What’s New with Kiwanis?

The Kiwanis Club of Marco Island is part of Kiwanis International, a global community of clubs, members, and partners dedicated to improving the lives of children, one community at a time. Our local club has recently embraced a fresh spark of opportunity to celebrate the definition of “new.”

We marched into the month with a new venue for our breakfast meetings. The Sand Bar, 826 E. Elkcam Circle, Marco Island, has welcomed the club with warm hospitality, impeccable service, and a delicious menu; the perfect setting for this service organization to meet, plan, and mobilize our positive influence in the community.

At our March 16 meeting, we welcomed a bit of New Jersey as two members of the Kiwanis Club of Hammonton, New Jersey joined us for breakfast. Bob Schenk and Rich Gibson are enjoying the month of March right here on Marco Island. When they learned that we have a Kiwanis Club right here on the island, they decided to track us down and join us in fellowship. We are very glad they did!

The name Kiwanis originated from a Native American expression, meaning “we trade.” And trade we did, as we shared ideas of fundraising, membership, and other activities. Founded in 1922, the Hammonton club recently enjoyed a centennial celebration of their club’s charter. Plans are currently underway for a thirty-year celebration for the Kiwanis Club of Marco Island in the fall. The official motto of Kiwanis was “We build” until 2005 when it evolved to “Serving the Children of the World.” Our new friendship with our New Jersey Kiwanians has given us a brand-new opportunity to build and serve.

The Kiwanis Club of Marco Island supports Toys for Kids, Terrific Kids, Reading is Fundamental, MIA Key Club and scholarships, and other community services, including Meals of Hope. To learn more about our local club, please visit https://marcokiwanis.org or scan our QR code. To learn more about Kiwanis International, please visit https://kiwanis.org.