Kiwanis PNW Governor visits Dayton club

DAYTON–Pacific Northwest District Governor Nicholas Hafez spoke to a small group of Dayton Kiwanis Club members at a luncheon here September 27, reminding the over 100-year-old civic organization that its contributions in the community in spite of its small membership numbers is not unique in the overall organization, yet it is greatly appreciated.

"Overall we have a very good district," Hafez told the group.

Kiwanis International, like all volunteer civic organizations, has seen a decline in volunteerism.

Kiwanis Clubs in the PNW district all face membership challenges while those active members continue to make good contributions to their individual clubs and communities, he said. There was a membership drive that yielded around 400 new Kiwanians, Hafez said, although the net growth, considering those who left various clubs, netted the Kiwanis PNW District about 125 members.

Clubs in Richland and Goldendale were on the verge of closing, but efforts to keep them going paid off. In Goldendale, where the Kiwanis Club has been promoting youth and community events since 1982, club leadership considered throwing in the towel due to the same six to eight members tackling a majority of the club projects and activities. A story in the Goldendale Sentinel helped bring attention to the club's situation and Hafez reported that the club has experienced a revival.

Dayton Kiwanis funds scholarships for Dayton High School graduates through fund-raising events such as Turkey Bingo, and food booth sales at Dayton Days, Columbia County Fair, All Wheels Weekend and other events. The club maintains Camp Nancy Lee on the South Touchet River for rental to civic and fraternal organizations and the public.