongs to members, so it was only fair that the reserve’s investment performance defray such adjustments. Now, market performance and inflation compel us to meet our fiduciary duty. Of course, this proposal is hardly unprecedented. Inflation and other factors occasionally require Kiwanis to adjust member dues — as we did eight years ago. But that eight-year interval also indicates that we never propose such increases lightly.
S everal factors have kept Ki wanis International financially sound over the years — from our long-term investment policy to the disciplined oversight of our boards of trustees. The key: facing the facts in front of us. In 2021-22, the Kiwanis Inter national board did just that — by acknowledging the need for a dues-adjustment proposal. That proposal will be finalized in Octo ber, to be placed before the dele gates at the 2023 Kiwanis Interna tional Convention in Minneapolis. As always, several factors com pose our financial situation. But in short, two years of pandemic-era economic conditions — including global inflation and the investment markets’ recent performance — led the board to this decision.
President’s message
BERT WEST KIWANIS INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT
STAN SODERSTROM KIWANIS INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Kids Need Books! Join us in bringing books to children and families through Little Free Library book-sharing boxes. With books available 24/7 in neighborhoods around the world, Little Free Libraries remove the barriers to book access. The Little Free Library nonprofit organization is excited to be an official literacy partner of Kiwanis International! Stay in touch | © LittleFreeLibrary.org/Kiwanis
8 KIWANISMAGAZINE.ORG
OCTOBER 2022 9
That combination of prominence and personal touch also helps explain West’s success — both professionally and as a Kiwanian. In fact, West sees the two roles as intertwined parts of his life, complementing and strengthening each other.
BERT
TAKES THE REINS. STORY BY TONY KNODERER PHOTOS BY JULIA VANDENOEVER PHOTOGRAPHY
The value of networking, he says, is “something we don’t talk about enough in Kiwanis.” His own expe rience shows how networking can influence a Kiwanis club’s growth and its place in a community. But it also shows how Kiwanis, in turn, builds trust and connection among colleagues and“Whencontacts.Ispeak in the business side of my life, I relate my Kiwanis experience — I always encourage
C ertain things make Bert West instantly recognizable among friends, colleagues and fellow Kiwanians. There is, of course, the hat. Whether he’s at Kiwanis meet ings and conventions or managing a roofing supply business in Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States, the cowboy hat marks him as a man of the West. No pun intended. But no drawback either. For the 2022-23 Kiwanis International president, the hat helps link the name to the man — and helps him stand out from the crowd. “It’s something that’s unique and fun,” West says with a smile. “When I went to Europe a while ago, I was in Vienna, and I must have taken 100 pictures with people there. And I didn’t know any of them.”
COVER STORY WESTERN SPIRIT
2022-23 KIWANIS INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT WEST
continuity is a hallmark of West’s life. Growing up in the Central Valley, an inland region of California that runs mostly parallel to the Pacific coast, he got involved in roofing when he was 16.
Convention photos this page by Curtis Billue
10 KIWANISMAGAZINE.ORG COVER STORY people in the business community to get involved in community service,” West says. “When you serve alongside someone, whether it’s at a pancake breakfast or on a playground, whatever it is, they realize you have something extra in common — in a way you don’t when you’re handing your business card to them.”
“Someone at our church just said, ‘You want to come help?’” West recalls. “I said, ‘Sure,’ and I’ve been in the business since. I guess I don’t quit easy.” That moment led to a job, which led, through the years, to an ever-expanding role in the roofing industry. (It also led to the hat: “I worked outside so much,” he says, “that it just made sense to start wearing one.”) His career now finds him in wholesale retailing in Colorado, where the family — including his two daughters, Megan and Lauren — moved in 1995. Bert and Sandy now reside in the town of Divide. “We wanted to do it for our kids,” he says. “We thought it would be nice to live in the mountains of Family,Colorado.”career— in any major move, you bring all the most important things with you. For West, that included Kiwanis.
Constant companion A Kiwanian for 34 years, West is a member of the Kiwanis Club of Ute Pass Woodland Park, Colorado. By now, he considers Kiwanis to be part of his identity — something that’s always with him. Like hisOh,hat.and his dog. That would be Ace the Wonder Dog, West’s black Labrador, hunting buddy and constant companion. “I’ve always had a dog,” West says. “Always had labs. Ace turned into one of those dogs who’s always with you. We’ve been all over. He even used to be at work with roofingorSandy.Westencetainsbit.workcuttingturnedAceme.”recently10,sohe’sbackhisscheduleaButhemain-asteadypres-inthelifeofandhiswife,Whetherit’sAceKiwanisortheprofession,
Even West’s childhood memories include Kiwanis service projects and events. “Before I was going to school, I was going to Christmas programs and singing, or cleaning the tables at pancake breakfasts. I may have been doing more playing than cleaning, but I was“Whenthere.they asked me to join (as an adult), there was no way I was going to say no.”
West became a Kiwanian in 1988, when he joined the Kiwanis Club of Woodlake, California. In fact, the club was new — and West was its first charter member and president. He was only 24, but he also knew Kiwanis: When he joined, he became a third-generation member.
OCTOBER 2022 11
West has stayed a member through the years and relocations since then. And he has had multiple leadership positions. For example, he has been president of three clubs, including three terms with the Ute Pass Woodland Park club, and he has served two terms as lieutenant division governor and one term as governor of the Rocky Mountain District. That experience has given him some perspective on the changes in Kiwanis over the decades — and on the continuing importance of change in the future. For instance, West loves his club’s
Learning from experience
It started with West’s grandfather, Ernie Korte, a Kiwanis member since the 1940s and governor of the DistrictCalifornia-Nevada-Hawaiiin1977-78.“Itwasasmalltown,andevery
body knew me,” West says. “It was natural to say, ‘Ernie’s grandson is in town, let’s ask him to join.’”
