Greeting guests, busing tables, tying off boats and shucking oysters earned the members of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Pine Island a substantial paycheck. JD and Gina Hollway again offered this working opportunity to members of the Kiwanis in April to support the organization’s effort to provide scholarships for island students seeking a higher education. As a result of the hard work and dedication, Hollway presented the club with a paycheck in the amount of $2,000.

The Kiwanis Waterfront Day came about several years ago as a suggestion from Kiwanian, Skip Schwartz.

Skip was a long-time member of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Pine Island and started this special occasion many years ago,” said event co-chair, Pat Burman. “Skip has since passed away, but, in his honor, the club still holds this special event and with JD’s help and support, the club raises funds necessary to help students on Pine Island with their higher education cost.“

As the event grew, a new twist was added last year.

“For the second year now we have also included at Pirate Costume Contest and Treasure Hunt as part of the day’s festivities,” said Burman. “The Kiwanis Waterfront Day has grown in popularity over the years and we can’t thank JD and Gina enough for hosting this event.”

During the Waterfront Day, those visiting the St. James City restaurant were presented with free treasure hunt tickets and a winner was drawn every half-hour throughout the day. According to Burman, a total of 21 donated treasure hunt prizes were awarded to patrons of the event.

Nearly all members of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Pine Island shared the duties at the Waterfront Restaurant and pitching in were event chairman, Brian faulkner and co-chair, Pat Burman along with members, John Cammick; Pete Nelson; George Birmingham; Lisa Benton; Carlyn Herring; Buzzy Phillips; Tom and June Timothy; Gary Edwards; Elise Edwards; Andre’ Mule’; don and Mary Ellen Beatty; Doreen Schooly; Peggy Cozadd; Dale and Mimi Yost; Nick and Jane Mohar; Belinda Marud; Walt Wszolek and other island residents who were on hand to help were Franky and Margaret Valcarcel.

Each year the members of the Kiwanis provide several scholarships to island students with money raised during the Waterfront Kiwanis Day and the Fish Drop which takes place annually during the Taste of Pine Island. This year the Kiwanis Club will present a total of 18 scholarships to deserving Pine Island students.

the Kiwanis Club of Greater Pine Island meets each Friday morning at Bert’s Bar and Grill beginning at 7:30 a.m. Often the breakfast meeting will include a guest speaker and all are welcome to attend. For those you are unable to attend the morning meetings, the Kiwanis also meets once a month on a Thursday evening. On May 27, all are invited to have dinner with the Kiwanis at Little Lilly’s Island Deli located at the Island Exchange building just north of the island center. The meeting and social gather will begin at 6 p.m. and the cost will be $7 per dinner. To make reservations for either breakfast or dinner, call Pat Burman at 283-0777 and for more information about upcoming events and activities, visit the website at PineIslandKiwanis.com