As we begin a new service year, the Kiwanis Pediatric Trauma Center at North Shore-LIJ celebrates more than 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 Kiwanis group that founded our Trauma Center. I would also like to acknowledge all those who have served on our Foundation Board. Appreciation goes to the Key Clubbers and Circle Kers who have supported KPTC through our Service Leadership Committee, all the Kiwanis Clubs that contributed funds through the annual campaign, fellowship and trauma kit programs and, of course, the KIWANIS CLUBS 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 Black & White Ball.
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.
Our annual meeting was our most successful. Many new Kiwanis members heard and saw what your support is doing in our programs to save "CHILDREN'S LIVES".
The report from the hospital was outstanding and our pediatric trauma kit program continues to grow. Nearly 300 kits have been given to date to first responders. During the annual meeting, the WT Clarke Key Club presented the 297th trauma kit to Kiwanis International President-Elect Tom DeJulio. Key Club President Gina Principato asked President-Elect Tom to give the kit to any community in the Kiwanis world where he finds a need.
The Bowling Green K-Kids also donated $464 raised during their annual "K"aroling for KPTC event.
Our Safe Kids Program that goes into schools, health fairs, libraries and wherever a gathering of young children are together was demonstrated at the meeting by our Service Leadership Committee. The KPTC Service Leadership Committee also accepted an animatronic "Sparky" the Fire Dog costume donated by Ann Torcivia and her Joey Foundation.
In closing, I invite all of you to get more involved in your region's Kiwanis Pediatric Trauma Center. Please call us to do a program at your club. Let's let all your club members know about this program, it's uplifting, rewarding and gives us the opportunity to say thank you. If you have any questions, please contact me at jcorace@icmdata.com.
Column Posted on Web Site February 3, 2012
Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated