History:

The Modesto Kiwanis Club is only seventy-five years old in 1998. In a human life span, this might be termed as 'over-the-hill, but our Club shows no sign of age. In fact it is looking younger and more vigorous every day. Maybe a few of the members are showing their age, but not the Club itself. Rather, it has built upon the personal ideals, vision, values and efforts of many dedicated members over the past years so that it remains actively in tune with today's world. Members apply the cumulative experience of these years with enthusiasm and vigor to meet our community's ongoing need for service.

Although we have not attempted to build our club to a tremendous size (membership has ranged from 58 to a high of 110), in keeping with our motto, we have "Built" by establishing new clubs. We co-sponsored with Fresno a club in Merced. We helped found the Oakdale, Greater Modesto, Northwest Modesto, Turlock and Ceres clubs. We also helped found a club in Canada and the Key clubs at Modesto and Davis High Schools.

We are proudest of our accomplishments in the areas of community service. Our emphasis has always been towards serving youth, but through the past years we have also directed some of our effort towards the needs of senior citizens. We have donated milk funds for needy families with school-age children, scholarships to students at MJC and the YMCA, and sponsored a dentistry program. We have assisted the Salvation Army, Red Cross, Boy Scouts, the Boys Band of Stanislaus County, Girl Scouts, Laura's House and many more.

The Modesto Kiwanis Club is a cross section of society, encompassing many types of members. We have those who are outgoing and entertain us all while doing their good works. Then we have those who, in their own quiet way, contribute much and take equal satisfaction in the jobs we have accomplished. We need them all. It is the ability of our leadership to meld together the talents of our members to get the job done. Throughout the years we have had great leaders and have accomplished much.