Parkway Clean Up Extended

It's time to start our monthly clean up on Parkway Drive.  We are supporting the city's beautification efforts by continuing to maintain our adopted stretch of Parkway between Rt 98 and Sheridan!

Please bring your own bags and use gloves if you have them---just never know what you may find, but you are making Pekin a safer place for kids by helping out!

Please sign up at the link below to "Adopt a Block" of Parkway from now through April 16th. If you want to maintain a block year-round, just let us know in the comments and we will label it yours!

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0c44a9af29a3f58-parkway10

2018 Pekin Kiwanis Grant Applications Available

Grants from the Kiwanis Club of Pekin are given for direct services and programs that align with our mission to improve family wellness in the greater Pekin community through a growing and active membership network. Kiwanis will be a positive influence in our local community…so that one day, all children will wake up in communities that believe in them, nurture them and provide the support they need to thrive.

Grants amounts generally range from $100 to $500.

Grant applications must be received by the executive board on or before April 1, 2018.

Grants will be distributed on April 24th at 11:30 AM at the Pekin Country Club. A representative from the receiving organization is expected to attend.

A one-page report detailing the outcome of any grant monies received is required.  Grant applications must be emailed to the Kiwanis Club of Pekin.

Click here to download the application and further guidelines.

February 20th is Our Day of Service

We'll be snack packing on February 20th after our meeting.  We need 12 helpers:

​ www.SignUpGenius.com/go/30E0C44A9AF29A3F58-snack5 ​


Midwest Food Bank needs our help on February 20th from 5:30pm to 7:30pm.  Sign up here:

www.SignUpGenius.com/go/30E0C44A9AF29A3F58-midwest1

1st Quarter Social - Puppy Bowl

We are throwing a pre-Superbowl party and would love for you to join us! The party will be from 2-4PM, so people can reach their final destination to watch the game! The Puppy Bowl starts at 3PM and you wont want to miss that!

Non-alcoholic beverages will be provided, BYOB if you'd like. Appetizers to share are welcome!

Thank you to the Bloom family for hosting us!

Host:Kiwanis and The Bloom Family  (309)840-1121

When: Sunday, February 4 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM 
Where: The Bloom Residence 1613 Night Hawk Court Pekin, IL 61554

RSVP Here

Kiwanis Chili Cook Off

Austin & Jackson

If you are interested in helping Austin and Jackson (the two young boys Mr. Norman discussed on 12/5/2017) please visit www.gofundme.com/austin-jackson

Bell Ringing

Kiwanis members will ring bells at two locations for the Salvation Army on Friday, December 15th. Sign up at:  www.SignUpGenius.com/go/30E0C44A9AF29A3F58-salvation2

Kiwanis Cheese Sale

Members of the Kiwanis Club of Pekin are currently working on their annual cheese sale.  Members can download the spreadsheet order form or a .pdf version of the order form.  Orders are due at the 11/27 meeting.

Prep Freeze Cook Fundraiser

Join Us For A

FUNDRAISER!

WHEN: November 13^th from 12:00-7:00

COST: Each meal is priced at $16.oo and serves 5.

Pick as many as you want!

(2-serving meals also available)

INCLUDES: Wide variety of meals - including Gluten Free, Paleo, Casseroles and Crock Pot Options

WHERE:

3564 Court St Pekin IL

 Kiwanis Club of Pekin will receive 20% of all walk-in sales during the event.

PCHS Dragon Closet

We are collecting items for the PCHS Dragon Closet until August 8th! Please bring these items or cash to the meeting:

- Clothing & Shoes appropriate for teenagers
- Shampoo/Conditioner
- Soap/Body Wash/Loofahs
- Deodorant
- Backpacks
- School Supplies
- Non Perishable Foods

Parkway Clean-Up

Below is the link to signup for Parkway Cleanup for August 1-7.

www.SignUpGenius.com/go/30E0C44A9AF29A3F58-parkway9 

It only takes 30-45 min usually per section.  Please adopt a section between Rt 98 and Sheridan!

Marigold Sign-Ups

Kiwanis Club of Pekin members are needed to work our booth and event during the Marigold Festival - September 9 & 10.

Here is the sign-up for our Popcorn booth.  There are only two slots per shift this year, but we need every slot filled!
www.SignUpGenius.com/go/30E0C44A9AF29A3F58-marigold1

And here is the sign-up for Lagoon Golf.  

www.SignUpGenius.com/go/30E0C44A9AF29A3F58-lagoon1 

Make sure you sign up for your favorite shifts soon!

Pekin Academy of Fine Arts - Summer Camp

We will be helping out with the Summer Camp program from 12:15-2pm on July 11th.

Date: 07/11/2017 (Tue.)
Time: 12:15pm - 2:00pm CDT
Location: Pekin Academy of Fine Arts, 601 N 4th St

Click here for more info and to sign up

Parkway Drive Clean Up (June 26 - July 1st)

We are supporting the city's new beautification efforts by continuing to maintain our adopted stretch of Parkway between Rt 98 and Sheridan! Let's get this cleaned up before the Fireworks!

Please bring your own bags and use gloves if you have them---just never know what you may find, but you are making Pekin a safer place for kids by helping out!

