Club History

HISTORY OF TORRANCE KIWANIS

The Torrance Kiwanis Club is part of Division 19 of the Cal-Nev-Ha District of Kiwanis International. Division 19 consists of 13 clubs with 475 members. Division 19streches from LAX to San Pedro.

The Torrance Kiwanis Club was the dream of the Division 19 Lt. Governor Mike Franzel. In 1987 shortly after taking office Mike contracted other Division 19 leaders and requested help. It had been only a few years earlier the original Torrance Kiwanis Club founded in the 1920's closed due to lack of membership and community support. George Owens from the original Palos Verdes Club,Judge Ben Aranda who was a past President of the El Segundo Club,Bud olds from the San Pedro Club & Bill Miller from the Redondo Beach Club were Mike"s helpers. The first meeting was held in January 1988. There were approximately 40 in attendance, with over 25 potential members. The club began to meet every Tuesday for lunch at the Torrance Marriott. On July 8th, 1988, the Torrance Kiwanis Club had the magic number of 25 members and the charter party was held.

Since the charter party Torrance Kiwanis Club and their members have raised thousands of dollars and serve thousands of volunteer hours in our community. We also have a lot of fun at the same time.