Thank You, Capital District!

BY DENNIS BAUGH, PG AND INTERNATIONAL TRUSTEE DESIGNEE

I have enjoyed many amazing Kiwanis Moments during my life as a Kiwanian. Fundraising and service projects for the children and the community. Attending special occasions such as 100th Anniversaries of clubs throughout the district. Visiting clubs during my three years as GovernorElect, Governor and Immediate Past Governor. But none can compare to the moment on June 24, 2023, in Minneapolis, when it was announced I was elected as one of three new International Trustees of Kiwanis International.

But this is not about me. This journey began in the spring of 2019 when the clubs of Division 9 supported me as a candidate for Governor-Elect in the Capital District. It culminated in August 2019 when the House of Delegates of the Capital District put their faith in me and elected me as their next Governor-Elect. Serving as Governor during COVID 2020-2021 definitely presented its challenges! Then a new chapter began on Aug. 21, 2022, when I was blessed to receive the endorsement from the Capital District House of Delegates to be a candidate for International Trustee. But this is not about me. I want to thank the Kiwanis Club of Shenandoah

Valley that started my Capital District journey. I owe a lot more than I can say in words to the members of the Kiwanis Club of Harrisonburg that supported me every step of the way. And of course, my current club, Kiwanis Club of Charlottesville, has offered me the support to continue my new journey.

Naming people that are instrumental in one’s accomplishments can always be dangerous because you will overlook someone. However, there is one person that I cannot make a mistake in naming; that person is my amazing wife, Darlene, for whom I owe so much. I cannot express enough how much it has meant for her to be by my side to advise me, support me and provide encouragement during this journey.

Thank you, Capital District, for this opportunity.

(Dennis Baugh served as Capital District Governor in 2020-21.)