Carefree Truth

Issue #426, September 18, 2015

 

 

 

Mayor Les Peterson introduced Kiwanis Club of Carefree President Bob Swan.  Mr. Swan said, "On behalf of the 180 members of the Kiwanis Club of Carefree and its Charitable Benefit Foundation, I'm delighted to provide to the Town of Carefree a $135,000 commitment to fund most costs of your exciting new splash pad", and handed a $20,000 check to Gary Neiss for the first installment. 

Photo by Herbert Hitchon

 

 

Mr. Swan stated that Kiwanis has been an active service organization in this community for 42 years, and active internationally for 100 years.  Their Mission is to improve communities one child at a time.  This continues Kiwanis' longstanding mutually beneficial relationship with Carefree, designed to benefit kids and the Town. "Congratulations to you on your notable community improvement efforts in the Gardens."  He looks forward to enjoying the Grand Opening of the splash pad and hopes to see everyone at the Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast in the Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion on Halloween, October 31st.  Mr. Swan and Kiwanis received a standing ovation.

 

 

 

Councilman Gene Orrico, speaking as a member of the Kiwanis Board of Directors, said that the Kiwanis Club of Carefree is the 7th largest Kiwanis Club in the world.  For the first time ever, all 17 members of the Board voted yes when asked to make the donation for the Carefree splash pad.  He asked Carefree to keep this in mind and to help Kiwanis as much as Kiwanis is helping Carefree right now.  

 

 

 

Councilman Mike Farrar asked that Carefree officially recognize the great work of Kiwanis and their generous donation with a plaque honoring their great gift for the splash pad.  Vice Mayor John Crane replied, "It's already been done." 

 

 

 

The Vice Mayor added that most people don't even realize the great contributions Kiwanis makes to the community.  The splash pad donation is "front and center", as are other grand gestures occasionally seen in newspapers, but many go unreported.  It's a wonderful organization whose contributions to the Desert Foothills community are truly commendable, so thank you.  

 

 

 

Mayor Peterson said Carefree has enjoyed a long and productive working relationship with Kwanis, including maintenance and improvements to the sundial, pancake breakfasts, and the Saturday morning flea markets.  They make wonderful contributions to the community.  

 

 

 

When the splash pad was approved several months ago in order to keep momentum going, there was no identified sponsor, but the search continued.  Kwanis was extremely helpful and positive.  The Mayor thanked Councilman and Kiwanis Vice President Gene Orrico for his work in presenting this opportunity to Kwanis for a project that will provide immense benefits and great enjoyment to many of the young people, their parents, and their grandparents.  He also once again thanked Bob Swan.

 

 

 

Mr. Orrico noted that many don't realize the Kiwanis Club of Carefree also donates to 25 other local non profit organizations, such as the Soroptomists and the Food Bank.  He too thanked Mr. Swan for the check.

 

https://vimeo.com/user18676056/review/138342408/90a55cd33a      

 

Photo by Herbert Hitchon

 

 

Lyn Hitchon

 

 

 

"Whatever the problem, be part of the solution.  Don't just sit around raising questions and pointing out obstacles."    Tina Fey

 

 

 

Prepared by Carefree Truth

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