Mel and Betty Peterson of the Moline Kiwanis Club are the district chairmen of the Kiwanis
International Foundation (KIF) whose goal is to help Kiwanis "Serve the Children of the World." KIF was organized in 1939 as the fund raising arm of Kiwanis International.
From a small $625 beginning in 1940, the annual
gift campaign last year generated almost $800,000 for projects
throughout the Kiwanis world. The I-I District goal is a $5
contribution per member. The 2008-2009 KIF goal for Kiwanis
International President Dave Curry is $1 million.
Every member of
Kiwanis is also a member of Kiwanis International Foundation.
KIF raises its funds by annual gifts and donations from events such as
Skip A Meal program held in April. All proceeds go to the
children's fund. The Kiwanis Leadership Society provides all of
Kiwanis a chance to recognize members for special leadership
accomplishments and service to Kiwanis.
Another source of funding is with the Hixson Fellowship which raised
almost $100 million over the years. That is given with a $1,000
donation to KIF and awarded to Kiwanis members designated by each club.
A new way is with the Hixson Ambassador program for
those holding the Hixson Fellowship with an additional
donation. Planned giving is also a way to donate. You
can give personal contributions to the Heritage Society. There's
also a Lifetime Recognition with gifts of $5,000 or more. The
Founders Circle is for those who give $25,000 or more to KIF.
"Another Way You Can Make A Difference" is a campaign to establish a
$37.5 million endowment to ensure the future of Kiwanis and its
programs
through KIF.
President Jeremy Benson presided, John Moon led us in singing "Boost Kiwanis" and Tim Moss gave the invocation.
Jeremy announced there will be a board meeting next week.
There will be a planning meeting Thursday, August 28, to discuss expanding
the Kiwanis playground area in Chandler Park at the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce office.
Debbie reported on the Mega Interclub last
week in the Quad Cities. The program was on spastic paralysis and she said there was a great turn-out. Tim, Pat, Debbie and Ken Harp all represented our club.
We received a thank you note for our support
of the Performing Arts Society, specifically for Youth Performing Arts Series.
Dues are due! Treasurer Pat Stout passed out the final dues statements for our fiscal year which ends September 30.
Owen - had $5 for an article about the country of Iran and muslims that he said "was good and insightful."
Mel - a couple of bucks. One for his friendship with Walker Robb and another for Tim Moss who "did a great job in Moline."
Jay - to announce Flags of Love for Monday, September 1, go up at 7:00 AM and come down at 5:00 PM. 759 flags will be displayed in Chandler Park.
Debbie - for Volunteer Now and its new coordinator Elizabeth Swisher. Debbie stepped down at the end of June and is training Elizabeth. The Volunteer Now board presented Debbie with a special gift of a clock with the Volunteer Now logo.
Jerry - $2 for each of the two years that Debbie served as Volunteer Now coordinator, the idea of which actually began during one of our Kiwanis meetings.
Pat - matched Owen's $5 for a special occasion tonight. The most past Lt. Gov's at one meeting.
Jeremy - put in a dollar for our incoming Lt. Gov. Pat Stout.
Tim - for Mel and Betty coming down to present our program.
Betty - happy to be here.
50/50 Drawing won by Jeremy. He donated his share to the Kiwanis
International Foundation.
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