President's Message
It has been an enriching two-year journey since I started as the President of the Cal-Nev-Ha Children’s Fund. Representing the CNH Children’s Fund at various Kiwanis family events across the District has been a rewarding experience, showcasing the dedication of our Kiwanis Family members.
Reflecting on my term, I must express my gratitude to all members for their support. Your generosity enables our Service Leadership Program members to access leadership training and scholarships, as well as provides vital seed money to launch new service projects in our Kiwanis Family clubs.
I have a final request for you. Our Service Leadership Programs are gearing up for their major Fall fundraisers in support of the CNH Children’s Fund. I encourage you to aid their fundraising endeavors and consider volunteering as a chaperone at their upcoming events.
Looking ahead, I am confident you will support President Bob Larsen in advancing the CNH Children’s Fund to greater heights. I eagerly anticipate working alongside him to bring his vision for the future to fruition.
As I reminisce about my term, I am thankful to many: the Service Leadership Program leaders and members for their steadfast support of the the CNH Children’s Fund; the Regional Trustees, Lt. Governors, and club officers for their efforts in educating members about our programs; the District members and clubs for their financial contributions and collaboration with the CNH Children’s Fund; the CNH Children’s Fund Board and our Ambassadors for their commitment to our mission and their role in our achievements this year; and I want to thank our wonderful staff for their assistance over my term and for their continued dedication to the CNH Children's Fund. Thank you!
Hello Kiwanians! Wishing you all a Happy Kiwanis New Year! I am Robert “Bob” Larsen, the incoming President of the Cal-Nev-Ha Children’s Fund. I am thrilled about the exciting opportunities this new Kiwanis year will bring to your Children’s Fund, the Kiwanis clubs in your District, your members, and our Service Leadership Program (SLP) members – not forgetting the children we all serve! This year, we have an exceptional board comprising new directors who bring fresh experiences and ideas, combined with returning directors who contribute their wealth of experience and knowledge. Together, we are dedicated to enhancing our fundraising efforts to significantly increase our service to the children in our District.
If you are new to the CNH Children’s Fund, you can explore our history here. To understand more about our programs, click here, and to learn about our team, visit here. We offer grant programs that your Kiwanis Club, Division, or SLP club can apply for to support the children in your community, including Disaster Relief grants. Discover our grant opportunities here. The Cal-Nev-Ha Children’s Fund also collaborates with six partner hospitals across California, Hawaii, and Nevada, providing grants to prevent pediatric trauma through our innovative Pediatric Trauma Program. Additionally, we sponsor leadership training programs and offer scholarships to our SLP members.
To find out how you can contribute to the CNH Children’s Fund, click here. Your support or your club’s support for any of our programs would be greatly valued. We are thankful to all our supporters, regardless of the level of contribution. I eagerly anticipate collaborating with you over the next two years.
Bob Larsen, 2024-2026
Along with the summer heat, comes summer fun Summer days start with honoring students with much needed scholarship funds In addition, club members share their time and energy with projects supporting their communities and the children of our district.
DIVISION 2
The Kiwanis Club of Alameda awarded $100,000 in scholarships proudly honoring nine graduating seniors The criteria included academics, leadership, financial need, community service and extracurricular activities
With summer in full spring, the Kiwanis Club of Alameda participated in the American Cancer Relay for Life fundraising event. The day and night event kept participants walking the route featuring multiple commemorations of cancer survivors, patients, victims and caretakers All proceeds from the event supports American Cancer Society. The Alameda Relay for Life is the longest serving relay in California.
The record breaking proceeds from the annual Kiwanis Club of Alameda’s Chili Cook-off were presented to eleven community organizations in August supporting each of their missions
DIVISION 4
Michael Moss, Division 4 Lt Governor Designate, along with members from the Elks, Lions, and Rotary, participated in the Orange County Service Club Summit podcast promoting “September is Service Clubs Month!”
DIVISION 4 (cont’d)
The Kiwanis Club of Lake Forest started a new program in which club members visit Skilled Nursing Facilities talking and spending time with the residents.
Fridays you’ll find the Kiwanis Club of Mission Viejo dispensing food to senior citizens and others at the City of Mission Viejo Packi-It Market More than 90 clients are served regularly Rotarian friends showed up to help in June
The Kiwanis Club of Mission Viejo members collected money, puzzles, games, DVD movies, CD music and more to the Vocational Visions Clubhouse program. The items collected were delivered by Larry Pizzi and Warren Esterline.
