Thursday, January 28, 2010

The Prez Speaks: What Does Service Mean?

SERVICE--the work performed by one that serves; contribution to the welfare of others.

Kiwanis is a SERVICE organization. The above definition of this word sums up what we are all about—serving by doing work and contributing to the welfare of others.

At a recent meeting we were having a spirited discussion about a possible funding source that would increase the amount of service we can provide to the Cedar Valley. One member commented that we are getting too involved in fundraising and should concentrate on being a service organization. We are all entitled to our own opinion, but I feel that the fundraising is what is making our service possible.

By raising funds or finding other funding sources we can access, we are able to provide help to people and organizations that are making a difference in the lives of the residents of the Cedar Valley. We add to that service by providing physical labor, whether it is in bagging Kettlecorn or pounding nails into a shelter. The number of individuals we touch by our service is huge—much bigger than we could ever hope to do by ourselves with our 35 members. This past year we have raised $26,000 and committed over 1,500 hours of work.

We truly are a SERVICE organization in many different ways and need to feel good that we work hard to raise the funds that provide SERVICE to the Cedar Valley area.

President Susan Loy

Sunday, January 17, 2010

C.F. Rough Risers Raise $26,000 and Work 1,500 Hours to Support Cedar Valley Community

The Cedar Falls Kiwanis Rough Risers service club contributed more than $26,000 in support of more than 25 youth organizations, scholarship programs, other educational programs and programs for handicapped youth in 2009.

In addition, the 38 members of the club provide more than 1,500 hours of labor on projects related to community youth programs. The Rough Risers built two shelters and a storage building for Cedar Valley Soccer complex, an observation deck at the Hartman Reserve Nature Center, and renovated a raised flower bed at the Cedar Valley Arboretum.

Funding Sources: A major portion of the funds for these projects were generated through the Rough Risers' kettle corn sales at major Cedar Falls and Waterloo Celebrations. Additional funds were received from sponsors of the club's activities, including Community Motors, Dan Deery Motors, Iowa direct Equipment, Kohl's, Liberty Bank, Loy and Loy Accounting, Martin Brothers, PFG Best, UNI Gallagher-Bluedorn, Upper Iowa University, VGM, Wal-Mart, and the Windsor Nursing and Rehab Center. Funds were also raised through grants and direct donations from club members.
(Waterloo Cedar Falls Courier 1/12/2010)

Saturday, January 2, 2010

Gov. Ron Petsch Skypes to the Rough Risers


On October 14, 2009, the Nebraska-Iowa district Governor Ron Petsch used Skype to video conference with our club. He began his connection by installing our 2009-2010 officers and board of directors.

Once the installation was completed, Gov. Petsch spoke to us and gave his presentation entitled Discover the Passion: Making Dreams Come True. It was an informative and motivating speech where he shared his future dreams for Kiwanis.

Watch the 20-minute video above and enjoy his ideas.