Sign up here

Camp Coco Collections

We are collecting items for Camp Coco until June 6th. Please bring items to the meeting (individually wrapped): Cookies, Sandwich Crackers, Goldfish, Chips, Pretzels, Animal Crackers, Crash, Kroger Cards. *No chocolate or candy*

Bike Rode Help!

Here's the link for the Bike Rodeo Signup! We need twenty volunteers to make this a success like last year. Lots of bikes and other prizes to give away on June 3rd!

​www.SignUpGenius.com/go/30E0C44A9AF29A3F58-bike1

PAFA Summer Camp

Want to help with the Pekin Fine Arts Academy Summer Camp? Sign up here: www.SignUpGenius.com/go/30E0C44A9AF29A3F58-pekin

Spruce Up Pekin

The Kiwanis Club of Pekin will meet at 8:00 am on Saturday, May 6th to clean up our flower bed and plant flowers!  We'll be at the Kiwanis flower bed on Court Street across from Memorial Stadium.  It will take one or two hours depending on the number of volunteers.

Flapjack Fundraiser Breakfast

This is no joke! Join the Kiwanis Club of Pekin on Saturday, April, 1, 2017 at the Pekin Applebee's for a Flapjack Fundraiser Breakfast! 

The 🐰 Easter Bunny 🐰 will be at the event for photos! 

There is a coloring contest, too! Must be present to win a gift card! 

Tickets can be purchased beginning 3/1/17 at Dan Pfiefer State Farm, 1000 Court Street, Pekin, or by emailing PekinKiwanis1@gmail.com.

See more info at https://www.facebook.com/events/377495195946206/

Kiwanis is an organization that serves the children of the world! Money raised will support our 2018 grant process.

Kiwanis Cheese is on the Way

The weather put a crimp in our cheese delivery.  But the good news is the cheese is expected to be in Pekin today or tomorrow.  Look for deliveries of you order on Tuesday or Wednesday.

Kiwanis Cheese Sale Begins

The annual Kiwanis Club of Pekin Cheese sale is underway.  This is the clubs biggest fundraiser.

Club members are taking orders for several products, including gift boxes, 1-lb blocks of cheese, spreads, sausages, and mustard.  

You can place your order by contacting a member of the Pekin Kiwanis Club. Visit  http://pekinkiwanis.blogspot.com/p/club-members.html  to find a list of club members.

The order forms must be turned in by December 1st, so don't delay.

Grant Presentations on June 14th

The Kiwanis Club of Pekin will present grants to 9 different recipients at our June 14th lunch meeting.  The recipients will be at the meeting to talk about their organization and to accept their grant, which was awarded based on their applications.  The 9 recipients are:

• Childrens' Home
• Pekin Academy of Fine Arts
• Neighborhood House
• gitm Foundation
• Pekin Hospital Foundation
• Shade Memorial Youth Camp
• Camp Big Sky
• Pekin Community High School
• Key Club Scholarship

The Kiwanis Club of Pekin has focused their grants on organizations working in our area of focus.  Our 3-year mission is to "Help Improve the Wellness of Children."  Each year we have a different focus:

• Year 1 (2015):  Focus on children's physical health
• Year 2 (2016):  Focus on children's mental health
• Year 3 (2017):  Focus on maintaining wellness throughout the life of the child and building a healthy family environment.

Parkway Cleanup 5/31

Here is the link for the May 31st Parkway Cleanup. Please see the link for more details and to sign up. 

www.SignUpGenius.com/go/30E0C44A9AF29A3F58-parkway2 

Tri-County Citizen of the Year

The Peoria Downtown Kiwanis club is proud to announce the 53rd annual Tri-county Citizen of the Year award dinner

June 8, 2016

Time: Cocktails at 5:30pm, Dinner at 6:00 pm

Place: the  new Warehouse on State banquet facility (catered by Cracked Pepper) corner of Washington and State St. (plenty of parking in the back by WTVP)..entrance is on Washington St, next to Thyme restaurant.
736 Washington St.
Peoria, IL

Speaker:  Honorable Ray LaHood, former Secretary of Transportation and former US Representative from central Illinois
Price: $40 per person, $320 per table of eight
(Checks written out to Kiwanis)

Entree choices:
   1. Ale braised boneless short ribs
   2. Herb-crusted Whitefish
   3. Roasted Vegetable napolini w/fresh mozzarella (similar to veg. lasagna

Please contact Linda Thomas to reserve your tickets and entree choices by Wednesday, June 1, 2016.
Email: Lindathomas128@gmail.com
Phone or text: (309)360-6433
Address: 2611 W Windflower Ct.
                 Peoria, IL 61615

Peoria Chiefs Game

Tomorrow is the last day to sign up and pay for the Peoria Chiefs game on Thursday, June 2^nd. If you’re interested in attending, please sign-up online. We currently have 24 people going: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0c44a9af29a3f58-peoria

Also, Marilyn has organized an inter-club on Wednesday, May 25^th at noon at the Golden Corral with the Peoria Downtown Club. We would like to get at least 3 more people to go with Marilyn.  Please send an email to Marilyn or Dan directly to sign-up.