$5,000 in scholarships was awarded to deserving graduating seniors by the Kiwanis Club of Newport Beach-Corona del Mar.
On July 4th two-hundred kids celebrated with the Kiwanis Club of Santa Ana And to help the students prepare for school, the club participated in the Resource Fair distributing backpacks to the kids.
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DIVISION 10
The Kiwanis Club of Pasadena was on site distributing book donations at the Harambee Ministries Luncheon In August
Members, Chris and Jenny, of the Kiwanis Club of Pasadena, were sited at the Boys and Girls Club Toy Giveaway
DIVISION 13
Can you believe it? The Kiwanis Club of Downey, through their foundation, awarded $130,000 in scholarships to nearly 40 students. Students came from Downey High, Warren High, Lakewood High and Columbus High. The focus was on those students attending 4 year institutions as well as those seeking 2-year grams. The students were honored at a emony with city dignitaries in attendance.
et’s not forget our younger students The iwans Club of Bixby Knolls-North Long Beach ecognized Middle School students, along with graduating seniors, during their Student Awards Luncheon in May Middle school students were recognized for their “good citizenship.”
e 2019, the Kiwanis Club of they call “Heart of a Hero.” This award is presented to a Long Beach Police & Fire Department employee for their unselfish contribution to the Long Beach community This year the club proudly honored Detective Joseph Johnson and Fire Captian Jack Crabtree
The Kiwanis Club of Bellflower raised funds for their scholorship program by selling ireworks. This year the club raised over $10,000.
The Kiwanis Club of Downey Los Amigos continued their annual sponsorship of the Pathfinders Leadership Retreat (similar to Kiwanis Key Leader ) Students spent three days at a camp near Big Bear Lake participating in physical and non-physical activities intended to enhance their leadership abilities.
DIVISION 13 (cont’d)
Did someone say “Ta”K”os”? The Kiwanis Club of Norwalk 605 held their annual fundraisier raising funds for their scholarship fund For senior day, the club treated the students to a celebratory breakfast
The Kiwanis Club of South Gate held not one, not two, not three, but four Shakey’s nights to fundraise for the five Key Clubs. The plan is to hold these fundraisers monthly
“ The Objec ts of Kiwanis”
To give primacy to the human and spiritual rather than to the material values of life.
To encourage the daily living of the Golden Rule in all human relationships
To promote the adoption and the application of higher social, business and professional standards.
To develop, by precept and example, a more intelligent, aggressive and ser viceable citizenship.
To provide, through Kiwanis clubs, a practical means to form enduring friendships, to render altruistic ser vice and to build better communities
To cooperate in creating and maintaining that sound public opinion and high idealism which make possible the increase of righteousness, justice, patriotism and goodwill
The six permanent Objects of Kiwanis International were approved by Kiwanis club delegates at the 1924 Kiwanis International Convention in Denver, Colorado. Through the decades, they have remained unchanged
A group of members from the Kiwanis Club of South Gate participated at the City of South Gate Earth Day event. The event consisted of a cleanup, graffiti removal, a resource fair, making for an overall wonderful community event
Two Bingo nights were hosted by the Kiwanis Club of South Gate for the residents at the South Gate Senior Villas & Greenfield Care Center.
DIVISION 19
130 players and guests attended the Kiwanis Club of Torrance 16th annual Texas Hold’ Em Tournament. Proceeds from the event, fund the many organizations that the club supports Later in the summer, the club hosted a Pickleball Fun-Raiser and Fun Day
DIVISION 21
The Kiwanis Club of Grantville-Allied Gardens was out in force helping out at the Benjamin Branch Library Community Festival.
The Kiwanis Club of Grantville-Allied Gardens ready themselves for summer. On Memorial Day, members of the club and Lewis Middle School Builders Club prepared to lend a hand for the stars and stripes as they prepared to set-up and take down the flags in support of the holiday and what it stands for.
And to continue the tradition, members of the Kiwanis Club of Grantville-Allied Gardens raised the flags on Waring Road for Flag Day (and then take them down again ) This has been an on-going project for the club since 1970!
DIVISION 26
June arrived with the Kiwanis Club of Pittsburg Sunset Dinner where 400 graduating seniors were served a delicious dinner Congratulations and thank you’s went out to the students, teachers, staff and parents who have encouraged them along the way
The Literacy Committee of the Kiwanis Club of Pittsburg read at the Green Footprint Festival held at Small World Park. Seventy books were distributed to those in attendance To continue the work of the Literacy Committee, the club was awarded a $500 grant from St. John’s Lutheran endowment committee.
