Happy Thanksgiving, Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa, Happy New Year. We have spent the last month saying it – more importantly you have spent the last month living it.
Kiwanians know that the joy of living comes from the joy of giving and the New York District, whether by giving your time, your money or your spirit. Thousands of New Yorkers, from infants to seniors, were shown first hand that they mattered and weren't forgotten, not this year and with your help not next year either.
I have read your reports, shared your stories and know I am a better person simply because of YOU. Helene and I would like to thank the clubs and divisions that invited us out to share in your holiday projects. We apologize for the projects we couldn't attend, but Kiwanians do a lot this time of year and there are only 24 hours in a day.
We cannot express how we are looking forward to this upcoming year. Please keep us in mind for 2015, we will make every effort to come out to your project. If we can't make it, I'll ask your lieutenant governor or a district chair to come out. It is my intention to support you, your club and your division to the best of the district's abilities.
On a serious note, I want to thank all of you who reached out to us about certain children throughout the district who really had no reason for optimism or hope. These children weren't asking for toys or iPhones, computers or bicycles. They were asking for shoes that fit, a warm coat that was their own, warm pajamas, a jacket for their mom or boots for their sister. I want to thank those Kiwanians who answered my call and went out to these homes and provided desperately needed items without fanfare or recognition. These acts of kindness and giving is the spirit of KIWANERGY at its core.
As we close out the first 100 years of Kiwanis and start our next 100 years, I ask each and every one of you to remember the child inflicted with pediatric lyme disease; the child in despair that needs a trauma kit from KPTC; the child who will have a life changing opportunity from Kamp Kiwanis; or the $1.80 that will save the life of mother and child. We are proud Kiwanians and "we take care of our own".
Finally, Helene and I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a Happy and Healthy New Year, and ask that you do one thing – have a better 2015 than 2014 whether it be physically, spiritually, emotionally or through your commitment to service.
Kiwanis is a wonderful organization, and Kiwanians are extraordinary people. Please pass it on – invite people to your meetings your activities and your projects. Kiwanis – "LOVE IT. SHARE IT. LIVE IT."
Column Posted on Web Site February 1, 2015
Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated