District Foundation

As you read this article, the 2017 Kamping season is under way.
Once again the Kamp is in great condition as a result of all the dedicated Kiwanians that donated their time and efforts to clean up and repair all that the winter caused. This year we had our usual problems opening the Kamp like the water system but we are making strides, it wasn't as bad as last year. We purchased new water filters and Vice President Joe Battista did the installation. As always, board members Herb Chan and Anthony Merendino did a tremendous amount of work this time in the administration building. We now we have two brand new bathrooms, brand new kitchen and the office area now has new counter space, new electrical layout and thanks to Kyle Hoffman, new central air conditioning units. All this at basically no cost to the foundation while making the Kamp more efficient. I cannot begin to say thank you on behalf of the New York District Kiwanis Foundation. Every year, each and every member of our board is committed to making the Kamp a better place for the children. After all, isn't that what it is all about, making Kamp Kiwanis a place where memories last a lifetime.
I really love to talk about the Kamp but at this time I would like to change subject. I would like to talk about an upcoming event that will hopefully be one to remember. You see, in 1968, the Rome Kiwanis Club had a stretch of land that was used as the Kiwanis Health Kamp which was sponsored by the Rome Kiwanis Recreation Association. At the time, the 1968 Board of Lt. Governors, under Gov. Steve Hart, were in the process of looking for a camp site to purchase for a New York District camp. The Rome club decided to sell its camp to the district for the purchase price of $1 (Gov.  Hart paid from his own wallet) and that's when the New York District Kiwanis Foundation and Kamp Kiwanis were born.
In March of 2018 the New York District Kiwanis Foundation will be celebrating 50 years of service to the ideal of the Rome Kiwanis Club by hosting a 50th Anniversary Gala. If you haven't seen it yet, look around in this publication and there should be an article from the chair of this event, DPG Joe Aiello. It will give you all of the particulars and more information will be forthcoming. Please hold the date open, tell everyone in your club and division. Hopefully we can have a really great celebration.
Once again, let me remind every New York District Kiwanian, this is your Kamp, every member of the New York District is a member of the foundation. There are no dues and no forms to fill out, if you are a Kiwanian in good standing, you are automatically a member of the Foundation so let's all support your Kamp.

Column Posted on Web Site August 1, 2017