KPTC

As we begin a new service year, the Kiwanis Pediatric Trauma Center at North Shore-LIJ celebrated its 20th anniversary. That's 20 years of saving the lives of children and preventing traumatic injuries!!!

While we can never know exactly how many lives our efforts on behalf of KPTC have saved, statistics tell us it is many and that we have made and continue to make a difference.

Congratulations go out to the Kiwanians who founded our trauma center, all those who have served on our Foundation Board, the Key Clubbers and Circle Kers who have supported KPTC and served on our KPTC Service Leadership Committee, all the Kiwanis Clubs that contributed funds through the annual campaign, fellowship and trauma kits programs and, of course, the Kiwanians who support the trauma center's fund raisers like the Black & White Ball.

I would be remiss if I did not pause to express my sincere appreciation to everyone responsible for the tremendous success of our 15th Black & White Ball.

If you were there, I am certain you share my belief that this was one of the best. From the fabulous basket raffle led by Diane Brousseau to the moving tribute to Distinguished Past Governor Al Bevilacqua, the Ball raised funds in new ways and honored the memory a beloved founder. (A special thanks also goes to the Five Towns Kiwanis Club which will be remembering DPG Al with an annual KPTC Service Leadership Scholarship.) I also wish to thank photographer Bill Moseley for the wonderful souvenir photos he provided to guests at the Ball and gratefully acknowledge the members of the KPTC Service Leadership Committee for their help with the raffle and distributing the 20th anniversary lapel pins.

Last, but certainly not least, I thank the clubs that honored their members by naming them KPTC and KPTC Diamond Fellows at the Black & White Ball. The generosity of the clubs and the service of the honorees are greatly appreciated.

As we move toward November, I would like to extend an invitation to the downstate clubs to attend the KPTC Annual Meeting on Nov. 3, 2010. At this meeting we will elect the 2011 slate of Foundation Directors and share a full report of the Foundation's activities. While the presence of club president's and secretaries is specifically requested, this is a terrific opportunity to bring newer members to see the impact of the service we do on a regional level.

Over the past few years, you may have noticed me mentioning the activities of our KPTC Service Leadership committee in this column. I invite clubs that sponsor Service Leadership Programs in the downstate area to contact our KPTC Service Leadership Committee Co-Chairs Key Club LTG Domenick Pesce (ltgdomenickpesce@gmail.com) or Circle K Governor Rickie Santer (nygovrickie1011@gmail.com) to find out how their service leadership club can get involved.

In closing, I invite all of you to get more involved in your region's Kiwanis Pediatric Trauma Center. If you have any questions, please contact me at jcorace@icmdata.com.
 

Column Posted on Web Site November 9, 2010