Peoria Chiefs Game

We have a club social scheduled for Thursday, June 2!  We will attend the Peoria Chiefs game, which starts at 7:))pm.  The cost is just $5 for members and $16 for non members. The price includes a hot dog, chips and a soda. Kids 2 and under are free! It is Ninja Turtle night and there will be post-game fireworks!

This social will replace our May 31st meeting, (5th Tuesday) which is why the member prices are discounted.

To sign up to attend please go to visit: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0c44a9af29a3f58-peoria

Several Volunteer Sign-up Opportunities

Aktion Club "helper" for future Aktion Club meetings. There are multiple slots open for all of the meetings from April through September of this year. If you are available and would like to see what it is all about go to: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0c44a9af29a3f58-aktion

Grant Review Committee - With our second round of grants needing reviewed in May we would love to have some fresh eyes. The original members from this committee are still signed up but we have a couple of slots still open. We will decide on a meeting time sometime in May. To learn more go to: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0c44a9af29a3f58-grant

Focus Group (temporary name) - this group is called back in order to review the changes that we have made over the past couple of years. The group will talk about what is going well and what maybe can be improved. We also will evaluate our 3 year goals which will come to a end at the conclusion of FY17.  So we will need to decide on  our next goals. We will decide on a meeting time sometime in May. To learn more go to: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0c44a9af29a3f58-focus

Flower Planting - We are going to join with the Key Club in order to plant our garden! Go to: www.SignUpGenius.com/go/30E0C44A9AF29A3F58-flower 

Parkway Cleanup - A Kiwanis Club of Pekin tradition! To Sign up go to: www.SignUpGenius.com/go/30E0C44A9AF29A3F58-parkway1 

Bike Rodeo - more Details to follow, but to sign up to help go to: www.SignUpGenius.com/go/30E0C44A9AF29A3F58-bike 

Volunteers Needed

Camp Big Sky serves individuals with disabilities and their families by offering special needs individuals an opportunity to learn how to live independently while enjoying fishing, games, nature studies, cookouts, arts, crafts and camping.

The Kiwanis Club of Pekin began supporting the camp through our grant process this year. We would like to extend that by volunteering our time to the camp as well.

Our Kiwanis Division 20 set up a work day at the camp fpr April 23. There will be 2 different work groups. A morning group from 8 am to noon and and afternoon group from noon to 4. Lunch will be served to both groups at noon. They are looking for a WIDE variety of talents and skill levels. They will have many different projects. Anything from cleaning to construction. Please join us if you can. I imagine it will be a very fun and rewarding day!

You can use the sign up genius for our group:
www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0c44a9af29a3f58-kiwanis

Hospital Mission Trip

Pekin Hospital is collecting items for their mission trip now through October. If you would like to donate, please see Sherry.  Here are the items they need for the children:

• Hair Bows/Clips
• Matchbox Cars
• Bags of Candy/Suckers (No chocolate or anything that will melt)
• School Supplies
• Combs
• Hairbrushes
• Small Stuffed Animals
• Other
• Infant Vitamins
• Powdered Formula

Ken Graman

A good friend and member of our Kiwanis family passed away over the weekend. Ken Garman has been a member of the Kiwanis Club of Pekin since 2005. Ken was always good for a smile and great conversation. He also embodied what it meant to be a Kiwanian. He served the children of our community (and the world) through several of our projects and was always available and willing to help out with our current initiatives. He will be dearly missed by many! 

You can see this video that features Ken: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekH0gXIPCk4

Obituary:  http://www.preston-hanley.com/obits/details.cfm?pageID=8&obitID=4812 

Busy meeting today!

Before our committee meetings start today, we will induct 5 new members into our club:  Char Richardson, Lenora Fisher, Linda Ledger, Michelle Teheux and Shannon Tebben-Sandoval.  Our monthly board meeting will be held right after the committee meetings.

Upcoming Events

•  Wednesday, 3/9  – Interclub with Pekin Sunset Kiwanis Club at Mashies. Please See Patty if you are interested in joining her at the 6:00 pm meeting.
• Tuesday, 3/15 - Pat Graf & Sue Ranney will present a talk on their adventures walking across Northern England from St Bees Head on the Irish Sea to Robinhoods Bay on the North Sea- approximately 200 miles+/-; Brett Bode, K of the Day
• Friday, 3/18 - New member orientation - learn about Kiwanis (local and International). New members encouraged to join us and all members welcome.  11:30 am at Kouri's.
• Saturday, 3/19 – Kiwanis Family Easter Egg Hunt – Invitation only! We incited Sunset and Pekin Rotary to join us
• Saturday, 3/19 - Parkway Cleanup 
• Tuesday, 3/22 - Refugee Crisis, Bradley University Professor William Toel; Jeff Brooks, K of the Day; Leigh Ann Brown, Greeter
• Wednesday, 3/23 - BUG Breakfast
• Tuesday, 3/29 – No meeting!

We have a few sign ups that are available for volunteering opportunities. The links are below. You will find more detailed descriptions on the individual pages.

Committee Sign up: www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0c44a9af29a3f58-committee

BUG Breakfast: www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0c44a9af29a3f58-bring

Parkway Cleanup: www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0c44a9af29a3f58-parkway

Grant Review Committee: www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0c44a9af29a3f58-grant

Aktion Club Helper: www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0c44a9af29a3f58-aktion

New Volunteer Opportunities

We have two new volunteer opportunities. Each link has a description of the event and also the member that is managing the event. Let me know if you have any questions!

