ALMetro 360 Magazine

..................................................................................................................................................................... most visible aspect of the event, are the traditional “fair” activities including exciting outside shows such as racing pigs, frisbee-catching dogs, and leaping tigers, as well as a high-energy carnival with amusement rides for all age groups, games, and the traditional and not-so-traditional carnival food. While all of these activities are exciting and fun, the true benefit gained are the funds generated to aid the youth in the community. In 1968, longtime Kiwanian Pete Peterson died. To the surprise of almost everyone, his will provided a $675,000.00 bequest to the Kiwanis Club of Montgomery to be used for the youth projects of Kiwanis. Since that time, the club has distributedmore than $3.3 million from the trust to children in need in the community. Individuals can also make contributions to the Kiwanis Club of Montgomery Foundation at any time. At the donor’s request, these donations are used to support local nonprofit agencies, like those listed above, that assist chil- dren in need. Clearly, as the Kiwanis Club of Montgomery’s primary fundraiser, many people work extremely hard to make the Alabama National Fair a success each year. Kiwanis Inter- national recently recognized this hard work. Kiwanis sig- nature projects show the impact a Kiwanis club can have on a community. From play- grounds and parks to festi- vals and fundraisers, signa- ture projects are the hallmarks of what Kiwanis clubs are known for in their communities. Each year, Ki- wanis International holds a signature project contest rec- ognizing the most impactful signature projects in the world. This year, the Kiwanis Club of Montgomery (through the Alabama District of Kiwanis) entered the Alabama National Fair into the con- test and was notified that it was 1 of 3 finalists. At Kiwanis International Convention this summer, the Kiwanis Club of Montgomery/Alabama District received Gold for its submission of the Alabama National Fair. While the Kiwanis Club of Montgomery works very hard each year to ensure the Alabama National Fair is a success so that it can assist children in need, the Club also helps children by funding college scholarships. Specifically, the Club funds 3 scholarships for high school students grad- uating and needing financial assistance to attend college. The Kiwanis Club of Montgomery is not all work! Its members meet weekly for lunch downtown to eat, visit, and listen to a speaker from the community. These lunches are a wonderful way to catch up with friends who share a passion for helping children while learning about signifi- cant community events. Immediate Past President Douglas McElvy explains, “It is a great honor to be associated with the Kiwanis Club of Montgomery that for 100 years has given millions of dol- lars to encourage and support community organizations that foster education, health, recreation, and other nur- turing activities for the children of the River Region. Our finger prints can be found on practically every charitable activity working to improve the lives of our young citi- zens.” The Kiwanis Club of Montgomery is also proud of its record assisting children in need inMontgomery and Central Alabama. Most recently, it is especially proud of the $370,000 it donated to these children in 2019. However, its members also know there is much to be done to continue to improve the lives of these children, and they plan to work ex- tremely hard another 100 years so that all chil- dren in the community can work to achieve their full potential. n Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter 0CTOBER 2019 61 Photos this page by DiAnna Paulk