“Any for someone to do service — I don’t care what call it, it’s useful. Nobody ever said, ‘I wouldn’t do that for that child.’”
you
opportunity
Back in Colorado, the satel lite-club option has also been a success for the Ute Pass Wood land Park club. In fact, Sandy is a member of the satellite club, which has evening meetings, and Bert has been impressed with the mutual support and collaboration.“Asatelliteclub can be very successful if it’s done right,” he says. “Any opportunity for someone to do service — I don’t care what you call it, it’s useful. Nobody ever said, ‘I wouldn’t do that for that child.’”
The right decision Now West’s own children are Kiwanians. In fact, his older daughter, Megan, is president of the La-Miss-Tenn Kiwanis E-Club this year. West is proud of that legacy, but his commitment to generational connection goes beyond his own family.
OCTOBER 2022 13 COVER STORY tradition of weekly, in-person meetings, but he also understands that not everyone can conform their schedules to that format. He has seen the benefits of flexibility firsthand. Noting how video technologies have broadened the ways members can communicate, he says he has used Zoom himself to stay in touch with the Woodlake, California, club — in which he has maintained a membership over the years.
“I was visiting a Kiwanis club and a gentleman talked about bringing his kid to a meeting and ‘ringing the bell’ together,” he says. “That really touched me.
“I never walked away from a leadership role saying, ‘I wish I hadn’t done that.’ I’ve never had a position with Kiwanis that I didn’t enjoy.”
“I never walked away from a leadership role saying, ‘I wish I hadn’t done that,’” he says. “I’ve never had a position with Kiwanis that I didn’t enjoy.” Now that his position is Kiwanis International president, he can reflect on how much it all matters. During a recent visit with a K-Kids club in Bettendorf, Iowa, someone asked what his big Kiwanis moment was. “I said, ‘I think it’s with you, right now.’ What I happen to be doing that day is my moment. For me, it’s always that next new memory.” K
At the international level, he adds, a Kiwanis leader’s decision “has to be good for everyone or it’s a bad decision. It has to be good for Colorado and for Kuala Lumpur. If it’s not good for them both, it’s not good for Kiwanis.”
14 KIWANISMAGAZINE.ORG COVER STORY
“We’re never going to do a $10,000 fundraiser — that won’t happen in a rural town,” he says. “What we do have is a deep connection with the entire town.” West’s membership in a rural club helps remind him that while many Kiwanians are driven by a particular passion — whether it’s a program, a project or anything else — their local circumstances often determine how they fulfill them.
“There’s a difference between passion and perspective,” he says. “My perspective is totally different from someone in Manila. I won’t know what’s needed in downtown Chicago or Auckland, New Zealand, the way people there do.”
“Mostgrowth.clubsdon’t have those one or two members who can do it all,” he says. “But when people are working as a team, you can spread the responsibility and excitement.”Aculturein which every member recruits, he adds, gets more people invested in the club’s fate. And that investment might inspire more of them to seek leadership roles. West can personally attest that it’s worth taking the leap.
“Kids are kids everywhere,” he says. “They like to play and have fun together, whether they’re in Europe or the Phil ippines or Divide, Colorado. K-Kids is a chance to let them know they can make a difference together, anywhere.”
And it reminded me that the most important people we can impact are the That’syoungest.”whyK-Kids is a particular focus for West, whose goals for 2022-23 include the opening of 250 new K-Kids clubs.
West has found that what’s true for kids is true for Kiwan ians: There are adults in every part of the world who want to help children, and if they’re giv en access to a thriving Kiwanis club, they’ll take the opportunity to make an impact. The challenge for leaders like West is knowing how to help local clubs make the most of their specific circumstances. His own club, for example, succeeds in part because members know how to fit their goals to their community.
Worth the leap An initiative with the potential for that kind of widespread effectiveness, he says, is the Two For Two program. Introduced earlier this year, it’s a club growth program in which two club members reach out to two prospective members each month. (See kiwanis.org/ twofortwo.)Theprogram was developed from an idea of West’s. In fact, he thought of it while mowing his lawn. (“I have my best ideas when I’m mowing the lawn,” he laughs.) The core of the idea was to get everyone involved in membership
Executive Director Stan Soderstrom, Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.
Kip Crain, Wooster, Ohio, U.S. Chuck Fletcher, Frankfort, Kentucky, U.S. Michel Fongue, South Province, New Caledonia Buheita “Fuji” Fujiwara, Tokyo, Japan
Immediate
Daniel M. “Dan” Leikvold, Lead, South Dakota, U.S.
Verna “Hope” Markes, Hanover, Jamaica
Jackie Sue McFarlin, Othello, Washington, U.S. Michael Mulhaul, Interlaken, New Jersey, U.S. Éliane Ott-Scheffer, Ohnenheim, France Vincent G. Salembier, Kooigem, Belgium
Linda I. Lawther, Manchester, Michigan, U.S.
President-elect Katrina J. Baranko, Albany, Georgia, U.S. Past President Peter J. Mancuso, North Bellmore, New York, U.S. Vice President Lee Kuan Yong, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
16 KIWANISMAGAZINE.ORG KIWANIS LEADERSHIP Kiwanis International — 2022–23 Officers Kiwanis International — 2022–23 Trustees
Steven R. “Steve” Ingram, Valparaiso, Indiana, U.S. Gary Jander, San Diego, California, U.S.
Gary S. Graham, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, U.S.
Trinidad P. “Toto” Gonzales, Pampanga, Philippines
President Bert West, Divide, Colorado, U.S.
Filip Delanote, Alveringem, Zimmerman, Beavercreek, Ohio, U.S. Past President
Richard A. “Rick” Poulton, Elgin, Illinois, U.S.
Belgium President-elect Amy
Peter J. Mancuso, North Bellmore, New York, U.S.
Elizabeth M. Tezza, Sullivans Island, South Carolina, U.S.
Juanita F. Edwards, Cherry Log, Georgia, U.S. Mark G. Esposito, Sicklerville, New Jersey, U.S.
Brenda Leigh Johnson, Elmira, New York, U.S. Babukrishna Karki, Kathmandu, Nepal Lee Kuan Yong, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
John G. Tyner II, Rockville, Maryland, U.S. Francesco Valenti, Lentini, Italy Koji “George” Yoshida, Tokyo, Japan
Immediate
Robert M. “Bob” Garretson, Fort Collins, Colorado, U.S. Treasurer Robert S. Maxwell, Topeka, Kansas, U.S. Executive Director Stan D. Soderstrom, Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S. Chief Philanthropy Officer Pam Norman, Zionsville, Indiana, U.S.
Lenora J. Hanna, Ashland, Nebraska, U.S.
OCTOBER 2022 17 Kiwanis Children’s Fund — 2022–23 Officers Kiwanis Children’s Fund — 2022–23 TrusteesPresident
Key Club International President Lilian Thai, Garland High School, Texas-Oklahoma District, U.S.
Chair Donna T. Parton, Lake Worth, Florida, U.S. Vice Chair Karin Church Scottsdale, Arizona, U.S.
Alexis Langerak, Ammon, Idaho, U.S.
Michelle Study-Campbell, Executive director of Kiwanis Youth Programs, Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.
Daniel M. Leikvold, Lead, South Dakota, U.S.
18 KIWANISMAGAZINE.ORG KIWANIS LEADERSHIP Kiwanis International — 2022–23 Kiwanis Youth Programs Board
Immediate Past Chair
Steven R. “Steve” Ingram, Valparaiso, Indiana, U.S.
Lee Kuan Yong, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
Kiwanis 2022–23Kiwanis
International-Europe President Martien van der Meer, Naarden, Netherlands Kiwanis Asia-Pacific Chair Maribel “Belle” Garcia, Yigo, Guam Circle K International President Tyler Kearns, St. Lawrence University, New York District; Boston University, New England District, U.S.
Peter J. Mancuso, North Bellmore, New York, U.S. Verna “Hope” Markes, Hanover, Jamaica
George E.H. Cadman, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Directors Brian Egger, Seattle, Washington, U.S. Chuck Fletcher, Frankfort, Kentucky, U.S.
Regional & Family Leaders —
Gunter Gasser, Spittal an der Drau, Austria, 2013 14
Ian Perdriau, Melbourne, Australia, 1994-95
Nelson Tucker, Franklin, Tennessee, U.S., 2006-07
Sylvester “Syl” Neal, Auburn, Washington, U.S., 2010-11
Stephen K. “Steve” Siemens, Des Moines, Iowa, U.S., 2005-06
OCTOBER 2022 19
Brian G. Cunat, McHenry, Illinois, U.S., 2001-02
Arthur N. “Art” Riley, Westminster, Maryland, U.S., 2020-21
Donald R. “Don” Canaday, Fishers, Indiana, U.S., 2008-09
James M. “Jim” Rochford, Peoria, Illinois, U.S., 2017-18
Past Kiwanis International Presidents
Daniel Vigneron, Howald, Luxembourg, 2019-20
Peter J. Mancuso, North Bellmore, New York, U.S., 2021-22
David A. “Dave” Curry, Butte, Montana, U.S., 2007-08
Alex A. “Bo” Shafer, Knoxville, Tennessee, U.S., 2000-01
Susan A. “Sue” Petrisin, Lansing, Michigan, U.S., 2015-16
Glen M. Bagnell, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada, 1998-99
Gene R. Overholt, Plymouth, Michigan, U.S., 1988-89
Nettles Brown, Natchitoches, Louisiana, U.S., 1999-00
Thomas E. “Tom” DeJulio, Bronxville, New York, U.S., 2012-13
Robert L. “Bob” Moore, Venice, Florida, U.S., 2003-04
William L. “Bill” Lieber, Macon, Georgia, U.S., 1992-93
Paul G. Palazzolo, Springfield, Illinois, U.S., 2009-10
Eyjólfur “Eddie” Sigurðsson, Garðabæ, Iceland, 1995-96
Gerald P. “Jerry” Christiano, Tampa, Florida, U.S., 1996-97
Alan Penn, Medina, Ohio, U.S., 2011-12
Jane M. Erickson, Bellevue, Nebraska, U.S., 2016-17
Case Van Kleef, Bonita Springs, Florida, U.S., 2004-05
Juan F. “Ito” Torres Jr., New Manila, Philippines, 2002-03
By Marc D. Allan World service
D r. Chuck Dietzen founded the Timmy Foundation in 1997, hoping to address healthcare disparities in the world by activating the next generation of medical provid ers. His organization, which became Timmy Global Health in 2010, has provided care to over 150,000 patients in more than 11 countries and trained 4,000-plus student volunteers on college campuses across the country. That work earned Timmy Global Health the 2022 Kiwan is International World Service Medal, which recognizes indi viduals and organizations who devote a significant part of their work to meeting the needs of others. The medal was awarded during the 2022 Kiwanis Interna tional Convention in Indianapo lis, Indiana, U.S.
Dr. Chuck Dietzen
Dietzen — everyone knows him as “Dr. Chuck” — said the award brought him to tears because it came on the 25th anniversary of
20 KIWANISMAGAZINE.ORG GLOBAL HEALTH
“I was very pleased that we chose Timmy Global Health to be the recipient of this year’s World Service Medal — and especially so that it happened during my presidency,” says 2021-22 Kiwanis International President Peter Mancuso. “They have built a global network to combat health inequality based on respectful collaboration with the underserved communities with which they partner. This approach empowers those communities to develop sustainable health care systems that they can administer themselves. As such, they are a model for other organizations engaged in similar work and are well-deserving of our recognition.”