To sign up for Parkway Cleanup on March 19 go to: www.SignUpGenius.com/go/30E0C44A9AF29A3F58-parkway

To sign up to help at the BUG Breakfast (Wilson and Washington schools) on March 23 go to: www.SignUpGenius.com/go/30E0C44A9AF29A3F58-bring

February 9th Meeting Made the News!

Check out the media coverage of our February 9th meeting on WEEK's website.

Special Meeting on February 9th

One of the club's most rewarding weekly lunch meetings of the year will be held on February 9th, beginning at 11:45am at the Pekin Country Club.   Throughout the year the club raised money by selling cheese over the holidays, kettle corn at the Marigold Festival, giving a dollar here and there for good news at meetings, attending events like the Patsy Cline Tribute Concert and  more.

For the past couple of years the club has slightly increased the amount of money raised each year. Every penny of this money is given to various charities and groups who align themselves with the mission of Kiwanis International (To Serve the Children of the World) and more specifically the focus of the Kiwanis Club of Pekin which is “Improving the health of children by improving or promoting their mental health.”

The charities are able to apply for grants each year and request money that goes toward a specific program or area of their business that reflects our yearly focus.  In the 2016 Kiwanis year the club will give $13,000 to local charities.

February 9 is the first part of these payments.  The club has invited agency representatives from 8 different charities to the meeting to receive their checks.  Each agency will also be given an opportunity to speak for a few minutes ho how their grants are being applied and why this is important to the overall mental health of children.

The luncheon is open to the public.  Cost of the lunch to non-members is $10.

Division 20 Club Director

Here's a link to the Division 20 Club Director for 2015-16

http://www.pekinchamber.com/2016/Div20ClubDirectory2015-16.pdf

Bowl-a-thon

The 2016 Bowl-a-Thon for Spastic Research will be Saturday February 20, 2016 at 8:00 A.M. at Bass Pro Shop. There are signup sheets available for team sign ups. Please ask Susan if you would like one. It's a great way to teach your children the value of helping others.

Kiwanis Cheese!

It's time for the annual Kiwanis Cheese Sale.  Download your order forms and turn in by December 1st.  This is a big part of our club's fundraising for the year and allows us to support our 3-year mission to help support the wellness of children.

For questions or to place an order, contact any Pekin Kiwanis Club member, email pekinkiwanis1@gmail.com or download the order form.

Thank you!

Upcoming Events

Check out the calendar for all of the upcoming events and meetings!  Just click the "calendar" link above.

Membership & Grant Application

Interested in joining the Kiwanis Club of Pekin?  You can find an updated membership application by clicking here.

And you can find an updated grant application by clicking here.  The Kiwanis Club of Pekin is interested in making grants to organizations working in our area of focus.  Our 3-year mission is to "Help Improve the Wellness of Children."  Each year we have a different focus:

• Year 1 (2015):  Focus on children's physical health
• Year 2 (2016):  Focus on children's mental health
• Year 3 (2017):  Focus on maintaining wellness throughout the life of the child and building a healthy family environment.

Please see the grant application for more details and information.

Upcoming Events Need Your Help

Kiwanis Club Members - Please sign up to work one of these upcoming events.  Click the link and sign up!

Trick Trot or Tee: www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0c44a9af29a3f58-trick

Bell Ringing for Salvation Army (2 Dates): www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0c44a9af29a3f58-salvation

Aktion Club Helper (you can sign up for all 12 dates or just one - They meet the 2nd Tuesday of each month): www.SignUpGenius.com/go/30E0C44A9AF29A3F58-aktion

Officers Installed

Lt. Governor Ron Givens installed the officers of the Kiwanis Club of Pekin at the October 13th lunch meeting.  The officers started their one-year terms on October 1st:  President:  Leon Edwards; 1st VP, Dan Pfeifer; 2nd VP, Baylee Gambetti; Secretary, Michele Ginther.

New President's Message

Hi Everyone! Welcome to FY16 for the Kiwanis Club of Pekin. I am very excited to get things started and thankful that there have been so many strong leaders before me which makes this whole being president thing much easier! I think that we have some exciting things going on this year with our club. Thank you all for your dedication to our club, Kiwanis and the Central Illinois Community! If there is ever anything that you think we as a club or myself as president could be doing better, please do not hesitate contacting me or any of the board members. 

Last year we decided as a club to create a 3 year mission that our club would focus on. That mission is “Help Improve the Wellness of Children”. Each year the club has a different focus. 

o    Year 1 (2015): Focus on children’s physical health

o    Year 2 (2016): Focus on children’s mental health

o    Year 3 (2017): Focus on maintaining wellness throughout the life of the child and building a healthy family environment.

