Kiwanis Club of Vero-Treasure Coast P.O. Box 6381 | Vero Beach, Florida 32961
Left to right, Leon Dalgleish, Lafayette Workman Jr., Marie Mazzarella, Ethan Stokes, Kristina Gregg, Al Sammartino, Kiwanis Scholarship Committee, and Doug Vitunac, Kiwanis Club President
On Wednesday, May 10, 2023, the Kiwanis Club of Vero-Treasure Coast awarded five $2000 scholarships to graduating seniors from Indian River County. The ceremony was held at Vero Beach Yacht Club. Kiwanis member and Lt. Governor for Florida Kiwanis, Al Sammartino, presided and spoke about each of the recipients. The program began with Kristina Gregg, from Vero Beach High School singing the National Anthem. Kristina is headed to college majoring in
Music Theatre. Each of the five graduates shared their college goals, introduced their parents and guests, and thanked Kiwanis for the scholarship funds. The accomplishments of these five students are outstanding. President Doug Vitunac shared that since 1987 Kiwanis has awarded over $300,000 to Indian River County high school graduates. Funds for scholarships are raised through the annual Kiwanis golf tournament.
KIWANIS HISTORY
For over 100 years, Kiwanis International has been an organization of members dedicated to serving children. Today, there are nearly 600,000 members in 80 countries, and members have made a positive impact in millions of lives. Kiwanis International was founded in 1915 in Detroit, Michigan, and became an international organization with the creation of the Kiwanis Club of Hamilton, Ontario, the following year. Kiwanis members stage nearly 150,000 service projects, devote more than 6 million hours of service, and raise nearly $100 million every year for communities, families and projects.
For more information on Kiwanis visit Kiwanis International
at www.kiwanis.org
ABOUT OUR CLUB
The Kiwanis Club of Vero-Treasure Coast was founded in 1973. Our club raises funds through many projects to provide financial assistance and manpower for those organizations that serve children. Examples of Kiwanis projects that have helped the local area include:
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Construction of the building foundations for ARC and Riverside Children’s Theatre and the outdoor stage at Riverside Theatre
Bicycle paths for local schools
Assistance with the Annual Children’s Art Festival in Vero Beach
The Annual Kiwanis Radio and Television Auction to secure funds to help children
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Volunteer work for Youth Guidance
Construction of the Head Start Playground
Construction of pavilions at Hibiscus
Children’s Center and the Homeless Family Center
The Annual Take a Kid Fishing Tournament est. 1992 serving over 300 children annually
Painting homes for needy families through the Youth in Action Program
Serving Indian River County since 1973
Kiwanis seeks major sponsors for the
Kiwanis Youth in Action Program.
To learn more about the program needs and costs
Kiwanis Youth in Action engages youth in helping community members in need.
Kiwanis is an approved 501 (c) 3.
Since 1987 Kiwanis Golf Tournament scores scholarships for our kids
PRESS RELEASE
April 26, 2023
Another successful Kiwanis Golf Tournament was held on April 15, which means more scholarships are now available to help aspiring students.
Raising money to fund scholarships for Indian River County students is an annual Kiwanis Club tradition that dates back 1987. Since then, the club has provided over $275,000 to graduating seniors headed to college. To fund the scholarships, Kiwanis hosts the Annual Kiwanis Scholarship Golf Tournament. The first tournament back in 1987, known as “Kiwanis Golf Day” was held at Sandridge Golf Club and again this year it was held at Sandridge on Saturday, April 15th.
There were 68 golfers and over 40 local business sponsors. Kiwanis member, Matt Hamilton, has served in recent years as the golf chair working with fellow Kiwanians as a team to ensure the event’s success.
This year’s tournament winners were: First Flight (and Overall Lowest Score): Thomas Butz, Chris Lyons, Kevin Corr, and Michael Alford. Second Flight: Doug Vitunac, Charles Vitunac, Patrick Ottuso, and Chris Cassinari.
The big winners though are the kids. Kiwanis Scholarship Committee members have met to review this year’s applicants. Criteria include grade point average, community service, and participation in
either Kiwanis Youth in Action or one of the county’s Key Clubs. Recipients will be announced on May 10th. Many of the past recipients continue to keep in touch with Kiwanis members on progress in college and their chosen professions.
Kiwanis thanks all participants and sponsors for their support of our local graduates and Matt Hamilton for his leadership. Special praise to Sandridge Golf Club and Bela Nagy for supporting Kiwanis over these many years.
If you would like more information about the Kiwanis Club of Vero-Treasure Coast visit our website at www.verokiwanis.com This year the club will celebrate 50 years serving the kids of Indian River County.
Kiwanis is an approved 501 (C) 3. Non-Profit Tax ID # -47-2352610
Content copyright 2015. Kiwanis Club of Vero-Treasure Coast. All rights reserved.