Wednesday, December 31, 2003
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Wednesday, December 31, 2003 |
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Metro Kiwanis going strong after a quarter-century By CAROLYN CARY There has always been a need for good fellowship and service. In 1914 two men in Detroit developed a concept, one that developed into an organization that provided not only fellowship, but an organization that provided young professional businessmen new ideals in human relationship. After several years a motto was put into place — “We Build” — which became the guiding force and inspiration still in place today. This includes the work of the Cleveland Kiwanis beginning in 1915, of starting a nursery school for underprivileged children. Serving children remains at is core as well as serving its local community. The organization is now an international one serving 79 nations with more than 8,000 clubs. There are four in Fayette County: the Fayette County Kiwanis, established nearly 40 years ago, which is responsible for the county fair each year; the Peachtree City Kiwanis; the Metro Fayette Kiwanis; and the Golden K, for retired Kiwanians. The Fayette Metro Kiwanis was chartered Aug. 7, 1977, as an offshoot of the Fayette County Kiwanis. Serving as a model for Kiwanis ideals, the Metro Fayette club serves the community by donations to 23 county nonprofits each year, such as the Fayette Youth Protection Homes, the Joseph Sams School, Fayette Senior Services, and others. A pancake breakfast each held each spring which raises most of its funds. The group also parks cars at the Fair for additional funds. The club also has a partnership with the schools in sponsoring after-school club dedicated to the same Kiwanis club ideals. The Whitewater Middle School Builders Club recently stuffed Christmas stockings for the children at the Fayette Youth Protection Homes. “We are very proud to sponsor the caring young people,” said current president Sharon Cummings. “Kiwanis exists to serve the community, and we believe that one of the most important services we can perform is to pass along the ideals of voluntarism and serving others to the next generation.” The Metro Fayette Kiwanis meets each Tuesday noon at the IHOP in Fayetteville. For information call Cummings at 770-461-8473.
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