​This year we would like to tie this mission/focus in to what we are doing as a club. Programs, grants, volunteer projects, etc.. If you have ideas on how we can do this please see your committee chair person.  You can also download a copy of the grant application. ​

Last year we also divided our committees into 3 major areas. Membership - Fundraising - Community Services. Each member was asked to join one of these committee and get involved with one of the committee projects. We will be doing the same this year. If you are interested in joining a different committee or if you would like to stay on the same one please go to the link listed below. I have created an online sign up that will allow us to catch everyone even if you're not at the Tuesday meeting. We will have various links to Sign Up Genius as projects come up and we need volunteers. Please know that you do not have create a sign up genius account to sign your name. All they will need from you is a name, number and email. That information only goes to the committee chair person and it is not shared by sign up genius. I used this same service several times over the past couple of years and I am fully confident on the security of your information.   

Committee Sign Up Link: www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0c44a9af29a3f58-committee

Dan will be sending a revised K of the Day schedule out shortly. We will be adding in the 4th week to the schedule, so your dates that were previous set may change slightly.

We have a few things coming up over the next month or so I wanted to let you all know some dates.  

10/9/2015 - Governor's Dinner which is hosted by our club at the Pekin Country Club. Tickets are $25 but since we did not have the 5th Tuesday meeting last month, in lieu of a social we will use this dinner as the social. So tickets for Kiwanis Club of Pekin members will be discounted to $15. The flyer can be downloaded here.

10/13/2015 - At our regularly scheduled committee meeting lunch we will be installing new board members and also voting to approve the new yearly budget. In order to have enough for a vote we need every member to be present at this meeting.

10/27/2015 - Membership Drive for Kiwanis Club of Pekin. This will be a 5k Fun run and we will be sending out more information as it becomes available. Please print the attached flyer and post it wherever you can. We are encouraging everyone to dress up in costumes!  You can download the flyer here.

Again, if there is ever anything that I can do or help with, please let me know.

Thank you,

​Leon​ &

The Kiwanis Club of Pekin Board Members

Kiwanis Convention

Attention Kiwanis Club Members:

This year's convention runs from August 6th – 8th.  It will be held in Peoria at the Pere Marquette.  It would be great if our club could show their support with great attendance.  Please notify Patty (patty.friedrich.gauc@statefarm.com) if you would like to attend, and she will arrange for reimbursement of the registration fee ($50 for members only or $85 for members and a guest).  You can pick and choose what you would like to attend.

Registration deadline is this Friday, July 24th.  Ruby is also in need of volunteers to sign-up to “work” the silent auction room.

Kiwanis Steak Fry

The Kiwanis Club of Pekin will skip our regular lunch meeting on Tuesday, June 30th and instead have a steak fry on Wednesday, July 1st, beginning at 6pm at the Pekin Insurance Lodge.  Cost is $10 for members / $20 for their guests.  More details and a sign-up sheet will be available at the next weekly meeting.

Join the Kiwanis Club of Pekin

Want to join us in our work?  Start by printing out and completing the membership application. We're going to need it eventually, so you might as well do it now!  Then you can forward it to:  pekinkiwanis1@gmail.com or contact any club member.

Camp COCO

Throughout May and June we will be collecting items for St. Jude's Camp COCO.  These will be used for snack items for the kids.  Below is the list of needs.  If you are able to bring anything over the next couple meetings, that would be wonderful! Amy will be collecting the items.

Camp COCO presented to us last year. You can find more information about the camp at www.siumed.edu/foundation/campcoco.htm

Thanks for all that you do!!

Camp COCO Snack Wish List 2015

(We have 13 cabins/totes to fill with snacks)

Wish List  Any food or snack, individually wrapped that won’t melt or perish in the heat

Boxes of Raisins

Fruit Roll-ups

Fruit snacks

Granola bars

Individual animal crackers

Individual bags of chips

Individual cookie packs

Individual nut packs

Individual pouches of crackers- Ritz bits

Individual Snack crackers

Sandwich crackers (Peanut butter or cheese)

These will be used at scheduled Snack times

Fruit Wish List

Boxes of Raisins or other dried fruits

Grapes

Bananas- (greenish so they last all week)

Cutie Oranges

Apples

Watermelon

Cherries

Strawberries

Simply Patsy

Simply Patsy

“A Patsy Cline Tribute – Starring Mary Pfeifer”

Pekin Country Club (310 Country Club Dr, Pekin, IL 61554)

Saturday, May 2nd

5:00pm - Doors open and cash bar begins

5:30pm-6:30pm - Dinner

6:30pm-8:15pm – Show

Tickets are $35/person or $280 for a table of 8. All proceeds from this event will benefit the Kiwanis Club of Pekin and their mission to “Help Improve the Wellness of Children”

Click Here for Registration Form

Kiwanis Grants Available

Grants from the Kiwanis Club of Pekin are given for direct services and programs that align with our 3-year  mission: “Help Improve the Wellness of Children”.

Each year has a different focus and the grants will be given out based on that years focus.

o Year 1 (2015): Focus on children’s physical health
o Year 2 (2016): Focus on children’s mental health
o Year 3 (2017): Focus on maintaining wellness throughout the life of the child and building a
healthy family environment.

Grants amounts generally range from $100 to $1000.  This year's grant applications must be received by the executive board on or before July 31, 2015.  Grant applications must be emailed to the Kiwanis Club of Pekin (pekinkiwanis1@gmail.com) and the subject line needs to read "2015 Kiwanis Club of Pekin Grant Application" to insure it is identified properly.

