A Century of Impact

Bradenton Kiwanis Turns 100

BY NICOLE MISKOVIC

Lady A
Dustin Arbuckle and the Damnations
Nora Jean Wallace
Blood Brothers featuring Mike Zito & Albert Castiglia
Ana Popovic

Sunday, December 4, 2022
Blues Brunch at Mattison’s Riverwalk Grille

The people from our past have a way of shaping what we are today. Years of communities adapting, growing, and making a mark on an ever-changing world have a way of building steppingstones for a bigger impact today, and one of the architects of those steppingstones in our community is the Bradenton Kiwanis.

An international service organization with a presence in more than 80 nations, Kiwanis is a group of inspirational volunteers with a mission to improve the world we live in, one child and one community at a time. Chartered originally in August of 1922, the former “Manatee River Kiwanis Club” celebrates its centennial this year with 167 members (and counting). As one of the largest service organizations in the county, how has Bradenton Kiwanis inspired positive change in the area? Let’s look at what 100 years of history and serving the community looks like, as well as what you can do to celebrate or get involved.

Kiwanis History and Milestones

“Our ongoing mission is to not only focus on programs for children’s aid in the community, but to also look toward capital improvement projects and other opportunities that impact their lives,” said Judge Gilbert A. Smith, Jr., President of Bradenton Kiwanis.

With a focus on children’s aid and capital improvement projects, Bradenton Kiwanis consists of hundreds of community leaders dedicating their time and knowledge to make a positive difference. And, though you might not know it, Kiwanis impact has achieved some impactful milestones since its inception.

Just a few years after its formation, Bradenton Kiwanis became an integral part of funding a health clinic and camp for disadvantaged youth out of Camp Flying Eagle, which was followed by the funding and assembly of our local Boys Club (which would eventually become the Boys and Girls Club) in the 1940s.

By the end of the 1980s, Kiwanis had cemented its impact on the community as a problem solver and innovator. The organization had financed two major Boys Club building programs, built and funded both Kiwanis Recreation Park and Kiwanis Trailer Park, funded hundreds of local scholarships for students, commenced its inaugural Prayer Breakfast, and even donated the $500,000 seed money that would set in motion the construction of a new Manatee Civic Center, a project that might not have happened without Kiwanis support. Another pivotal milestone for the club came in 1994, when local physician Dr. Gladys Branic became the first woman to join Bradenton Kiwanis.

Since then, the organization has continued to remain a steadfast supporter of community initiatives. From helping veterans and families to beautifying the community and civic buildings, Bradenton Kiwanis has created a reputation in the last century for addressing the needs of the community, working as a team to make each project a reality.

A Community Catalyst
The organization’s involvement and imprint on Manatee County go beyond its century-long history. With more than $400,000 in charitable amounts disbursed throughout the community over just this fiscal year so far, Bradenton Kiwanis has become a catalyst of sorts, often providing the spark of incentive and inspiration that makes functional programs transformational.

For example, the group hosted the “Christmas in August” campaign for many years, a back-to-school event that invites families of underprivileged Manatee school district students to have a place for free physicals, vision, and dental check-ups, haircuts, and even gift cards for school supplies. The campaign grew so successful for our community’s school-aged children, the Kiwanis Club recently passed it on to HOPE Family Services, giving it a bigger infrastructure for widespread success. “I think of us as the community’s incubator,” said Sharon Barhorst, leader of the Membership and Fundraising Committees at Kiwanis Bradenton. “What we’re able to do is provide seed money for long-term projects and initiatives, let them build a foundation, and then give them the ability to grow independently to solve real problems in the community with the organizations that specialize in that issue.”

So, what does the next 100 years for Bradenton Kiwanis look like? Well, it’s hard to make any concrete predictions, but the group doesn’t show any signs of slowing down, with new milestones and goals in place as long as there’s a need to be fulfilled.

“I think for our future, it’s about looking for opportunities where there’s a gap, where something’s not being served,” said Judge Smith. “We see so many needs – for children, families, individuals – that are not completed, because of monetary reasons or otherwise. We hope both the Kiwanis Foundation and Club will continue to support the programs and solutions that will fulfill these needs.”
Celebrating 100

“Our organization consists of hundreds of community leaders dedicating their time and knowledge to touch so many lives, and our goal is to continue to grow that number by 10 percent each year,” said Barhorst. “Service clubs are important to all, and there’s always room for more members.”

With so many years as a catalyst and supporter of local initiatives and making our home a better place, the 100-year impact of Bradenton Kiwanis is woven into the fabric of the community. Here are some ways you can celebrate this historic birthday or get involved.

Save the date: The Club will be hosting its annual Gala on Saturday, October 1, 2022. For more information about reserving a spot, or sponsorship opportunities, contact Janene Amick: [email protected].

Join the club: New members who believe in the Kiwanis mission, or just want to help the community, are always welcome. There are a variety of membership options for everyone, from individual to corporate. To learn more, contact Sharon Barhorst: [email protected].

Attend a Meeting: If you’re interested in joining the team or making a difference, join Kiwanis Bradenton for lunch, networking, and informational speakers every Tuesday at 12:15pm at Kiwanis Hall on the second floor of the Manatee Performing Arts Center. For more information about the Bradenton Kiwanis Club, visit www. BradentonKiwanis.org.