TIMMY GLOBAL HEALTH’S MISSION IS BUILT ON ORDINARY PEOPLE DOING EXTRAORDINARY THINGS.
OCTOBER 2022 21
22 KIWANISMAGAZINE.ORG GLOBAL HEALTH
Hannah Mann was part of that generation. In 2018, she was a member of an 18-person Indiana State University team that traveled to Latacunga, Ecuador, for a week. The team’s clinic treated nearly 500 patients, including 47 whom they referred and transported to specialists. The trip also cemented Mann’s mission to advocate for people who are normally overlooked. At the clinic one day, a woman handed Mann her child to hold during the admission process.
“I asked her the child’s name,” Mann said, “and she explained that they don’t name children until they survive their second birthday because infant mortality was so high. I remember thinking how big of an impact ‘Timmy’ was making on this community. Our work was helping at least “I asked her the child’s name, and she explained that they don’t name children until they survive their second birthday because infant mortality was so high. I remember thinking how big of an impact ‘Timmy’ was making on this community. Our work was helping at least four generations to have a better quality of life.”
the organization named for his older brother — who died as an infant in 1957, most likely from fluid in his lungs — and because this year marks the 25th anniversary of Mother Teresa’s death. Dietzen met her in 1997; her work inspired him to create Timmy GlobalDietzenHealth.grew up in a family that took in 150 foster chil dren over 20 years. He went to Purdue University with plans to become a veterinarian, but his mother said, “Are you sure you’re not supposed to work with kids?” He ended up going to medical school, where a question arose: How do people know what they should commit their college years to, let alone their lives, without exposure to the world?
One advantage: Students interested in humanitarian or philanthropic work are bright, passionate and techsavvy.“Itseemed like we could marry the need for them to get some experience to solving some big issues in the world, and it would help them determine their purpose in life,” he says. When a newspaper article about his plans for the organization was published, students started coming to him. He let the organization grow organically — the full story can be found in Dietzen’s book, “Pint-Sized Prophets” — and it started to fulfill his goals: to provide medical services to underserved people and to inspire the next generation of healers.
Dietzen hopes Timmy Global Health shows students the way to other extraordinary things. He tells them: “I don’t want you to ever think you can’t do what I do. I would hope this sets you on a trajectory where greater numbers of people are healed and the world’s a better place. And feel free to surpass me.” K
“It affects everyone involved,” she says. “Students and healthcare providers are able to see how big an impact their work has — and how you don’t need a lot of expensive technology to form a functioning clinic. Just a group of passionate healthcare professionals and volunteers can make a hugeTimmydifference.”Global Health now partners in four countries: Nica ragua, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador and Nigeria. Dietzen is acting executive director (as a volunteer). His continuing global healthcare work includes an ongoing project in the Gala pagos Islands and development of Kirklin, Indiana, U.S., a small town where he has opened a distillery and restaurant and is putting in a coffee shop. “We’re trying to empower the community,” he says. “We’re all just ordinary people. But the mission needs to be extraordinary.”
Now a registered nurse with Hendricks Regional Health outside Indianapolis, Mann can see Timmy Global Health’s impact even beyond those communities.
OCTOBER 2022 23 four generations to have a better quality of life.”
24 KIWANISMAGAZINE.ORG
Let’s start with the wrist, where Fitbit made its debut. To this day, the wrist remains the most popular body part for wearable technology. There are many options, but the big players in this market are Apple, Garmin, Samsung and Fitbit.
H ave you ever wondered how many steps you take per day or how long you sleep each night? Well, it turns out quite a few people want to know this information — giving rise to what is known as the wearable industry.
OCTOBER 2022 25 HIGH TECH
When the first Fitbit pedometers were introduced in 2009, they merely counted steps. Today, there are countless wearable options, all designed with a promise to help you become a better version of yourself.
Wearable technology THESE GADGETS WILL HELP YOU KEEP YOUR HEALTH ON THE RIGHT TRACK • BY CHUCK HAZZARD
For those who aren’t fond of watches or rings, smart clothing is an option. The company Whoop allows you to place a sensor on various pieces of clothing to track sleep, recovery and exercise. Other companies offer sensors woven into the Wearablesfabric.can be an important component of a person’s health journey. Selecting the appropriate wearable will depend on your personal taste, goals and budget. There are many groups on Facebook, Reddit and other social media channels that can help you narrow down the list of wearables to consider. Family and friends who use a wearable can also help with your selection process. Why monitor? Why should we know how much we’re sleeping and moving each day? Does it really matter? Yes, it does. And you’d be surprised how much. Sleep is central to health and performance. Why? Because this is the period of each day when our bodies recover and rejuvenate. Adults require seven to nine hours of sleep per night, children slightly more. So knowing how much time you sleep and how well you sleep is important. Nearly all wearables monitor sleep, so pick what works for you and start tracking.Movement is also a critical component of a healthy life style. So track it! Fitbit pop ularized taking 10,000 steps per day, which is a good
HIGH TECH These devices tend to measure sleep, movement/workouts, heart rate and, in most cases, more advanced metrics such as heart rate variability (HRV), blood oxygen and ECG. Smart rings are a fairly recent entry into the wearable market. Rings offer higher wear comfort, which can make them more comfortable to sleep with. The Oura ring is a market leader, with other popular versions available by Circular, Ultrahuman and Movano.
Like the wrist-based options, the smart rings track sleep, recovery, movement, workouts, heart rate, HRV and blood oxygen.
26 KIWANISMAGAZINE.ORG
OCTOBER 2022 27
Chuck Hazzard
K About the author Chuck Hazzard is an entrepre neur and wearable expert. He is currently working with Heads Up Health, the leading connected health platform for remote patient monitoring, precision medicine and individuals seeking to achieve peak performance. Hazzard is also working with CardioMood on the launch of their clinically validated wearable. He is also starting up an addiction management company and most recently worked with Oura during the company’s early growth years.
