—The Mansfield Kiwanis Club is one of ten clubs from around the world to be named a Signature Project Finalist. Stan Soderstrom the Executive Director of Kiwanis International and Lanton Lee the Executive Director of the Ohio District recently made the announcement. The Mansfield Club’s Friendly House Project was selected from 73 projects around the world. Having previously earned state-wide recognition as the Ohio District winner, the Friendly House Project was entered in the international competition. Gold, silver and bronze winners will be chosen soon.
A signature project is one that includes all the following criteria:
➢ At a minimum, the project should take place annually.
➢ The project should be designed to elevate the Kiwanis Brand in the local community with opportunities for public relations activities, such as using the Kiwanis name on the project, media mentions, etc.
➢ Should have a demonstratable positive impact on the community, this impact should be measurable in monies raised or children served.
➢ The project should support opportunities to strengthen membership and develop new partnerships.
According to President Patti Scott; “As part of the signature project and in recognition of the Mansfield Club’s 100th birthday, transportation for afterschool programs and camps is now being provided through the use of a minibus recently purchased with the help of the Kiwanis Club. The new minibus has provided 1,919 individual rides to Friendly House children since purchased in June 2019. We are currently working to provide funds for a second minibus to meet the needs of children on a waiting list for transportation from school to the The Friendly House.”
“In addition, the community center holds an annual Christmas party to provide gifts to the children served. The annual party is sponsored primarily by the Mansfield Kiwanis Club. Kiwanis members wrap presents for the party as part of our service to the agency. The Kiwanis Club of Mansfield provides camperships to give the underserved children in the community the ability to attend Friendly House day camp and residential camp that provide a wide variety of experiences they may not experience otherwise;” said Committee Co-Chair Jessica Dulle. The Kiwanis Club of Mansfield was chartered in June 1920. It’s partnership with the Friendly House dates back to 1924.
About Kiwanis Founded in 1915, Kiwanis International is a global organization of clubs and members dedicated to serving the children of the world. Kiwanis and its family of clubs, including Circle K International for university students, Key Club for students age 14–18, Builders Club for students age 11–14, Kiwanis Kids for students age 6–12 and Aktion Club for adults living with disabilities, dedicate annually more than 18 million service hours to strengthen communities and serve children. The Kiwanis International family comprises nearly 600,000 adult and youth members in 80 countries and geographic areas. For more information about Kiwanis International, please visit www.kiwanis.org.