Kiwanis History

Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child, and one community, at a time”

Founded in 1915 in Detroit, MI a group of business man gathered together seeking a means to trade and share resources. Kiwanis is derived from the American Indian Nunc Kee-wanis meaning “We Trade”. Later the motto changed in 1920 to “We Build”. It remained the motto until 2005, when members voted to change it to “Serving the children of the world.” In the early years, members focused on business networking but in 1919, the organization changed its focus to service — specifically service to children.

The Kiwanis Club of East Aurora was chartered in 1925 and has been servicing our local community through its members and volunteers for the past 100 years.   Kiwanis is a non-profit, volunteer organization made up of local residents and business men and women, attorneys, bank affiliates, educational staff and administrators, as well as Under the Kiwanis roof we have the Aktion Club for adults with developmental disabilities, the Key Club for high school students and the Builder’s Club for middle school students. We provide our young adults and youth with opportunities in civic engagement, developing leadership and creating strong moral character.  A few of the ways that Kiwanis has supported the East Aurora community over the last century:

–           Started and annually donates significant funds to the East Aurora Boys and Girls Club

–           Spearheaded seed money and donations for the East Aurora Community Pool

–           Built the Kiwanis Shelter in Hamlin Park

–           Built the HOP playground at Hamlin Park

–           Aided heavily in the Senior Center

–           Donations to the Historic Millard Fillmore House

–           Fund the Annual Senior Citizen’s Christmas Party since 1929

–           Sponsor the Annual Easter Egg Hunt in Warren/JP Nicely Park

–           Aided in Funding the Kiwanis Pediatric Trauma Center for Children’s Oishei Hospital

–           Helped Fund the Millard Fillmore House and Roycroft Museum

–           Provide Two (2) Annual Scholarships for graduating East Aurora High School Students

–           Funding for the EAST Swimming program, which draws students from surrounding schools

–           Sponsor the Annual Key Club Cookie Bake at The Blue Eyed Baker

–           And much, much more….

Text