One thing to watch for: data fatigue. Many companies collect countless data, which can be confusing and cause undue stress. For example, sleep tracking has been shown to cause anxiety in certain people, which in turn results in poorer sleep. In such instances, it can make sense to pair the wearable experience with a health coach who can help you make sense of the data.
And another thing: How easy is the wearable to set up? Make sure the user interface makes sense to you. Research how easy it is to sync the data and how long the battery will last. These are all important facts to know when deciding what is right for you. What to watch for Once you make your choice, try to allow time to acquaint yourself with the data and guidance. Then it’s time to decide what you’ll do with all this new infor mation. Wearable companies use the collected data to guide you to ward better health. Remember that some do this better than others.
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HIGH TECH target, but the Centers for Dis ease Control now recommends individuals be active 150 minutes per week, which requires raising your heart rate. Brisk walking is a great low-impact option. Which wearable is right for me? There are many things to consider when choosing which wearable is best for you. Just a few things to consider: What data are you looking for? What are you willing to spend? How comfortable is the item? How committed are you to this purchase? How easy will it be toWearablesuse? from companies such as Amazfit are available for as little as US$70. But take note: There is a movement to charge a subscription for use of many wearables. Companies such as Oura, Whoop, Fitbit and CardioMood currently require subscriptions. As mentioned above, if you plan to monitor sleep, comfort should be considered. Smart rings are a good option, as are bed monitoring systems from companies such as EightBeyondSleep.sleep, you need to think about what other aspects of your life you wish to track. Considerations include steps/movement, how many floors you climb, heart rate and other more advanced metrics such as heart rate variability and ECG (A-fib tracking).
OCTOBER 2022 29
30 KIWANISMAGAZINE.ORG IN YOUR WORDS A GOODMEMBER’SADVICE A CASE FOR READING YOUR KIWANIS MAGAZINE.
BY AMANDA MALINOWSKI • KIWANIS CLUB OF TAMPA A t a recent service project, several members asked me where I got the idea for our newest project. My response received a few chuckles and more than one eye roll. I got the idea from Kiwanis magazine. Kiwanis magazine is filled with ideas that have been successful for other clubs and impactful in communities around the world. Yet I often hear Kiwanians who are in need of ideas to get attention, raise money and attract new members. When I mention the Kiwanis magazine, most members sheepishly admit they don’t read it. Those who don’t read it have no idea they are missing a sneak peek into how clubs around the world are helping kids. Several years ago, I was one of those members. I was frustrated about my club’s fundraising rut and eager to find new ideas. At a loss, I perused my Kiwanis maga zine for ideas. Then one day I stumbled upon an article featuring 100 fundraising ideas from around the world.
OCTOBER 2022 31
“Thanks to my trusty Kiwanis magazine, I knew exactly what club to call for advice and was able to get a jump start on my planning with the help of the Kiwanis Club of Glendale, California.”
32 KIWANISMAGAZINE.ORG IN YOUR WORDS
The fundraising ideas were as unique as the communities they served. From selling marigolds to burning down a 50-foot-high marionette, there were fundrais ing ideas that would raise any where from US$1,000 to $40,000. My club had several meetings to discuss the various ideas and finally settled on doing a Rub ber Duck Race. Thanks to my trusty Kiwanis magazine, I knew exactly what club to call for advice and was able to get a jump start on my planning with the help of the Kiwanis Club of Glendale, California. We just completed our 6th Annual Incredible Duck Race and raised $30,000 for kids in our local community. When I was president of my club, we surveyed the community to see if our club was meeting the current community need. We came to the conclusion that our club needed a project aimed at early childhood development and literacy. Over the past six years, I have kicked around several project ideas, but none of them felt like the right fit … until I saw the perfect idea in Kiwanis magazine.TheKiwanis magazine article featuring the Kiwanis StoryWalk in Columbus, Ohio, was inspi rational to me. Just like I had done when I was researching fundraising ideas, I reached out to the Columbus Kiwanis Club to get more information. That article led me and my club to our newest project, The Tampa Ki wanis StoryWalk. Our StoryWalk was installed in July of 2022, six years after I had set out to bring a literacy project to our club and just 11 months after I found the story in the magazine. So to Kiwanis magazine, I say thank you. Thank you for continuing to share our stories and connect us with each other around the world. I hope my fel low Kiwanians are reading this and are reminded that their next great idea might just come from these glossy pages. K
34 KIWANISMAGAZINE.ORG Marc Litwack
Recently, Litwack made his biggest impact yet: the announcement of his major future estate gift to the Kiwanis Children’s Fund.
Kiwanis International Trustee Michael Mulhaul knows Litwack both as a Kiwa nian and a friend.
LONGTIME KIWANIS FAMILY MEMBER MARC LITWACK PLEDGES TO SUPPORT KEY CLUB LEADERS OF THE FUTURE. BY
STORY
A legacy to remember
The Marc H. Litwack Legacy Lead ership Fund will support Key Club leadership development programs and activities, including the Global Leader ship Certificate, scholarships, specific leadership program elements of Key Club International conventions and leadership conferences and more.
A lot of people know Marc Litwack.
JULIE SAETRE • PHOTOS BY GAIL KELLY MOONEY
OCTOBER 2022 35 DONOR PROFILE
It’s a generous gift. But few people who know Marc Litwack understand how well it reflects the extent of his involvement with the Kiwanis family and the impact he has made through more than five decades of service and dedication.“IfIcould use somebody as a model of somebody who, every step of the way through his life, has been supportive of our organization, I’d point to Marc,” says Stan Soderstrom, executive director of Kiwanis International.