For the 500 incoming 2025 seniors and staff, the Kiwanis Club of Pittsburg welcomed the opportunity to provide their amazing pancakes and sausages.
DIVISION 26 (cont’d)
The Kiwanis Club of Pittsburg Literacy Committee continues to give out books Eighty-five books and eight boxes of diapers were donated to the 12th Annual African American Baby Shower Event.
DIVISION 28
For the second year, the Kiwanis Club of Las Vegas sponsored lunch for the Blue Star mothers and packed goodie bags for the troops.
DIVISION 30
The Kiwanis Club of Cypress continues to support the city’s Concerts in the Park by cooking and serving hot dogs, bratwurst and hamburgers.
Fireworks are a big fundraiser for the Kiwanis Club of Greater Garden Grove and the Kiwanis Club of La Mirada. Manning fireworks for four days is an exhausting venture, but worth the results. Funds raised for both clubs support their ongoing projects and scholarships.
The Kiwanis Club of La Mirada donated and distributed 1,000 pencil pouches to students of the Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District during the “Caring Beyond the Classroom” event.
DIVISION 32
The Kiwanis Club of Healdsburg, in April, presented twenty-one $1,000 scholarships to deserving Healdsburg High School graduates Congratulations to all!
Club of Healdsburg’s first Texas
Hold’em Tournament was a roaring success with 72 players competing for over $10,000 in donated prizes Everyone had a great time and the venue, Longboard Barrel Room, was superb Total net proceeds of almost $6,000 -- earmarked for their Memorial Scholarship Fund.
DIVISION 37
The Kiwanis Club of Temecula Valley was “Caught with Your Helmet On” as they promoted bicycle safety in August The concept of the program is to award those individuals caught wearing their helmets with gift certificates. Thanks to the CNH Children’s Fund for their financial support.
DIVISION 42
Joining the Kiwanis Club of Thousand Oaks, the Kiwanis Club of Camarillo showed up with gusto at the annual Autism Race. Combined, the clubs cooked pancakes for the 2,700 runners and volunteers
In July, the Kiwanis Club of Camarillo held their first annual Bingo Alley during the Heritage Days Midsummer Festival. The booth was situated on Ventura Blvd for two days where small toys were given away while members talked to parents (which resulted in a number of potential membership leads )
Many Kiwanis members from the Kiwanis Club of Moorpark showed up and volunteered their time at the First Annual Moorpark Apricot Festival. What a “yummy” time by all.
The Kiwanis Club of Moorpark continued their service providing refreshments at the Memorial Day Commemoration Ceremony and selling snacks at the annual 3rd of July Celebration.
DIVISION 42 (cont’d)
In May with the help of the Kiwanis Club of Camarillo, the Kiwanis Club of Oxnard held their 2nd Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament with close to 40 golfers participating. Many thanks to all the businesses that supported the event.
The following week the Kiwanis Club of Oxnard hosted their annual Youth Track Meet for the three school districts that serve Oxnard. The event was held on a Saturday with a full collection of track and field competitions
Not stopping there, the Kiwanis Club of Oxnard showed up the next weekend to sale Fruli Strawberry Beer at the California Strawberry Festival May was a busy month for the club.
Scholarships of $2,500 each were awarded to eleven high school seniors by the Kiwanis Club of Santa Barbara Foundation. Scholarships were based on their academic achievements and community service.
The Kiwanis Club of Santa Barbara was invited by the Santa Barbara Rotary Club to join in the fun cleaning up Camp Whittier.
In June, the Kiwanis Club of Santa Barbara presented Hope of America awards to graduating Middle School students as outstanding scholars and citizens. Each awardee recieved $100 at the luncheon sponsored by the club.
Kiwanis Club of Santa Barbara members volunteered their time in support of Safety Town of Santa Barbara County which provides a quality comprehensive safety education for pre- and post-kindergarten children
The Kiwanis Club of Simi Valley manned the drink ticket table at the Rotary Club’s Happy Face Music Festival In June the club received their share of the proceeds from the Kiwanis Club of Glendale duck race In June, the Kiwanis Club of Simi Valley awarded a number of $1,000 scholarships to graduating seniors.
