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Kiwanis International
Kiwanis was founded in 1915 in Detroit, Michigan. The
following year (1916), the organization became international when a club was
started in Ontario, Canada. In the first years, business networking was an
important focus. In 1919, Kiwanis
changed its focus from business to service. Community service is the major
focus of Kiwanis, with active and informed citizenship a second goal. Kiwanis
is especially dedicated to children. Our worldwide motto is Serving the
Children of the World. Kiwanis International sponsors many projects to help
children around the globe. There are currently about 8,000 clubs in 96 countries, serving more than 260,000 members. About 320,000 young people are involved in Kiwanis-sponsored leadership clubs, which include K-Kids (elementary school), Builders Clubs (middle school and junior high), Key Clubs (high school), and Circle K (college). Kiwanis Club of Villa Park
In 1976, 14 men from Villa Park began meeting with
Kiwanians from surrounding communities, preliminary to organizing a Villa
Park club. On May 6, 1977, the Villa Park club received its charter. Until 1987, the Kiwanis organization was a
men-only organization. In spring 1987, the U.S. Supreme Court decided that
male-only organizations must open membership to women. On October 14, 1987,
Carrie Karl became the first female member of the Villa Park Kiwanis Club.
The current membership is about 1/3 female to 2/3 male. Villa Park Kiwanis
meets Wednesday mornings at 7:15 am at Kopper Kitchen restaurant. Guests are
welcome. If youre interested in
community service, we invite you to join Kiwanis. For more information, call
Karl Jurkonis at 630 279-9274. Kiwanis Villa Park serves the community through both
volunteer service and financial support. Below are just a few of the many
local organizations and activities we support: DuPage
Easter Seal Center, Villa Park Northeast
DuPage Special Recreation Association (NEDSRA) Illinois
Special Olympics Ray
Graham Association Builders
Clubs and Key Club Boy Scout
Troop 62 Villa
Park Public Library Youth Services programs First
Things First/Lombard (Supplying emergency needs of local infants) Villa Park Summer Concert Series |