The New Jersey Kiwanian has been involved with the Kiwanis family since he became a member of Key Club International in 1970. He has attended an impressive number of Key Club district and international conventions and has arranged countless trips for Kiwanis and Key Club members to do the same. He served as the Kiwanis New Jersey District Governor in 2010-11 and was gearing up to campaign for a position on the Kiwanis International Board of Trustees until health issues sidelined his run.
“That’s a lot,” he acknowledges without a hint of pretense. “I enjoyed the traveling and meeting lots of Litwackpeople.”joined Key Club when he was a high school junior, intrigued by the combination of Front row, from left: Nancy Boucher; Marc Litwack; Pam Norman, chief philanthrophy officer, Kiwanis Children’s Fund; Stan Soderstrom, executive director, Kiwanis International. Second row, from left: Michael Malik, director of development, Kiwanis International; Michael Mulhaul, Kiwanis International trustee; Bernice Litwack; Michelle Study-Campbell, executive director of Kiwanis Youth Programs.
36 KIWANISMAGAZINE.ORG DONOR PROFILE
The Key Club champion To say Litwack loves Key Club doesn’t begin to cover his allegiance to the organization, its members and the service and leadership opportunities it provides. As a Key Club member, a member of Circle K International and a Kiwanian, he’s known 43 Key Club International presidents, attended 39 Key Club International conventions and traveled to at least 200 district conventions in at least 19 Key Club districts.
“He’s always looking to sup port others and the organization — whatever is best for Kiwanis — every single step of the way,” Mulhaul says. “He’s extremely insightful and well-versed in whatever he looks at.”
Litwack himself is modest. “Key Club was truly a life-changing experience for me. And I like to think that I’ve done what I can,” he says. “I’m glad that I can give this estate gift and leave a lasting legacy to Key Club. And hopefully a lot of deserving people will get this leadership award.”
The business also allowed Litwack, by then a Kiwanian, to continue working with the Key Club and CKI organizations he loved. Soon, he was helping members book travel to conventions and arranging tour packages for districts.Eventually, Litwack was leading familiarization trips for district administrators and governors to locations of upcoming inter“Key Club was truly a life-changing experience for me. And I like to think that I’ve done what I can. I’m glad that I can give this estate gift and leave a lasting legacy to Key Club. And hopefully a lot of deserving people will get this leadership award.”
“I was the district photo historian,” he recalls. “So I went around to 35 or 40 Kiwanis meet ings, mostly with the Key Club governor, and I showed slides about the Key Club convention in AtlanticLitwackCity.”had found a home in Key Club, and it wasn’t long before his work as a member was recognized. At the first Key Club International convention he attended, events centered around the theme “Personal Action: Prelude to Progress.” To his surprise, Litwack was presented with an engraved trophy to honor him for being the Key Club member who best embodied the theme. It’s not surprising, then, that Litwack joined Circle K Interna tional as a student at Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey and soon became district secretary, then governor. Also not surprisingly, he continued to show why he received the “Per sonal Action” honor.
OCTOBER 2022 37 service opportunities and leadership development.
“In my two years as governor, the district went from 154 members to 400. And I built seven new Circle K International clubs. I think most of them, except where a school has closed, are still in existence today.” The all-star travel agent After graduation, Litwack turned his love for travel into a career by launching his eponymous travel agency, which he would run for 34 years. It was a role for which he was especially well-suited at the time. Litwack has an acute memory, with the ability to recall an impressive amount of names, dates, times, places and more with remarkable accuracy. This turned out to be serendipitous for a travel agent in the pre-internet age.
“There used to be a book called the AOG, the ‘Official Airline Guide,’“ explains Soderstrom. “It was like a telephone book, with pages and pages in really small print of all of the airlines’ flights between cities and classes and fares. And Marc had the ability to memorize that. That’s why he was such a good travel agent.”
“I can still remember the first two service projects that I did,” he says. “The junior high school that I went to had sloping hills in the back, and the Key Club volunteered to pick up rocks and paper. And there is a very historic house in Livingston (New Jersey) — it’s still there — and we were assigned to paint the inside.” He also quickly became involved in the leadership side of Key Club. He attended the first of those 200-plus district conventions in 1971, when he traveled to Atlantic City, New Jersey. An amateur photographer at the time, he toted along a Nikon camera given to him by a friend who had purchased it in Japan. Litwack captured convention moments on photo slides, which were a popular image format at the time. The results impressed a district of ficer, who suggested Litwack put together a presentation for district Kiwanis clubs. Soon he had been given an official title.
— Marc Litwack
38 KIWANISMAGAZINE.ORG DONOR PROFILE
In total, Litwack arranged travel that helped thousands of Key Club members attend international ”Iconventions.thinkImoved easily 25,000 people to the international convention,” he says. ”That’s by air, bus and train.”
On October 1, 2000, Litwack became the official travel provider for Kiwanis International, a role he would continue for a decade. Not long into his tenure, he faced a chaotic challenge. Kiwanis and UNICEF had planned a dinner for October 2001 in New York City to celebrate the progress of their joint project to eliminate iodine deficiency disorder. But after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the event was canceled. Some 100 Kiwanis members had purchased nonrefundable tickets for flights to and from NYC, and Litwack faced the task of trying to help.
“Airlines were much more flexible in those days,” he says, “and after three or four months of work, I got every last one of them refunded. If someone would ask, that was one of my greatest accomplishments in my 10 years as official travel provider.”
It’s just one example in a long list of Litwack stepping in to help out behind the scenes (and in front of the scenes) to help maintain the organization and move it forward.“It’sareally great story to tell,” Soderstrom says. “He’s had his own niche of involvement and impact by doing what he’s done, and now he has committed to be a significant donor through an estate gift to the Kiwanis Children’s Fund.
