Meeting via computer and on conference calls since October 2008, the new Kiwanis of Simi Valley Online Club celebrated their official charter Mardi Gras Style on February 7th at the Simi Valley Boys and Girls Club. The festive event included family and friends of the new members, as well as fellow Kiwanians from Santa Susana, Carpinteria, Moorpark and Simi Valley Kiwanis Clubs. Among the 100 attendees at the event, Kiwanis dignitaries included Cal-Nev-Ha Governor Dan L. Connolly and Governor-Elect Roy Talley.
Some of the new online members were meeting face-to-face for the first time and the excitement of the evening was contagious. Officially starting the evening with 27 new charter members, by the time Governor Connolly presented the group with their charter pins, the total rose to 33.
Already involved in preparing and serving meals at their local homeless shelter; the Simi Valley Royal High School Beautification Project; and feeding and escorting volunteers at the Rosemont Pavilion during hours of float decorating for the Rose Parade, the online club has many more plans for the future. Their first major community service project, B.U.G. ‘Bring Up Grades’ is already up and running at Berylwood Elementary School and the staff and students are very excited to be a part of it. The BUG program is designed to recognize students who raise their grades, or maintain good grades, from one grading period to the next. Recognition includes being placed on the school’s BUG Honor Roll’ a food-themed party; and a presentation of certificates, pins and other giveaways.
The Simi Valley Kiwanis Online club plans to hold a social event each month so members will continue to get to know each other and form even stronger bonds. The new club is anxious to jump in with both feet and they are currently planning a Bunco Night Fundraiser in the near future, as well as participating in the annual “Kiwanis One Day” event held in April.
For more information, contact Margie Ramey, Simi Valley Kiwanis Online Public Relations,
Simi Valley , CA93065, 805.582.4909 (Phone & Fax), xwench@aol.com.
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