The application is available at:  http://www.pekinchamber.com/2015/KiwanisGrantApplication15.pdf

Kiwanis to Award $6,000 to Local Groups

Beginning in 2015, the 3 year Mission of the Kiwanis Club of Pekin is to "Help Improve the Wellness of Children". Each year has a different focus and the grants will be given out based on that years focus.

• Year 1 (2015): Focus on children’s physical health
• Year 2 (2016): Focus on children’s mental health
• Year 3 (2017): Focus on maintaining wellness throughout the life of the child and building a healthy family environment.

Grants from the Kiwanis Club of Pekin are given for direct services and programs that align with our 3 year mission, and more specifically the focus of the year. Grant amounts generally range from $100 to $1000.

In October of 2014 the club opened up the grant application process and charities were able to fill out grant applications with the deadline of December 31, 2014. The Club received about 15 applications for grants.

On February 24th, 2015 The Kiwanis Club of Pekin will be donating nearly $6,000 to 8 different local organizations. The organizations include the Boys and Girls Club of Pekin, The Center for Prevention of Abuse, YWCA of Pekin, Crittendon Centers, Shade Park, Pekin Main Street, TCRC and Tazewell County Children's Advocacy Center. All of these organizations will have representatives at the meeting and will be honored with lunch and then a check presentation.

The General public is welcome (and encouraged) to attend the lunch and we would like to invite the local media to the event as well, to highlight the great work that these organizations are doing for our community....More importantly our children.

Lunch will begin at 11:45am at the Pekin Country Club and the check presentations should start around 12:20. There will be time for photos and interviews as each of the organizations receive their checks.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our Vice President, Leon Edwards, at 309-224-9389.

Meetings Return to Country Club

Our weekly meetings will return to the Pekin Country Club with our February 10th meeting.  We have no program that day - it is our monthly committee meeting.

Don't forget to bring your canned goods for the food pantry.  Also, bring items to donate to the [urse show that is coming up.  They will be used as silent auction items.  All proceeds from the silent auction and tickets will go to the project fund of the Kiwanis Club of Pekin.  

Next Meeting at PCHS

Our meeting on Tuesday (1/27) we will be at the Pekin High School Café in the Holman Center. This will be our Service week.  The membership will vote on the new club logo that was designed by the graphic arts students at PCHS!

Membership Application

Want to join us in our work?  Start by printing out and completing the membership application.  We're going to need it eventually, so you might as well do it now!  Then you can forward it to: pekinkiwanis1@gmail.com or contact any club member.

January Meetings

January 6 -

• Location: Pekin Hospital
• K of the Day: James Johnston - Presenting a group of CEO's from the human services sector that will discuss the economic impact that human services has on Central Illinois.
• Chili Cook Off: Still need people to sign up - If you are interested in bringing items, please email pekinkiwanis1@gmail.com.  

January 9 -

• Board meeting 7:30am at the Miller Center

January 13 -

• Location: John Evans SLC
• Committee Meetings
• Fred Altman's Yearly Prediction Test

January 20 -

• No regular meeting
• Christmas Party at Sazani's - If you plan to attend please RSVP to pekinkiwanis1@gmail.com.
• The party will start at 6pm. Dinner will include: a buffet (salad bar, bread, mashed potatoes, vegetable, and four entrées (fish, chicken, and two pasta dishes) with water and dessert, there is also a cash bar.
• Free for members; $17 for spouses and guests
• Games will be announced...Ideas welcome    

January 27 -

• Location Pekin High School Tech Ed Center
• Service Meeting
• We will have a speaker from the high school and also be voting on a new club logo that the students at the high school have been designing for us.
• Plan to announce our approved grant requests for 2015.

February 3 - 

• Location: Pekin Estates
• K of the Day: ??? - Program to be announced

Christmas on Court

The Kiwanis Club of Pekin will be selling Kiwanis Christmas Ornaments on Friday, December 5th from 5:00pm-8:00pm as part of the Christmas on Court celebration. We will be setting up at the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce, 402 Court Street.  Stop by and share your holiday cheer!

November 25th Meeting

The program  will be presented by Anna Buehrer, the Director of Marketing and PR for CityLink. She will present information on the Stuff A Bus program.  Please bring non-perishable food items to stuff the bus.  

Also, this will be the last day to turn in Ham and Cheese orders. 

Jim still needs empty boxes for cheese deliveries. Please bring them to the meeting. 

Meeting on November 18th

Our regular meeting on November 18th will be the last day to turn in ham/cheese orders. Please bring those to the meeting. We also need empty boxes for cheese deliveries.

November 18th is also Farm City Day at our club meeting.

We will also be collecting canned goods for Stuff A Bus. This is our November service project. The November 25th speaker/program will be on Stuff A Bus.  We will present them with our collection at that time.  However, Amy has offered to collect and hold everything that comes in on the 18th.  So we will try to stuff her car on that day!

The Membership / Communications committee is working to schedule the offsite meetings in January.  It looks like the 6th will be at Pekin Hospital and that will be our Chilli Cookoff.  More information will follow soon.

Below is the K of the Day / Greeter schedule for the next couple of months. The Greeters simply need to get to the meeting a little early (11:35ish) and hang out by the name tags and welcome people as they arrive.