DIVISION 42 (cont’d)
Members of the Kiwanis Club of Simi Valley volunteered at “For the Troops” writing letters and packing boxes full of essentials and goodies to send to our troops abroad.
The Star Spangled Rock & Country Jam & Fireworks Celebration was a huge success for the Simi Valley community. Many hard working members of the Kiwanis Club of Simi Valley, Aktion Club and Circle K members participated along with other volunteers making the celebration an amazing event.
After rebuilding and refurbishing the Kiwanis Club of Thousand Oak’s pancake machine, the club cooked pancakes for participants at the Autism Society of Ventura County’s annual Aut2Run fundraiser
The Kiwanis Club of Thousand Oaks awarded a total value of $25,000 in scholarships to fourteen graduating high school seniors Winners were selected from 93 applicants
Supporting the Conejo Valley Senior Concerns Love Run fundraiser, the Kiwanis Club of Thousand Oaks cooked breakfast for the 2,000 partipants
The Kiwanis Club of Thousand Oaks cooked lunch for the participants at the Ride-On’s Therapeutic Horsemanships Trail Fest; and later that month they were at it again working one of the game booths at the “Touch A Truck”event.
Four students at Ventura High School each received $5,000 scholarships from the Kiwanis Club of Ventura.
2 0 2 4 B e r t S h o e m a k e r R e c i
Meet Mike Montanari
The Bert Shoemaker Award honors Kiwanians who have earned the respect and admiration of their fellow members through their actions in making Kiwanis a more meaningful experience and is presented to a Kiwanian whose enthusiasm and dedication for Kiwanis has provided inspiration, encouragement, and direction to other Kiwanians This year ’ s recipient has proven he is such a person
A transformative figure in the Kiwanis community, Mike Montanari embodies leadership and innovation with more than 27 years of dedicated service Since joining Kiwanis in 1997,
Mike’s commitment and contributions have significantly impacted Kiwanis Upon moving to Escondido, Mike joined the Kiwanis Club of Escondido At the time, the Escondido club and the nearby Hidden Valley club were facing dwindling membership Recognizing the need for revitalization, Mike chaired a merger committee His exceptional leadership and ability to unify disparate groups led to the successful merger of the two clubs, resulting in the formation of the robust Escondido–Hidden Valley club, now boasting more than 39 members
Mike's influence extends beyond organizational restructuring As the membership committee chair, he developed comprehensive processes for member orientation, sponsorship, and award recognition, significantly enhancing member engagement and satisfaction His insistence on regular social events has fostered a sense of community and fun, fundamental drivers of a thriving club His project leadership is equally impressive Mike has been instrumental in many initiatives, including the local school district’s reading comprehension program, toy sorting project, adopt-a-family, and Salvation Army’s Thanksgiving meal and bell ringing programs His involvement underscores his commitment to community service and the tangible impact of his efforts
His extensive list of roles - including club president and secretary of the Almaden Kiwanis Club, Key Club advisor, K-Kids advisor, and Division 12 Lt Governor - speaks volumes about his leadership abilities and dedication to the Kiwanis mission This past year, Mike sponsored seven new club members and spearheaded the club’s 'two for two” initiative, emphasizing his relentless pursuit of membership growth and club improvement His belief in member inclusion and involvement, while maintaining fun, has positioned the Escondido–Hidden Valley club as a dynamic and engaging organization, and made him a revered figure in the club
His ground rules are simple: “Have fun!” Mike’s contributions have not only revitalized his club but have also set a benchmark for leadership and community service, making him an indispensable asset to Kiwanis
I was immediately impressed with Mike’s ability to lead a team of two disparate groups of people with totally different club cultures, behaviors, and processes to achieve a club ‘ merger goal’ that ultimately resulted in a very strong club that now boasts of having over 39 members!
Ron Rybak, President Kiwanis of Escondido – Hidden Valley
About the Bert Shoemaker Award -
Each year, the CNH Children’s Fund solicits nominations for the award by providing every club president with a set of guidelines to be used in making their nominations Kiwanians who have made a difference in their club, divisions, and communities are perfect candidates to be honored at the District Education Convention and awarded a plaque symbolic of their achievement
This award is always presented to a Kiwanian who has earned the love and respect of their fellow members by virtue of their dedication to the ideals of Kiwanis over a significant number of years and has come to be recognized as the most prestigious of the many awards given at District Education Convention The CNH Children’s Fund is proud to be the vehicle through which this award is presented If your club has a member who you feel should be recognized with this esteemed award, please take the time to submit their name as a candidate by completing our online submission form Your outstanding Kiwanian just might be selected as the recipient of the award!
