# Club History
 
 

Club History

Since 1915, Kiwanians have served the needs of the downtrodden, the less fortunate, the disadvantaged. Today, Kiwanis International is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time. The Kansas City, Kansas Downtown Kiwanis Club was formed in (1921 or 22). Our club alone has produced five district governors:

  • Harry Sims
  • Dr. Lee
  • Percy Rayl
  • Dale Vernon
  • Max Klamm

In addition to making many significant contributions to our community, we’ve yielded more district governors than any other Kiwanis Club in the state. Our members are service-minded men and women who are unmatched in their commitment and compassion for others. Kiwanis service projects range from efforts that help local communities to Kiwanis International’s Worldwide Service Project to eliminate iodine deficiency disorders. Kiwanis members dedicate more than six million volunteer hours and invest more than $100 million in service projects to strengthen communities and serve young children every year. Children are “Priority One!”

Some of the projects we have supported include:

  • PEP- Productivity Enhancement Program, bringing approximately 25 Russian business people to Kansas City, Kansas to learn about Western business practices.
  • The 4-H Scholarship Program
  • Scholarships for the sons and daughters of Kiwanis members
  • K-Kids Club at Douglass Elementary School
  • Dictionary Project
  • Aktion Club for disabled adults
  • Key Leader Program
  • Salvation Army Bell Ringing
  • Red Cross
  • Ronald McDonald House
  • YMCA
  • Special Olympics
  • Boy Scouts
  • Girl Scouts
  • Book collection for KCK District #500 Education Center Preschool
  • Children’s Museum Annual Fishing Derby
  • Kiwanis International Foundation