History

Founding Information:
  • Organized March 2016, Chartered May 2016. A combination of several members with over 40+ years in Kiwanis and members new to the Kiwanis and the Lowcountry.
  • Our first officers were: President Bill Rickett, Treasurer Jim Kulach, and Secretary Jim Jensen.
  • Most members were retirees from the Midwest and Northeast who moved to the Lowcountry and younger members who were new to Kiwanis.
  • Current members: Our current club members include a diverse group of women and men who are dedicated to improving the lives of children in our community.
  • We are an inclusive club where all are welcome and given an opportunity to be heard. Members are encouraged to share their unique strengths and there are many opportunities for personal growth to become an Officer or Board Director.
Major Milestones:
  • In 2019 we offered one $1,000 Bluffton Kiwanis Club scholarship to the newly formed May River High School Key Club.
  • In the Spring of 2024, we offered six $2,500 Bluffton Kiwanis/Sondra Ammeen Memorial Scholarships to four high schools in Bluffton with emphasis on both community service and academics.
  • In 2018, the Club chartered the Kiwanis Club of Bluffton Foundation 501(C3) for educational purposes. We implemented a BUGS (Bring Up the Grades) program at Red Cedar Elementary School.
  • In 2024 due to membership growth living in Jasper County, we organized a satellite club to serve Hardeeville and surrounding areas.
Community Impact:
  • Key Partnerships with Bluffton Self Help, the Boys & Girls Club, and Red Cedar Elementary in multiple endeavors with both financial and volunteer support.
  • Officers and Board Directors from the initial charter in 2016 have included seasoned Kiwanians and newcomers.
  • Since our members have a variety of backgrounds in education, industry, non-profits, and other service organizations, our community reach is very broad.
Notable Members: Long Term Kiwanians-Phil Kiser (54 years, Presidential Walter Zeller Fellowship, Distinguished Kiwanian, Ohio District Membership Chair, Carolinas District Trustee, former Lt Gov, in OH & SC), Jim Kulach (51 years, charter member, Division Treasurer in NY.), Bill Rickett (35 years, charter member, Hixon Fellow & Distinguished Kiwanian), Roger Louise (36 years), Jim Jensen (17 years, charter member), Joe Schmitt (38 years, Hixon Fellow), Russell Williamson (39 Years, Gov of TN/KY), John & Pat Costas (17 years, Pat Lt Gov in MA). All were previous club presidents, officers, or board directors from NJ, PA, OH, IN, TN, NY, VA, and MA.

Awards and Recognitions: Multiple awards from Carolinas District for club newsletter, and website, Kiwanis Foundation Annual Club gift 2017 to 2023, Aktion Club((only service club for adults with disabilities), Key Club(High school service club), and BUGS (Bring Up[ the Grades) sponsor, Distinguished Club, Governors Challenge Award, Anna Mae Smith Outstanding Club Service.

Current Mission and Goals: Our basic mission hasn't changed “Dedicated to serving the children of Bluffton and surrounding areas through service, education, encouragement, leadership, and involvement to facilitate a better community for our youth.” How we accomplish our mission has changed due to community needs, membership demographics, fundraising methods, COVID-19, and membership interests and backgrounds.
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