“It’s a really great story to tell. He’s had his own niche of involvement and impact by doing what he’s done … and now he has committed to be a significant donor through an estate gift to the Kiwanis Children’s Fund.” — Stan Soderstrom
Many recall the time when a Kiwanis club in the New Jersey District was considering dropping its affiliation and becoming an independent service club. Its members focused solely on community efforts and began questioning why they were paying dues to an international organization. That’s when Litwack stepped in. He was able to explain to the club how every dollar of dues was put to use. His extra attention and explanation helped. The club not only remained an active Kiwanis club, but also donated US$5,000 toward the New Jersey District’s children’s hospital project.
The lasting legacy When Litwack approached Kiwanis International about making an estate gift, those who know him well were pleased he would be recognized and remembered for his decades of quiet, steady, behind-the-scenes support of the Kiwanis family.
“We’ll use the Marc H. Litwack Legacy Leadership Fund to support future leadership initiatives for young people through Key Club,” Soderstrom adds. “It’s a great model — a great lesson in servant leadership.” K Marc Litwack receiving a donor recognition keepsake from Kiwanis International Executive Director Stan Soderstrom.
national conventions, utilizing free tickets issued by airlines and paying for the hotel rooms on his own. In turn, the districts often used his business to arrange the resulting convention travel. Along the way, he did something many people never knew about: made convention travel possible for young people who couldn’t afford to attend. “I know for a fact,” Soderstrom says, “of times when there was a young person who didn’t have the money to go, and Marc made sure they got there.” Mulhaul adds, “I understand it was hundreds and hundreds of tickets he gave free.”
OCTOBER 2022 39
The library, located in a less-populated area of the city, was underused, despite its bright, spacious canthought,sawcameSTEAMchildren’s7,500-square-footarea.SowhenSaturdaysbe-aninstanthit,staffanopportunity.“That’swhenwe‘Maybewecreatethiskindof learning every day, seven days a week,’” Towers says.
STORY BY JULIE SAETRE • PHOTOS
Big ideas
I n 2017, when staff at the James City County Library in Williamsburg, Virginia, launched a monthly large-scale STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) program for children, the response was immediate and enthusiastic. That didn’t surprise Sandy Towers, then the library’s youth services director.“There were no free places where kids and their families could go and experience these kinds of learning activities,” Towers, now the library’s assistant director, says. “We realized that there was nothing in our community that was addressing that need.”
James City County owns the library and agreed to fund the basics needed for a remodel of the children’s space: lights, carpeting, etc. But Betsy Fowler, the library’s director, envisioned and designed a space filled with a blend of interactive STEAM exhibits integrated alongside corresponding book collections. Who better to answer the call than Kiwanians?
THREE VIRGINIA CLUBS COMBINE
40 KIWANISMAGAZINE.ORG CLUBS IN ACTION
“The Kiwanis groups and friends did what we call the magic,” Towers says, “which is all of the exciting exhibits that the kids enjoy.” TO CREATE MAGIC IN A CHILDREN’S LIBRARY SPACE. BY KATHERINE SPARKS
OCTOBER 2022 41
The library foundation’s major-gifts chairperson is also a member of the Williamsburg Kiwanis Club. He shared information about the project with the club, and fellow member Rolf Kramer immediately volunteered to chair a committee to raise funds. He reached out to the Toano and Colonial Capital Kiwanis clubs, and for the first time, the three collaborated on a project.
Each club set a fundraising goal in accordance with its size; together, they raised US$112,000 for what would become the Kiwanis Kids Idea Studio. It celebrated its grand opening in June 2021 — much to the delight of the 2,000 children who visited that first day alone.
CLUBS IN ACTION
The transformed space now features hands-on exhibits that combine learning with fun, cre
OCTOBER 2022 43
ated specifically for the library after Towers and Fowler toured multiple children’s museums to glean ideas. The 12-foot-tall Awesome Air Tubes use air-pro pelled scarves to help kids understand cause and effect.
44 KIWANISMAGAZINE.ORG CLUBS IN ACTION
A giant Lite-Brite-type display allows young visitors to create designs out of colorful backlit LuciteOtherpegs.exhibits include a large vertical LEGO® board, a mag netic gear wall and a kid-size kitchen, fully stocked market and a veterinary office complete with X-rays of real animals.
“We were hoping to create a space where the kids would want to come back again and again and again,” Towers says. By any measure, they succeed ed. The Kiwanis Kids Idea Studio saw 4,000 children visit weekly during the busy months of June, July and August this year. And circulation of children’s materials has increased 31%. “Let me tell you,” says Towers, “it’s a happy place.” K
When 2020 arrived, the club decided to maintain momentum by partnering with a local restaurant that donated 10% of its sales during a designated period of time. But by the time 2021 rolled around, the community and club were very energized, and Yorktoberfest brought in a net dollar amount of $30,000. This year, the club has decided to take another risk by hosting two nights of Yorktoberfest versus just one — and members are confi dent they’ll achieve their $45,000 goal. Along with bringing in more dollars for scholarships, the club is thrilled that its fundraising pivot led to an annual event that’s become a Yorkville community staple. A new approach
K A FUNDRAISING PIVOT YIELDS HIGH DOLLARS. BY WENDY ROSE GOULD
46 KIWANISMAGAZINE.ORG CLUBS IN ACTION
F undraising is a core compo nent of any Kiwanis club, and sometimes it takes a few tries to figure out what strategies work best in a particular community. In 2018, the Yorkville Kiwanis Club in Illinois recognized that a pivot was in order, so members brainstormed new ways to bring in more cash for their scholarship programs.
“We’d been doing little fundrais ers here and there, but they were a ton of work and maybe brought in a thousand bucks,” says Jason Pe sola, the club’s 2021-22 president. “We wanted to figure out a way to raise as much money as we could to benefit the community.”
