The San Diego Kiwanis Club had a big day on September 1st as it celebrated its 100th Anniversary year and welcomed San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer. Natalie Armenta from High Tech High led the pledge and Club member Gordon Boerner from US Bank followed with the invocation. President Leitner had the pleasure of welcoming multiple guests to the meeting which had over 65 attendees!

Guests included:

• CNH Kiwanis District Secretary, Mark McDonald
• Division 11 Lt. Governor Gary Trieschman
• Members from the Grantville-Allied Gardens - George & Kathy Butterstein, Alan Young, Anne Rosser, and Joe Utschig
• Members from the Scripps Ranch Kiwanis Club Craig Bratlien, Tom/Lynn Bilotta, Ken Dubowski, and Holt Mebane
• Members from the Ocean Beach Kiwanis Melanie and Jim Nickel
• CNH District Co-Chair and Hidden Valley Kiwanis Club member Dave Schmitt
• And past Laurels for Leaders President and Kiwanis member Sean Puckett

President Leitner highlighted the Centennial Year Grant Funding that was issued by the Club and Foundation and included a $55,000 grant to the YMCA/Camp Marston facility as well as $50,000 to the Boys & Girls Club of San Diego. Tom Madeyski, Executive Director of the San Diego YMCA Camps spoke to the group and thanked them for their contribution which allowed the pool to be completely refurbished and upgraded. He was quick to point out that it was a full-circle project as the San Diego Kiwanis Club provided the initial funds which built the pool over 50-years ago.

Other grant recipients were recognized including the Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego ($20,000), the San Diego Food Bank ($20,000), STARPAL ($12,500) the San Diego Burn Institute ($4,150) and the New Children’s Museum ($3,000).

Mayor Faulconer joined the meeting to congratulate the Club on their 100th year Anniversary and thanked the organization for its many contribution to the San Diego community during its long existence. He was complimentary of the work done by Kiwanis International, but especially the San Diego Kiwanis Club and its long history of philanthropy and volunteer service to the people of the region. 

The Club closed out the meeting with lively discussion and a touching “Thank You” video from Monarch School who wanted to express their gratitude to the Club for their many years of service to the school and its children.

Kids DO need Kiwanis!

Watch the live proclamation from our San Diego Mayor below!