TRAVERSE CITY — Kiwanis Club of Traverse City celebrates a century of serving young people through its support of youth-based initiatives.
A charter member of Kiwanis International since Nov. 26, 1924, the local group’s Kiwanis Club Foundation provides grants to organizations offering children and youth brighter futures.
The group’s membership, which once peaked at 200, today consists of 60 individuals from various walks of life who share a heart for the young.
“A member is someone who would like to serve kids in our community,” said Traverse City club president Ellen Jabour. Their aligned individual and organizational missions also connect members. “We make friends and have a nice camaraderie.”
Jabour said, like many organizations, the pandemic impacted participation numbers.
Heading into its 100th anniversary the club sought assistance from the marketing agency IdeaStream in hopes of growing the member base.
“Our numbers go up and down,” Jabour said. “They’re not rising like crazy, but we’re trying.”
The group marks its milestone year with the installation of a commemorative stone at Grand Traverse County Civic Center at the Kiwanis Garden.
Jim Massaroni, a 35-year member, spearheaded the marker installation. He said the stone reflects the longevity of the club by its ability to endure into perpetuity. “People can enjoy it when visiting the Civic Center.”
The group honors its centennial at an Oct. 15 luncheon at Kirkbride Hall at Grand Traverse Commons. The event will include club members, local dignitaries, donors and representatives from organizations supported by the club.
Kiwanis Traverse City’s signature programs include its American Flag Project. Each Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day and Labor Day 300 flags are planted across nine area locations thanks to dozens of sponsors.
Other initiatives include the Dictionary Project in which all area third graders receive a dictionary to inspire and improve literacy. Kiwanis also funds high school students allowing them to attend the Law Enforcement Career Academy in Lansing. The club is a long-time supporter of the Norte Bike Safety Program, and Kids Against Hunger, a local collaborative feeding global and local youth in need. It aids a UNICEF immunization program and the annual Mt. Holiday Ski and Snowboard School.
Since launching 45 years ago, the Kiwanis Ski & Snowboard school has provided grants to create discounted rates for thousands of youths to learn the basics of the sport.
“It’s a chance to get outside, away from the screen, and meet with friends to enjoy the sport,” said the nonprofit Mt. Holiday executive director Jim Pearson. Pearson is one of several Kiwanis beneficiaries expected to address the group at the celebration luncheon.
Area Kiwanis members align their mission with 600,000 Kiwanis International members in more than 80 countries.
Massaroni believes the local club’s 100 years of service is a testament to Traverse City’s commitment to young people.
“The community in itself respects and supports youth and their growth,” he said.
Go to kiwaniscluboftraversecity.org to learn more about the organization and how to become a member.