[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 144 (Thursday, September 22, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1343]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       CELEBRATING THE KIWANIS CLUB OF TOLEDO'S 100TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARCY KAPTUR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 22, 2016

  Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the centennial 
celebration of the Kiwanis Club of Toledo. Members will gather in 
downtown Toledo on Friday, September 23 to celebrate this milestone.
  Only the ninth club in the United States, the Toledo club was 
chartered on May 8, 1916. Originally thought of as a ``businessmen's 
club'' to promote local business, World War 1 changed the focus to that 
of community service with the members raising funds for the American 
Red Cross' wartime services. Club membership grew as community service 
became firmly established. Its focus was on children, with many 
activities for the youth of Toledo, orphans and Boy Scouts.
  According to the club's history, ``The name `Kiwanis' comes from a 
Native American term `Nun Keewanis' which means `I make noise.' The 
Kiwanis International motto is `We build.' The Kiwanis Club of Toledo 
has taken these two expressions to heart . . . As a thriving 
organization of men, women and youth; we are dedicated to serving the 
children of Toledo and improving the quality of life worldwide.''
  The Kiwanis Club's commitment to Toledo and its young people runs 
deep. The Club sponsors scholarships for high school seniors, adopted 
central city schools and provides fun and opportunities for the 
children in those schools, financed the facility housing Assistance 
Dogs of America, provides for after school tutoring at the Boys and 
Girls Club and an annual fishing derby and Punt, Pass & Kick program, 
donated an elephant and the Living Stream at the Toledo Zoo, and 
supported various activities at Woodward High School in Toledo, the 
University of Toledo, the YMCA, Easter Seals Summer Camp, Toledo 
Hearing & Speech Center, and Bethany House shelter for women and their 
children. By no means complete, this list illustrates the many 
contributions made by members of the Kiwanis Club and their passion for 
service to our youth. In keeping with the spirit of giving to Toledo's 
children, the Kiwanis Club of Toledo has initiated a Centennial 
Project, partnering with the Toledo Mud Hens baseball club in ventures 
which will enhance the ballpark experience for families.
  The members of Toledo Kiwanis have led by example for a century of 
service. Members have passed on a strong sense of community through the 
decades, demonstrating by word and deed the high ideals of Kiwanis and 
the dedication of its members. To the men, women and families of the 
Toledo Kiwanis Club, we take the opportunity of this centennial 
celebration to say ``Thank you.'' Let us express our gratitude as we 
reflect on the past century of Kiwanis' constancy of service and 
leadership for community betterment. May this new century yield 
committed citizens of equal measure who rise above self to promote the 
common good.

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