Dear Fellow Kiwanians,
This past year was very exciting for me as incoming president. I had the good fortune to learn from a president who was generous with both his time and experience. A president who inspired others to share his vision for the club.
Lonnie left me with big shoes to fill. And as he brought his business acumen to the club, I will bring my teaching and social services expertise. I know our community and I know our community's needs.
Twelve years ago I joined the Kiwanis Club because I learned that they care about the children of the world. Everyday in my work as an Early Childhood Parent Educator, I see the faces of young children who are hungry and neglected and sometimes abused. Children whose hearts are empty of joy, trust and loving experiences.
We can make a difference in our community! Each and everyone of us as Kiwanians has the resources and ability to change a child's life. We can provide an opportunity for one moment of joy, we can create experiences that can build trust and hope and perhaps affect that child's ability to love and learn and grow.
Everytime we make a committment to sell Duck tickets, or See's Candy,
and everytime we put out the flags we build our financial arsenal that can fight child abuse, child hunger, support education and literacy, and grow future leaders in our own community.
Everytime we participate in a Bike Rodeo, the Kid's Games or "Concert by the Lake" we are showing our community we care about our youngest citizens. It's what we do, it's why I am a Kiwanian.
I ask you to help me continue Lonnie's vision for club growth, financial health, and working committees. For that is the foundation from which all domains of caring, as outlined by Kiwanis International, will be addressed. And I ask that you share my vision....of children and their well-being as our Priority One!
Kathleen Forbes
President 2009-2010
