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The Kiwanis Club of Palmetto The Kiwanis Club of Palmetto was formed 54 years ago by 25 influential and concerned Palmetto businessmen. Today is consists of some 40 men and women who live and work in the area and still share that original concern held by the founders.In the club’s history, Palmetto has seen many changes – population growth, demographic changes, and a faster lifestyle (that some of us ruefully regret!) Today it is a vibrant community, but one that still has many needs, some of which we try to help satisfy. In order to fund our club’s efforts in the community, we have, over the years, launched a number of projects. Each of these – by Kiwanis charter – is organized to return 100% of its proceeds back into the community. We do not keep a percentage back for the club’s operating costs – all those are borne by the members themselves. Today our major fund-raiser it the Pete Turner Memorial Fishing Tournament, held each year for the past 10 years. The tournament has become widely-known and strongly supported, thanks to people like you. Our Club may be the organizers, but without our sponsors and fishermen, there would be no tournament. Thank you all! We support a number of local organizations, focusing primarily on the children of our community (Kiwanis’ major theme is “supporting the children of the world.” We are trying to do that in our corner of the world, Palmetto). Among the recipients of funds, volunteer labor, or sometimes barbecued food are Virgil Mills Elementary, Blackburn Elementary, Palma Sola Elementary, Lincoln Middle School, Palmetto High School, the Parrish Civic Association, North River American Little League, the North River Soccer League, Gillette Baptist Church & it’s “Touch a Truck” event, the County Extension Service’s through a “Breakfast w/ Santa” event, Special Olympics, the Boys & Girls Club, the Palmetto Historical Society, the Florida Fishing College “Kid’s Casting Contest”, the Green Bridge Kid’s Fishing Tournament, the Christian Youth Basketball Camp, and many others. Our club is also a Lifetime Honorary Member of the Florida Sheriff’s Association because of our support to the Florida Sheriff’s Youth Ranch. We also fund scholarships each year for students from Palmetto High School. We are the sponsor of the Palmetto High School Key Club and the Lincoln Middle School Builders Club. In anticipation of the county’s growth, and likelihood of another High School in our community one day, we are already looking for ways to increase the money available for those scholarships. While our primary focus is the local area, we also manage to send contributions to national and international causes in which we believe. The most important of these is the Florida Kiwanis Foundation, which exists to support projects for children and young people all the way up through college age. We closely monitor the activities of the foundation, and have a member of the Board of Trustees living here in Manatee County. The Foundation receives funds not only from our club as a whole, but also from members who make individual contributions. A few years ago, the Kiwanis Club of Palmetto adopted a saying – “if it isn’t fun, we aren’t doing it!” But you might be surprised at the activities our members consider fun. How about standing in full sun at noon in July, cooking hamburgers and hot dogs? It always seems that what little breeze there is manages to blow the smoke in our faces! We, the men and women who comprise the membership of the Kiwanis Club of Palmetto are proud, honored and humbled to be able to serve you, our fellow citizens. We thank you for your support, and invite you to join us at a club meeting. Perhaps you might be inspired to join us? We meet every Friday at 7:00am at Popi’s Place IV, on 301 in Ellenton. |