K-Kids earn multiple international awards

Bowling Green K-Kids were recognized for their national and international accomplishments at a East Meadow Kiwanis meeting on Aug. 30. The club, that earned first and second place in eight of nine K-Kids international contests this year, is the winningest K-Kids Club both nationally and internationally.

“We celebrate both their collective accomplishments and the accomplishments of individual members,” said Club Advisor Rich Santer as the celebration began. “Success like we’ve had over the last four years begins with the leadership embodied within its president.” He then presented the Kiwanis International Foundation K-Kids Leadership Award to Distinguished Immediate Past-President Devon Rafanelli.

Individually, Devon was also noticed for placing second in the Kiwanis International Speech Contest, first in the Kiwanis International Essay Contest and first in the K-Kids Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus (MNT) Essay Contest, an award based on the club’s yearlong fundraising efforts. Her successor, Kira Gruber, was also congratulated for her accomplishments in the club as she took first place in the K-Kids MNT Art Contest.

The K-Kids as a group also earned international recognition in the scrapbook contest. The book highlighted the year’s 41 fundraising projects and was honored as the second best in the world. The members were also hailed for having the best single service project of the year on the national and international levels after submitting their 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance Project.

“This project brought together K-Family members from across our division,” said Santer. “After a moving ceremony, honoring those who had lost their lives during the 9/11 terrorist attacks and the subsequent war on terror, K-Family members were brought together to create pillow hugs.”

The pillow hugs were sent to soldiers at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and firefighters living in a retirement home in upstate New York.

The club also earned first place in the K-Kids MNT Shoebox Float Contest.

New York District K-Kids Administrator Mickie Leamey was present at the awards ceremony and lauded the club for their accomplishments. “You are leading us by your example and if you ever wonder what a young person can do, you are examples to all of us . . . you have been inspiring us,” she said.

“As the Kiwanis liaison to the Bowling Green K-Kids, I am extremely proud of their achievements over the past year,” said Legislator Norma Gonsalves in a statement. “They have worked long and hard to benefit those in need, not only in the community, but globally as well.”