The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Kiwanis Lorain certifies chapter
Club forms to serve needs of local children
The Kiwanis Club of Lorain launched on March 5 in a ceremony at On The Avenue as part of the renewed commitment of the organization to serve youth.
The organization elected Giovana Kallas as the chapter’s first president as the club was certified and elected officers and directors.
Kallas, a lifelong resident of Lorain said she was honored to be asked to serve the children of the international city.
“I love Lorain. I love working here and I love the kids,” she said. “This is a great honor to be able to serve in a different capacity for our children.”
Lt. Governor Terry Mazzone oversees area chapters and said he sees the enthusiasm of Lorain in the strength of its downtown revitalization and the enthusiasm of local businesses.
“We were just thrilled with the response we got from the Lorain businesses. What’s happening in downtown Lorain is very strong. People are out there singing the praises of Lorain and I’m one of them,” Mazzone said.
Kiwanis is an international service club founded in 1915 in Detroit and headquartered in Indianapolis.
The organization has operations in more than 80 countries with 600,000 members.
Each year Kiwanis Clubs raise more than $100 million and donate more than 18.5 million volunteer hours to strengthen communities and serve children.
The clubs sponsor youth leadership programs including clubs for youth: Key Club, Builders Club and K-Kids, offering leadership and service for people from elementary school and beyond.
“We are truly an international organization. When we are just the Lorain club we are part of a
much broader network,” Mazzone said.
Alan Guire of Kiwanis International oversees new clubs and flew in from California this week to meet with local officials to build support for the chapter.
“This is an exciting night for the community of Lorain and it’s an exciting night for the Kiwanis Club. We are going to re-ignite the flame of service,” Guire said.
Guire said the club has signed up 23 members and it remains in a good financial position with funding available for scholarship programs.
Kiwanis Lorain will initially meet on the second and fourth Thursday alternating from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lorain County’s Desich Family Campus at 4111 Pearl Ave. and Spectrum Catering at 713 5th Ave. in Lorain.