The
Drawing will take place on September 21,
$75
Prize value up to $4,500
Pro g rams Lead t he Way
Our Service Leadership Programs reflect various service projects and awards that our students aspire to Kiwanis clubs honor many of the students with scholarships, plaques and certificates Congratulations to all our students for their service and commitment to their schools and neighborhoods
KEY CLUB
The Kiwanis Club of South Gate implemented a Key club senior night to recognize all the seniors who are ready to move on to bigger and better things In addition the club had custom “pink” sashes made for a few seniors to be recgonized as distinguished.
The South Gate High School Key Club participated at the “Day of Service” event at McKinley Elementary in Compton. Prior to the event, the Key Club hosted a book drive in partnership with their literature club to help stock up the schools library. The day itself included sorting books and painting/decorating walls.
Division 13 West Key Club held their annual division banquet honoring several division members and passing the Lt. Governor torch to Ivy Chieng
If you’ve ever planted a seed, you know that a garden doesn’t grow without a little TLC. You can plant a seed, sure, but without some water, sunlight, and some goodsoil, you won’t get much of a crop.
It’s the same thing when you’re working with Key Club leaders We’re in the business of growing tomorrow’s leaders. We’re farming the mentors, the parents, the teachers, the coaches, and the Kiwanians of the next generation The lessons our members learn from their time in Key Club – from their advisors and from each other – can last them a lifetime The real-life skills they acquire can help them develop long-lasting friendships and business relationships.
Your role as the advisor to your local Key Club is to till the soil. Help your student leaders thrive by providing more than just another meeting Give them the leadership lessons that can help them reach their full potential. Give them the inspiration they need to continue their service leadership through the Kiwanis Family.
Just as a plant needs water, your Key Club needs you. Thank you so much for serving as a Key Club advisor!
Key Club International
KEY CLUB (cont’d)
The Patrick Henry High School Key Club ended their term with a number of graduating seniors earning their Key Club graduation stoles.
Division 42W Key Club held their end of the year banquet and awards night. During July, the Division 42W Key Club showed up for beach cleanup followed by the division’s DCM in Oxnard
KIWIN’S
The Turquoise Division KIWIN’S were well represented at their District Convention taking away several awards such as winning the first cheer of the weekend
During the summer, the Turquoise Division KIWIN’S said goodbye to their retiring officers and welcomed with open arms the incoming officers. All are looking forward to another fantastic year!
AKTION CLUB
The Aktion Club of Santa Barbara helped in serving dinner to the attendees at the Kiwanis Division 42’s DCM.
The Aktion Club of Ventura helped replant seeds in the Ojai Meadows
Preserve alongside the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy
K-KIDS
The Montara Avenue K-Kids stayed busy with two projects. The first project was hosting a recycling contest between classrooms with an ice cream party as the grand prize. The other project entailed decorating the South Gate Memorial Fountains lawn with messages to our fallen.
The Weathersfield School K-Kids visited City Hall where they shared with the City Council about the book of “Kindness.”
CIRCLE K
The Moorpark College Circle K club members were recognized by the park district for their clean-up projects.
BUILDERS CLUB
The Lewis Middle School Builders Club wrapped up their year in a big way with a take over of the Kiwanis Grantville-Allied Gardens meeting -- taking $50 from those members in attendance. Outgoing Immediate Past President, Kira Quimby, ntroduced the incoming officers and thanked all that participated this year.
The Camarillo Builders Club raised over $400 for the Key Club Zambia project with a “bottle of coins ” They also collected old towels, blankets and other items for the animal shelter
The DATA Builders Club, along with the Kiwanis Club of Ventura, created quilts for chemo patients to help them through their treatment.
To celebrate Teacher Appreciation Day, the DATA Builders Club planted succulents in small pots to be given to all the teachers.
SPECIAL OLYMPICS
The Special Olympics Oakland Invitational Swim Meet was held in May The Alameda Islanders were in attendance competing for the top award In a spirit of competition and sportsmanship, the participants competed in a variety of swimming skills and stroke events. Team Alameda brought home ten first place blue ribbons and four second place red ribbons with each and every swimmer setting their personal best times. Congratulations to all those that participated.
