Helping 2024

Katherine Manor

We were proud to have volunteered for the past 20 years as servers at Katherine Manor's annual Christmas parties. In 2024 facilities management changed ownership and decided on a different venue. We will always remember the joy we brought to the residents. Our final holiday thank you note.

"Dear Walt & Kiwanis Volunteers,

It was great seeing all of you on Tuesday at the Christmas Party. I'd like to say a big thank you for helping & making the party a success. The residents had a wonderful time and felt very special with the service & attention they received from all of you.
May all of you have a great Christmas & healthy New Year.
Warmly, Sharon"

Gleaning > Lending A Helping Hand

On an early October Monday morning, dozens of volunteers are seen at the Ron Ory Community Garden Plots assisting Loaves and Fishes in identifying and collecting fresh vegetables. Helpers are provided with wheel barrels and bring their own carts and cutting tools to gather the nutritious foods. The Kiwanians shown in the picture were glad to be of help. Loaves and Fishes reported a successful event in collecting over a 1,000 pounds of produce.

NaperSettlement Oktoberfest

Our 1st "Tips" fundraiser was a success in helping our community by partnering with NaperSettlement in celebrating Oktoberfest. 30 attendees, members and relations, volunteered to ensure that it was fun day for all of Naperville. Customers who stood in line for their favorite German beer were over heard stating "Didn't we just see you doing fundraising for Peanut Days at the local Jewel". Our volunteer enthusiasm has no ends. See picture of our past and present club President enjoying the fun.

We Will Never Forget

Naperville, Aurora, and Shorewood club members spent the morning after Memorial Day pulling flags from gravesites at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood. These sacred burial grounds visited provide remembrance of all those who placed their lives in harm's way for our safety. The flags removed are bundled for storage to be used for the following year's ceremonies. This small gesture of ours is a token of our continued gratitude for those who served.

Feed The Hungry

Naperville Kiwanis, Tom & Betsy, supporting Loaves & Fishes partnership with Postal Workers Hunger Drive.

Helping When We Can

Spring brings out the best time for Kiwanis members to volunteer. We spend a weekend helping out with MisericordiaCandy Days. We did well at Casey's in our collections.

Bowling Winners

Aurora and Naperville Kiwanis clubs of Division 21 of Illinois / Iowa participated in a

Bowl-A-Thon fundraiser to raise funds for Kiwanis Neuroscience Research Foundation. These funds allow doctors to conduct research to find cures or improvements to quality of life of children and patients afflicted with diseases of the nervous system from Autism and Alsheimer's to Spina Bifida and Parkinson's Disease.

We Support Dreams

Greg Betcher of "We Grow Dreams" joined our club meeting in April to speak to his organization's mission > To provide people with disabilities the opportunity to lead fulfilling lives and to train and work in a supportive, sage, and caring environment. In this pursuit, we honor the concepts of human dignity, respect, hard work, fellowship, and friendship.

Beautify your world by visiting their Greenhouse and Garden Center. Yours and our plant purchases help support their employee's dreams.

More info

Participating In Pancake Fundraisers

We enjoy pancakes.

In April

A dozen members of Naperville Kiwanis showed our support for Aurora Club by enjoying their homemade pancakes. Aurora was the first Kiwanis Club in Illinois and was Naperville's sponsoring club.

On a Sunday morning, we joined the Lagrange Club in their Un-Pancake Plus Breakfast event in supporting Aktion Clubs. These Kiwanis clubs are the only service clubs for adults with disabilities, with more than 10,000 members worldwide.

In May

Naperville Kiwanis visited the Lisle club for their pancake fundraiser held at Lisle Jr. HS. Proceeds to be used to fund scholarships and holiday distribution of food baskets to needy families.

Brett and Jeannie, Kiwanis Club President

Proud To Support >Weiss Scholarship Foundation

Brett Weiss visited Naperville Kiwanis and presented some of their Foundation achievements in providing education to kids in Kenya where there is no public education. They are working to give real hope to these children, their families and the entire village with the help of education sponsorship. They believe that they can empower children by creating a world in which a child has access to education, providing legacy of enrichment and hope.

228 scholarships awarded
118 students currently in high school
107 high school graduates
47 students have made it to university
4 University graduates
1 student in the US at Elmhurst University
42 students have made it to Vocational School
29 students have graduated from Vocational School

GoBrewing Tour

Members taking a break. Our club social outings are lots of fun. We get to know others and build relationships as well as gain support. Here we learn about a new business startup that produces non alcoholic beer.

Equipment Required

Beer Making Process

Interesting

Kiwanis Club Presidents Meeting for Pancakes

Kiwanis Club of Oswego invited local clubs to enjoy a morning of pancake breakfast in support of their fundraiser. This event was partnered with the Oswego East High School Band Boosters. Also helping were members of our Metea Valley HS Key Club and several members of their Oswego East HS Key Club. A good crowd showed up for the competition portion between Club Presidents in a Pancake Flip Off contest. Jessica Koebele, recently crowned Ms. Illinois by Royalty International, subbed for President of Yorkville. ServPro of Kendall County, major sponsor, also joined in the fun. Everyone was in a competitive mood. Our Naperville President Jeannie Dina stayed focused. You could see the desire on her face to win. It was an enjoyable morning for all rooting for their respective Club Leader. Club of Aurora squeaked out a close win over ServPro.