There are certain times in life when you just know you got it right. Maybe you bought the perfect gift or shared in someone's milestone; maybe you volunteered at a food drive or took someone to an appointment; maybe you skipped buying that coffee and gave that money to Eliminate or Pediatric Lyme; maybe it was donating that coat you could have kept, but you knew it would keep someone else warm; maybe you shoveled out a neighbor. Whatever your "got it right" moment is - We as Kiwanians get THIS right everyday -- our support of our Service Leadership Programs.
Helene and I had the absolute honor of attending the Circle K and Key Club conferences held during the last two weekends of March. To say these students are incredible would be an understatement; to talk of their poise, motivation and desire to serve would be an injustice; they are so much more. To hear these kids talk of a former Key Clubber (now in Circle K) who would spend $2.50 on transportation to a meeting, and by doing so would have to give up a meal that day was inspiring and eye opening to say the least. These students performed well over 100,000 hours of service and raised hundreds of thousands of dollars this past service year. Why did they do this? That's simple WE give them the opportunity - The opportunity to serve, to lead, to give back and to get it right and all they ask in return is our support - PLEASE SUPPORT THEM. This is what KIWANERGY is all about.
This article would be incomplete without talking about two individuals and their respective staff - John Goldstein and John Keegan, the administrators of Key Club and Circle K, respectively. The title administrator is probably the wrong word. They are the guardians, champions, cheerleaders, protectors, confidant, the shoulder, the motivator, the gatekeeper, the teacher and sometimes the student. I've heard both these gentlemen say that "every year they learn just how amazing these kids are," but how could they not; they get to see who these students were to what they've become: outstanding members of the Kiwanis family. Again, please support them.
Hopefully you are finalizing your plans for ICON and the celebration of our first century of service. Indianapolis promises to be a fantastic time. Helene and I were fortunate to be there in November for training, and it is great convention city.
Speaking of great times, how about joining us May 16 at Kamp Kiwanis for the opening of Kamp. I guarantee you that the day spent cleaning, painting, raking will be a day well spent getting it ready for the kids. If you can't make it, a couple of dollars in the happy box for the Kamp or KPTC goes a long way.
Finally, please remember The Formula - live it - share it - love it - always be proud of who we are, where we are from and what we are trying to do.
Column Posted on Web Site April 18, 2015
Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated