Marco’s Kiwanis Club Serves Our Community’s Children

Ori’s Bakery & Café, 945 N Collier Blvd., Marco Island was the place to be on September 14 as the Kiwanis Club of Marco Island convened to plan their upcoming year. The club was welcomed by Tom and Ori Reed with a delicious breakfast buffet featuring an outstanding assortment of empanadas and pastries. 

The meeting was a preview of the “changing of the guard,” so to speak. On October 1, co-Presidents Mike and Barbara Murphy will officially pass the torch of new leadership to 2023-24 President Donna Dubey. The Murphys humbly thanked the club members for the amazing accomplishments of the past year. The club turned that gratitude right back to the Murphys, who rejuvenated and re-energized this club, rising from the days of Covid, to make a positive difference for the children of this community.

The Kiwanis Club of Marco Island is part of Kiwanis International, a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world, one child and one community at a time. Chartered on July 21, 1993, the Kiwanis Club of Marco Island is 30 years strong and planning for a busy year ahead! 

Our local student programs include the “Terrific Kids” student recognition program of Tommie Barfield and Manatee Elementary Schools, promoting character/leadership development, self-esteem, and perseverance; Key Club service leadership at the Marco Island Academy, and our newest addition, the Builder’s Club – a service leadership program at the Marco Island Charter Middle School. 

The club has a dedication to various community outreach programs including Meals of Hope, Toys for Kids – a Christmas toy gift program for Manatee Elementary School students, a scholarship program for graduating high school seniors, and support of other school programs, including extra needs for school equipment. 

Funds are raised through several projects including our Annual Car Show, Texas Hold’Em Tournament, a Family Fun Run, and local 50/50 raffles. 

We look forward to a gala celebration of our 30th anniversary November 19, 2023, at the Island Country Club, 500 Nassau Rd, Marco Island. We are calling upon ALL Kiwanians – past, present, and future to join us at this event! 

Wouldn’t you like to be a part of this wonderful movement of fellowship and camaraderie in serving the children of our community? We would love to welcome YOU to our club. For membership information, please contact club secretary Cindy Crane at lucindaed@aol.com. Stay tuned for our new website currently under construction to be up and running soon!