K I W A N I S C L U B O F E V A N S T O N
Welcome to The Kiwanis Club of Evanston.
PRESIDENT PAUL PRESENTS AWARDS, INSPIRES MEMBERS
As long time Kiwanis Club of Evanston member Tom McRaith noted, “We have had an International President of Kiwanis visit us twice, the first time when the club was founded in 1920 and now with President Palazzolo.” Both were memorable!
Excitement filled the air on Tuesday, January 19, with the announcement that International President Paul Palazzolo would personally recognize schools in Evanston that contributed to the success of the UNICEF/IDD campaign over the past 13 years.
Spearheaded by Dr. Scott Hopf, a former club president, the club, with the cooperation of the Evanston schools, has raised close to $50,000 in the fight against IDD.
This year all District 65 elementary schools, the high school and St. Athanasius school participated in the Halloween night drive, thanks in part to former mayor and Kiwanian Lorraine Morton. Morton was a teacher and principal in District 65 before guiding the town for sixteen years as mayor. The superintendents of both the elementary and high school district also lent their presence to the luncheon.
Representatives from several District 7 clubs, including the Kiwanis clubs of Glenview-Northbrook, Lake Bluff-Lake Forest, Zion Benton and Highland Park-Highwood, as well as Park Ridge, joined in the celebration. Also on hand were District Governor, Kevin McConnell and Lt. Governor, Jack Senter.
President Palazzolo thanked the schools for their participation which has aided in the eradication of IDD. He told the audience of 50 plus about the plans for a new worldwide campaign which will be voted upon at the upcoming convention. He lauded Kiwanians from across the globe for their contribution of over $100 million dollars to fight this heartbreaking disorder.
Palazzolo then turned his attention to Kiwanis International and his belief that “it is the greatest service organization in the world”. With humor and enthusiasm he cited accomplishments made by Kiwanis and challenged all the clubs to increase their membership by setting goals for yearly improvement. He also gave the club a view of the highlights of his presidency including the meeting with Pope Benedict XVI, riding in the Rose Bowl Parade and the opportunity to meet so many committed men, women and youth in Kiwanis.
It was an inspirational event and one we hope will be repeated before another 90 years goes by!
Photo 1. Dr. Scott Hopf, former club president and Hixson winner spearheaded the UNICEF/IDD drive, working to bring all Evanston elementary schools, St. Athanasius school and the high school into the annual Halloween drive. Dr. Hopf has also been heavily involved with the Kiwanis Mouth Guard program which provides mouth guards for all Evanston high school athletes. The program has grown substantially and now also receives support from parents and other local dentists.
Photo 2. President Paul with 40 year member, Jack Schermerhorn. Schermerhorn has served the club as President, as a Hixson and Heritage Society member and a supporter of the Kiwanis Children's Fund.
Photo 3. President Paul presents a plaque to Mary Collins, Director of Community Services for Evanston Township High School. Looking on is Dr. Eric Witherspoon, superintendent of District 202 which includes the high school. The high school has been a consistent supporter of the UNICEF/IDD program.
Photo 4. Past Lieutenant Governor Ron Anderson and current club president, Dr. Stamata Blanas, share a smile. Both Hixson award winners, Dr. Blanas was the originator of the Mouth Guard program and The Faces of Evanston photography contest. She has brought a wealth of new ideas to the club, increasing the visibility of the organization.
Photo 5. Tom McRaith, a 34 year member of the club, past president and Hixson winner, President Paul and Chris Livatino, Kiwanis member and athletic director of Evanston Township High School. Livatino has worked closely with the club on the recognition of student/athletes. Each month student athletes come to a club meeting where they are honored for their achievements and speak to the club about their future plans. The plan was developed by former member, Frank Kaminski, then Director of Security at the high school. Livatino has taken over after Kaminski became Chief of Police at Park Ridge, IL. The club has honored 57 student athletes since the program began.
Make It Better Is Making Everything for North Shore Not for Profits.
Make it Better makes the Kiwanis Club of Evanston’s silent auction way better! You’ll note the Make it Better logo on our website. Sign up to be a subscriber to MIB and Kiwanis will receive $5 per person. And the signer is automatically aware of special auctions and events in the North Shore area. There is no charge to the subscriber, but not for profit organizations benefit in a big way. To subscribe click here or on the Make It Better logo below. You can make a real difference, be sure to include your email and address.
Evanston Kiwanis members help Haiti
Foundation President Richard Fitzgerald presented the check for the contribution to Major Alberto Rapley of the Salvation Army at the Evanston Kiwanis Club's meeting Tuesday.
“We feel that the Haitian people merit our support in this terrible time, and we are pleased that our local foundation can help”, Fitzgerald said. The foundation annually makes nearly $30,000 in grants, mostly to local organizations that support youth and children.
| Rich Hellard | First place, $500 |
| Jason Coogan | Second place, $250 |
| Kyle Larson | Third place, $150 |
| Keith Wilson | Fourth place, $100 |
