Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to serving the children of the world. Asheville Club President Tim Wagner says, “The Kiwanis Club of Asheville is an amazingly active group, which sponsors a wide variety of community-service programs focused on helping young people. Our most ambitious activity is participation in a $23 million Health Adventure project that will feature a world-class interactive health-and-science center and discovery park right here in Asheville. The district Kiwanis goal is to raise between $250,000 and $300,000 dollars. Our Backpack Project has served over 500 area children every year since 1999. Each year, we fill backpacks with school supplies and distribute them to deserving school children. We have a long list of projects that includes an annual chess tournament for school kids, bicycles for children with superior attendance records, Terrific Kids and many others.”
The club’s largest fundraiser is the Biltmore/Kiwanis 5k/15k Classic race that takes place on the Biltmore grounds every May. All funds raised go directly to projects serving children and the community.
Meetings are held every Tuesday from noon to 1:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church. A catered meal is followed by club business and a speaker. Visitors are welcome. Info: www.main.nc.us/kiwanisca
