The new 2023-2024 Kiwanis year began Oct. 1, and with the new year comes a new slate of officers to lead the Cicero Kiwanis Club.
Outgoing President Emily Pearson passed the gavel to incoming club President Todd Clevenger.
“It’s an honor to have the opportunity to lead this phenomenal group of passionate, selfless, giving people,” Clevenger said. “I have very big shoes to fill, as Emily Pearson did a remarkable job as club president these past 12 months!”
Clevenger intimated the mission of Kiwanis.
“Our focus is simple, yet significant: create opportunities for children to strengthen character, improve themselves and develop as future leaders,” Clevenger said. “Children, service, leadership: these are the things we as Kiwanians are passionate about. Working together, Cicero Kiwanis members achieve what one person cannot accomplish alone. When you give a child a chance to learn, experience, dream and succeed, great things happen!”
Being involved in Kiwanis provides opportunities to participate in various community service projects and immerse yourself in programming that directly impacts the children within the Cicero, Arcadia, and Atlanta communities, as well as around the world.
Over the years, the Cicero Kiwanis Club has help shelter the homeless, feed the hungry, mentor the disadvantaged and care for the sick. The club provides scholarships to college-bound Hamilton Heights students, provides funding for specialty projects like the Arcadia Splash Pad, raises funding for pediatric research at Riley Hospital for Children, and much more.
According to Clevenger, the club is looking to do even more in the coming year.
“This year, we are looking to implement a new program focused on reaching the younger students in our communities as well as growing our fundraising efforts with a community-wide initiative that we believe will be as exciting for the community members as it is for us,” Clevenger said.
Cicero Kiwanis is an eclectic group of individuals who all share the same goal – to make a positive difference in our communities, one child at a time. If you have a heart for service and a love for children, the Cicero Kiwanis Club members invite you to join them at the Red Bridge Community Building any Saturday at 7:30 a.m. Your service and attendance are based on your availability, and they are entirely optional. Contact the club at cicerokiwanis@gmail.com.