Members landed on hosting an Oktoberfest in conjunction with the United City of Yorkville Parks and Recreation Department. Aptly dubbed Yorktoberfest, the event promised “a good old fashioned Oktoberfest atmosphere” filled with live music, authentic German food and a mix of beer and nonalcoholic beverages. Hosting that inaugural event was somewhat of a risk due to its newness and the up-front costs for entertainment, food and drinks, security and other necessities. The community was thrilled, though, and the club was able to bring in approximately US$7,000 in net. In 2019, that amount roughly doubled. About half of the money raised at Yorktoberfest comes from sponsor ships via local businesses. The club also makes a profit from drinks, food and front-door admission donations. After covering expenses, raised funds go directly into the club’s
“We’vetion,”EducationasWaubonsee,munityourscholarshipsprograms.scholarship“Weprovideforlocalcom-college,aswelltheYorkvilleFounda-saysPesola.alsoexpanded our scholarships to local trade schools, including Indian Valley Vocational Center.”
OCTOBER 2022 47 “No matter what’s going on in the world, gardening is always going to deliver those feel good moments! Being able to just get outside and be in the garden, to have safe face-to-face time with peers, it was so important this year. It’s why we garden.” - KidsGardening Grantee Whether new to gardening with youth or an experienced garden educator, KidsGardening has activities, lessons, grants, and an online community to support Kiwanians with youth gardening initiatives. We’re inspiring hundreds of thousands of people like you to bring those feel-good garden moments to kids. Join us! WWW.KIDSGARDENING.ORG Why do we garden? KidsGardening is a national 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Make this school year bloom!
ble.[ADA]thingsingprivate“No,heardon’ttopeoplesays,idea,disability.anyTheDeGeorgeistogiveaplacegowheretheyhavetothewords,youcan’t.”“Thisisawork-ranch,soaren’taccessi-Youdecidewhat you can do. We don’t tell you. We don’t say no. Everyone has to come with a nondisabled adult, but all choices areThere’syours.”music, food (“No sugary drinks; we’re careful what we offer,” DeGeorge says), a petting zoo, arts and crafts, games of cornhole and horseshoes and a hayride where kids feed the ranch’s cows. There’s also a big favorite: horseback rides.
“We put them on the horse with a team of people walking around them,” DeGeorge says. “Some kids don’t want to ride; they just want to pet the horse. So we bring a miniature horse the kids can pet. They throw their arms around it and snuggle.”
The event began after Matthew Cantrell, then governor of the Florida District, traveled the state to see how clubs were fulfilling the Kiwanis mission. The idea for Day Without Disabilities made an impression.Thatwas before DeGeorge’s time. The Lakeland club launched the event in 2017.
48 KIWANISMAGAZINE.ORG CLUBS IN ACTION
iwanian Julie DeGeorge remembers the sunny day at a ranch in Lakeland, Florida, when she was approached by a mother who’d just seen her son riding a horse for the first time. “She said to me, ‘Every summer, we take our son to the beach. He sits there with all the kids and tries to make friends. And we watch them drift away, one by one, until my son’s left alone. That’s what’s so wonderful about this event. Everybody’s the same. You’re not different. It’s a day with no disabilities.” They were at the Lakeland Kiwanis Club’s annual Day Without Disabilities, a free, Western-themed carnival created explicitly for people of any age with
Karen Houtz, a board member and “a gal into horses, like me,” chaired the event until De George took over in 2018.
“I love horses and am a former teacher. I can’t resist hanging out with kids or trying to help them,” DeGeorge says. “It’s just joyous. Everyone’s laughing and doing things they’ve never done before.”
K
K A WESTERN-THEMED EVENT LETS KIDS FORGET THEIR DISABILITIES. STORY BY CINDY DASHNAW • PHOTOS BY RICKY REYNOLDS Free range
WHILE COSTS HAVE RISEN OVER THE YEARS, KIWANIS MEMBER DUES HAVE NOT KEPT UP.
50 KIWANISMAGAZINE.ORG
US$1.3 million Cost to produce 8 print Kiwanis magazines in 2017-18. US$1.3 million Estimated cost to produce 4 print issues of Kiwanis magazine in 2021-22 (calculated before the close of the Kiwanis fiscal year). 2X The cost per attendee to produce the Kiwanis International convention has more than doubled since the 2018 event in Las Vegas.
US$52 Tier A nation Kiwanis International dues in 2015. US$34 Tier B nation Kiwanis International dues in 2015. US$23 Tier C nation Kiwanis International dues in 2015. US$52 Tier A nation Kiwanis International dues in 2022. US$34 Tier B nation Kiwanis International dues in 2022. US$23 Tier C nation Kiwanis International dues in 2022.
BY THE NUMBERS Money matters
US$5 Dues Allen S. Browne collected from each new Kiwanis member in 1915. US$146.69 The amount that $5 would cost today due to inflation.
*Use offer code and your member benefit for savings. Savings are comprised of retail offer together with member benefit. Offer valid on new bookings only and can expire earlier due to space or inventory availability. Retail offer savings amount will vary by tour and departure date, and is only available on select departures. Call or visit www.collette.com/kiwanis for details. Space is on a first come, first served basis. Offers are not valid on group, existing bookings or combinable with any other offer. Other restrictions may apply. Promotional pricing may remain in effect after the expiration date. CST No. 2006766-20, UBI No. 601-220-855, Fla. Seller of Travel Reg. No. ST35613 Visit www.gocollette.com/kiwanis, Call 855-212-1095 or Contact your local travel professional!
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Kiwanis Intl. 3636 Woodview Tr. Indianapolis, IN 46268-3196 USA ELECTRONIC SERVICE REQUESTED WHAT’S YOUR STORY? If your club has a success story, simply email a summary and a few photos to shareyourstory@kiwanis.org to be considered for possible future use in Kiwanis International publications.
