Grant will help Kiwanis of Greater Pine Island
A local project that will provide a new playground has received a $25,000 grant from the Kiwanis Children’s Fund.
“Members of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Pine Island are excited to receive this grant, which will assist in our effort to help children thrive, prosper and grow,” said Susan Saulsbery, president of Kiwanis of Greater Pine Island. “We know kids need Kiwanis, in our community, and in communities around the world.”
Kiwanis Park, located at the north corner of Saint James City Civic Association, was formerly known as Maurice Pennock Park. The Lions Club had installed playground equipment over 20 years ago, which has since become outdated and unsafe. The Kiwanis Club of Greater Pine Island stepped in to take over the park and raise funds for new equipment. Older kids/adult fitness equipment will be installed in the next phase.
Cindy Bickford said the Kiwanis Club also supports the Fall Festival at Pine Island Elementary, pool parties, scholarships, Junior Olympics and Little League. She said the club holds fundraisers (Senior Prom, Bunco, First Aid classes, Fish Drop, Mango Drop and Calusa Trail 5K) to support these projects.
The club meets every Wednesday morning at Bert’s at 8 am. New members are welcome. Contact Saulsbery at 239-560-6286 for more information about our local Kiwanis.
“Join us at a service project and find out if Kiwanis is right for you,” said Carlyn Herring. “We have a great time and enjoy planning our fundraisers, too. Our meetings often feature a guest speaker.” The club also sponsors Builders Club.
“Kids need Kiwanis, now more than ever before, and Kiwanis Park is an example of how our club can meet a need in our community,” said Michael Shevlin. “This is a great opportunity to invest in the community’s children.”
The Kiwanis Children’s Fund raises money and provides support for Kiwanis causes, including Kiwanis-led service projects, Kiwanis service Leadership Projects, disaster relief grants and the elimination of maternal and neonatal tetanus and iodine deficiency disorders.
About Kiwanis International
Founded in 1915, Kiwanis International is a global organization of clubs and members dedicated to serving the children of the world. Kiwanis and its family of clubs, including Circle K International for university students, Key Club for students age 14-18, Builders Club for students age 11-14, K-Kids for students age 6-12 and Aktion Club for adults living with disabilities, annually dedicate more than 18.5 million service hours to strengthen communities and serve children. The Kiwanis international family comprises nearly 558,000 adult and youth members 82 nations and geographic areas. Visit www.kiwanis.org for more information.