Kiwanis Peanut Day is Friday

The annual Kiwanis Peanut Day is this Friday, October 31st.  It's Halloween, so expect some members to dress up for thier shift.  Thanks Jeff Lange for serving as Mr. Peanut again this year.

Kiwanis Holiday Sales

Our annual cheese sale has begun,  New this year is an Echo Valley ham & gift card sale.  Ham sales sheets need to be in by 11/18 (to Amy) and cheese sales sheets need to be in (to Jim) by 11/25. The products should be delivered around December 9th.

New Committees

On Tuesday October 21, 2014 the Kiwanis Club of Pekin heard the first committee updates from their new committee chairs.  Overall, the new committee structure was off to a strong start.  There were engaging discussions discussion with new ideas for the direction of the club. 

Fund "Fun" Development — Dan Pfeifer:  Dan reported that his committee has been tasked with raising $10,000 for the club.  This money will be used to award grants to organizations that will promote the club's theme.  To start the fundraising this year, the club will be selling peanuts on October 31 at various locations throughout Pekin.  Jeff Lange is the Peanut Chairman again this year. He mentioned there are still a couple of spots where we need volunteers. The sign up sheet will be available at the meeting on Oct 28. The club will also be selling cheese and Echo Valley hams/gift cards this year. Sales sheets should be ready at the Oct 28 meeting. Combined, the cheese/hams and peanuts raised around $5,000 last year.

Membership/Communications — Leon Edwards: Leon reported the initial goal of this committee is to get our name out to the public. This committee plans to do this through social media, a website, a newsletter and trying to get as much publicity as possible. The website is being updated. This committee is also tasked with social events for club members. The first social event will be the club's Christmas Party which will be held sometime in the middle of January. More information on that will be out at a later date.

Community Services — Erica and Ruby: Ruby gave an update from the committee meeting. Community services is tasked with raising awareness of the club's them in the community. They are considering partnering with another organization to provide snack packs for needy children in the community.

Youth Services — Baylee Gambetti: This committee will promote the club theme among the children in the community. They are considering bringing back the Bike Rodeo. More information will be announced soon.
 

November Calendar

November 6: Board Meeting, 7:20am at the Miller Center 

November 4: K of the Day—Dan Pfeifer; Greeter—Jeff Brooks; Program—TBA 

November 11: Greeter—Sandy Brooks 

November 18: K of the Day—Nick Hill; Greeter—Membership Committee Member; Program—TBA 

November 25: Greeter—Ruby Cunefare; November service project: TBA

New Board/Officers Installed

Congratulations to the new leadership of the Kiwanis Club of Pekin who were installed at the October 2nd noon meeting.

Immediate Past President:  Leigh Ann Matthews
President:  Marilyn Strickfaden
Vice-President/President Elect/Ways & Means:   Melida Heien
2nd Vice-President/Programs:   Jim McMullin
3rd Vice-President/Inter-Club:   Mitch Richards
Secretary:   Eric Mutchler
Treasurer:   Chris Schwartz
Assistant Treasurer:   Luke Gruden

Board Members 2nd Term:  Bill Link, Dale Sandrock, Barry Neal
Board Members 1st Term:   Brent Morgan, Ruby Cunefare, Mark VanderLinden

Youth Services:   Marilyn Strickfaden
Young Children Priority One:   Barry Neal
Ways & Means (Vice President):   Melida Heien
Community Services:   Jeff Brooks
Spiritual Aims:   Martin Thies
Key Club:   Ruby Cunefare/Baylee Gambetti
Aktion Club:   Dennis Stoller
Builder’s Club:  Dennis Stoller
Membership:   Brent Morgan
Membership Co-Chair:   Lelonie Luft
Interclub (3rd Vice President):   Mitch Richards
Programs (2nd Vice President): Jim McMullin

Kiwanis Anniversaries

Congratulations to the following members who are celebrating their service anniversaries in July!

Fred Altman, 16 years
Bob Barra, 13 years
Bill Fleming, 11 years
Patty Friedrich, 12 years
Jim Kaminski, 1 year
Bill Link, 5 years
Laura Lohnes, 5 years
Pat McElwee, 9 years
Brent Morgan, 3 years
Barry Neal, 11 years
Betty Rahn, 18 years
Bridget Rumler 5 years
Steve Saal, 4 years
Marggie Seelye, 13 years

Kiwanis Steak Fry

Kiwanis Steak Fry

5:30pm Tuesday July 24, 2012

Pekin Insurance Lodge

Menu:
Ribeye (grill your own)
Baked Potatoes
Tossed Salad and Dressings
Baked Beans
Rolls and Butter
Dessert
Soda (BYO Beer and/or Wine)

$20/person for guests

$10/person for Kiwanis Members  (due to no lunch meeting that day)

RSVP by Tuesday July 17 you will be billed on the next quarterly billing statement or pay at door (checks payable to Pekin Kiwanis)

There will be no noon meeting on Tuesday July 24

There will be no program at the Steak Fry, Only FUN! 

June Service Anniversaries

Congratulations to the following members who are celebrating their Kiwanis service anniversaries this month:

Bill Leman - 25 years
Greg Nelson - 3 years
Richard Sharp - 1 year
Christie Webb - 1 year

Check the Calendar

There are many events that are comping up this month...check the calendar!

