Eliminate Project

These are exciting times for the EliMiNaTe Campaign! We are drawing closer to our goal as we have raised $81 million worldwide, and now only $29 million is left to reach our goal of $110 million. The Kiwanis world is working diligently to reach $100 million by the end of June for the 100th year celebration.

Here in the New York District we have raised approximately $1,150,000, thus saving over 639,000 mothers and their future babies from MNT. In addition to achieving our goal of $1,796,314, my personal goal is to have 100 percent club participation by the International Convention in June. So far 84 percent of our clubs have participated; now the remaining clubs need to come on board. Time is of the essence!

The best way that we can reach our goal is by pledges--club and individual. Clubs choosing to pledge to become a Bronze, Silver, or Model Club have five years from making the pledge to finish it. Clubs also receive 20 percent matching funds for the amount remaining to become a Model Club. Since the last issue of ESK, Huntington, Amherst, and North Central, Staten Island have become Model Clubs. It is time for each club to have a serious discussion about what they can do for EliMiNaTe. It is more important than ever now for each of our clubs to pull together, work harder, and stretch a little bit more.

The Centennial Award is a surefire way to boost our club totals. A pledge of $1,500 payable over two years will bestow a commemorative pin immediately and a shadow box presentation on the completion of the pledge. This Centennial Award will only be available until June 30, 2015. Details about this award and the Baby-A-Day Project can be found on the EliMiNaTe portion of the Kiwanis International website, or you can contact your division coordinator, lieutenant governor or me for further details.

The Mother’s Day Matching Zeller is back by popular demand! This means that a gift of $625 will be matched by NY District EliMiNate Funds to equal the cost of the Zeller. These matching funds come from money we have raised as a District at conventions, the Craft Fair last year, as well as the remainder of the Stanley Trust donation. As these matching funds are limited, the Mother’s Day Zellers are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Another incentive for purchasing a Mother’s Day Zeller this year is that this is the last time that they will be offered. So don't delay if you are interested! Information and forms will be posted on the New York District website.

A girl in the Oceanside #5 School K-Kids said it all: "My mother is healthy and every kid should have a healthy mother. So I am going to work for EliMiNate so that all mothers can be healthy and have healthy babies." How simple and yet profound! Let's all imitate her generosity.

Column Posted on Web Site April 18, 2015