First Ladys Project

My Fellow Kiwanians, allow me to introduce myself: My name is Helene and it is with great pleasure that I serve you as your First Lady this upcoming year.
This past August while attending the New York District Convention, it was with great pride and pleasure that I endorsed my husband, Forbes Irvine as New York District Governor 2015-16.
We met in 1997 and married in 1998. We merged two households, three children, two full time jobs and Kiwanis. In that year I learned many things, two of which were what Kiwanis was (and still is) and that Wednesday nights were devoted to his club and that would never change. Throughout the years, as a family, we have supported and participated in countless Kiwanis events and stood by his side through his numerous positions - all of which led us to this point today. He has always been a man to look up to, he has always set a great example for our children, and it is with unrelenting support that we now share with you, our family leader, your leader, Gov. Forbes D. Irvine.
In following with the Governor's Project, Kiwanis 101, "We Take Care of Our Own", supporting the camp - Kamp Kiwanis, KPTC, Pediatric Lyme Disease and Disaster Relief, I have set out to start my own project, Warm Beginnings.
Warm Beginnings is about our most precious resources, newborn babies.
As a newborn nurse for over 35 years, there have been too many instances in which newborn babies have gone home without basic necessities. Many times over the years, Forbes has heard me talk about this issue. He brought the idea to his club, North Central of the Metropolitan Division, to have a baby shower, to which they responded and with great enthusiasm. They hosted baby showers at which guests were invited to, including the recipients of the shower proceeds, nurses that I work with and my nurse managers. Other guests were from Cross Roads, which is an organization that helps young mothers after they have been discharged from the hospital.
We requested simple items: clothes, pajamas, t-shirts, socks, mittens, hats and blankets. Homemade blankets and hats are a favorite. This is my request: I ask each club to hold a baby shower. More often than not, there are organizations that assist mothers and newborns and donations are always welcomed. There is no need to pack and ship any items, this is for your club, your community - taking care of our own.
Our mission this year is to bring Kiwanis back to our home communities. Identify a family in need, support SLP's, senior and veterans. It's what we do. It is Kiwanergy.
I am looking forward to meeting and working along side of you all. Thank you for your support, hopefully I will attend a baby shower in your club or division.

Column Posted on Web Site October 25, 2015