Service Anniversaries

Congratulations to the following members who are celebrating their Kiwanis service anniversaries this month:

Rose Marie Hasler - 4 years

Marla Henderson - 6 years

Wings & Wheels

Mark your calendars...Saturday, June 16th
Wings & Wheels
Pekin Municipal Airport

Service Anniversaries

Congratulations to the following members on their April service anniversaries:

Tom Elliott - 26 years
Jim Johnston - 6 years
Lelonie Luft - 1 year
Barb Strand - 7 years

Save The Date

Again this year the Kiwanis Club of Pekin will host a pancake breakfast at the Wings & Wheels event at the Pekin Airport.  The 2nd annual event will be on Saturday, June 16th.

Parkway Clean-up Begins Again

Spring has been here for some time now, so time to get Parkway looking nice as the grass greens up and the flowers continue their bloom.

Volunteers and Key Clubbers may choose Friday March 30th or Saturday March 31st to clean up a stretch a road on Parkway from Rt. 98 to Sheridan. Whatever doesn't get done on Friday, we'll get done on Saturday with enough volunteers.

On the Saturday the 31st, meet Jeff Brooks at 8am at the entrance to Lick Creek Golf Course for assignments.

We haven't been out there for a few months, so this may be a big cleanup in some areas. Please contact Jeff Brooks with your choice of days so he can keep count of who will be there.

Kiwanis Pancake and Sausage Breakfast

The Pancake and Sausage Breakfast is Saturday, March 3rd from 7:00am to 11:00am at the Miller Center.  Volunteers are still needed so please contact Marily if you have some time to help.

Thank you to everyone who works so hard on this event and thanks to our sponsors:

John M. Evans Supportive Living Community

Timbercreek Rehab & Health Care

Henderson Funeral Home

Preston Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory

Herget Bank

Illinois American Water

Tebben Insurance Services, Inc.

CEFCU

March Service Anniversaries

Congratulations to the following members who are celebrating their Kiwanis anniversary in March:

Jeff Brooks - 13 years
Ruby Cunefare - 12 years
Doug Godke - 19 years
Buster Hanley - 19 years
Bob Huston - 13 years
Charlotte Jibben - 16 years
Mark Kemper - 28 years
Todd Peters - 3 years
Amy Whiting - 9 years

Dueling Pianos

The Pekin Sunset Club is featuring a Dueling Pianos show on Saturday, March 31st from 7:30 - 11:30.  Doors will open at 6:30.  Cash bar and light snacks are available.  The event will be held in downtown Pekin at the Speakeasy Art Center.  Contact Mike or Amanda Hamilton for tickets at hckypeanut@yahoo.com.  Tables of 8 for $200; tables of 10 for $250; or $25 per person.

I-I District Mid Year Conference

The I-I District Mid Year Conference is in Peoria, and has been reduced to one busy day on March 31st.  International President Alan Penn will be in attendance.  At the conference our service project will be to bring school supplies for underprivileged kids.  The supplies will go to area charitable organizations such as the Boys and Girls Clubs.  Visit www.ilkiwanis.org for details.

Parkway Cleanup Begins

The Kiwanis Club of Pekin will begin their monthly clean-up of Parkway Drive on March 31st.  Please meet at the entrance to Lick Creek Golf Course at 8:00am to pick up your trash bags and get your assignment.  Bring a friend!

Bringing Up Grades

The Kiwanis BUG (Bringing Up Grades) breakfast will be held on March 28th (Washington School) and March 29th (Wilson School). We arrive about 6:45am and are done by 8am. We need help both days with serving breakfast, taking

pictures and being good Kiwanis ambassadors!

Please contact Barb Strand to sign up.  It's a great way to give kudos to the GOOD kids in Pekin.  Please help!

Bowl-a-Thon is February 25th

The Bowl-a-Thon for Spastic Paralysis is Saturday, February 25th, from 1:00 to 3:00pm at Jillian's Sports Grille at the Shoppes at Grand Prairie.  More information and sign-up forms are available from Courtney Antonini or Amy Whiting.

Jim McMullin Recovering

Jim McMullin is recovering from surgery.  You can send cards and well wishes to his home.

February Service Anniversaries

Congratulations to the following members who are celebrating their Kiwanis anniversary this month:

Cortuney Antonini - 2 years
Brett Bode - 10 years
Steve Brown - 5 years
Larry Nelson - 25 years
Brandon Sarff - 10 years

Service Anniversaries

Congratulations to the following members on their service anniversaries with the Kiwanis Club of Pekin:

Paula Davis - 16 years
Denny Kief - 16 years
Emily Lambe - 7 years
Sue McMillan - 11 years
James McMullen - 2 years
Erica Mutchler - 3 years
Dave Myatt - 19 years
Mitch Richards - 3 years
Sherry Semonis - 13 years
Denny Stoller - 44 years
Larry Stone - 37 years
Jim Warning - 37 years
Chuck Wolfe - 49 years

Salvation Army Bell Ringers

The Kiwanis Club of Pekin will be ringing bells for the Salvation Army on Friday, December 16th

Service Anniversaries

Congratulations to the following members who are celebrating their service anniversary this month:

Lillian Germain, 9 years
Kevin O'Rourke, 19 years