Why Join Kiwanis?
 

Welcome to the official website of the Newark Kiwanis Club. You may have heard about Kiwanis, but are you familiar with our mission? Kiwanis is a worldwide service organization, with over 600,000 volunteers in more than 90 countries, dedicated to "changing the world one child and one community at a time." Kiwanians firmly believe that a community reaps tremendous benefits when you give a child a chance to learn, dream and succeed. Kiwanis has made a difference worldwide by helping to build schools, feed the hungry, and provide aid to victims of natural disasters. Kiwanis has also partnered with UNICEF to provide medical care to millions of mothers and children in the poorest and most remote places on earth.

The Newark Kiwanis Club has been a vital organization in our community for over 90 years. Today, a major focus involves supporting Camp O’Bannon where deserving children, referred by schools and social service agencies, have a wonderful, fun filled camping experience We have also provided baseball and softball fields at Kiwanis Park next door to Camp O'Bannon, where hundreds of children have played baseball and softball under the philosophy that “Every kid who wants to play ball ought to have that opportunity.” Our volunteers also generously contribute time and money to numerous other local organizations, such as The Salvation Army, the Licking County Food Pantry, and Heartbeats of Licking County.

The Newark Kiwanis Club provides leadership opportunities and scholarships for local students. Our club sponsors a Kiwanis youth organization known as the Key Club at Newark Catholic High School, providing students the opportunity to help others, develop leadership skills, and build positive futures for themselves. Also every year a deserving graduating senior from Licking County is selected to receive a Kiwanis Scholarship as he or she prepares to attend college.

So why join the Newark Kiwanis Club? As a Kiwanian you will make a difference in the lives of children, be raising funds to help those in need, gain respect in the community, and be giving back to your community. In the process you will make business and professional contacts, improve and use leadership skills, and develop lifelong friendships.

Newark Kiwanis volunteers bring experience, enthusiasm, talents and purpose to the club. We believe children are our future, and possess a strong desire to reach out to children and families in need. We are greatly rewarded by the positive impact our efforts have on the lives of those we serve.

I invite you to join us as our guest for lunch at one of our Monday meetings, 11:45 am – 1:00 pm at the Buckingham House, 6 North 6th St. in Newark. Our meetings are fun and lively, and guest speakers from local organizations and government agencies keep us informed about the goals, needs and accomplishments of our community. New members are always welcome. For more information please feel free to contact me at 740‐405‐2224 or by email at wjmsmoke@windstream.net.  

Bill Rauch
2011-12 President
Newark Kiwanis Club