The Kiwanis Club of Williamsport will celebrate its 100th anniversary in a big way this weekend, August 8 to the 11, when they host the 102nd Annual Pennsylvania Kiwanis Club Convention. In addition, they will be celebrating the installation of Williamsport club member, Michael Haven, as Governor of the Pennsylvania Kiwanis Club, which is an affiliate of Kiwanis International.

“The purpose of the convention is to educate members on all aspects of Kiwanis community service and to recognize outstanding service efforts by clubs and members. Additionally, the convention will provide motivation and conduct organizational business, which includes the election of statewide officers. Finally, we will affirm our mission to serve children,” Kevin Thomas, the organization’s Executive Director, told Webb Weekly.

Approximately 300 to 400 Kiwanians and their families from across the Commonwealth will be in attendance. The theme of the convention is “Children Win When Kiwanis Serves.”

The Convention will “kick-off” on Thursday, August 8 at the Little League Complex in South Williamsport with a picnic followed by fireworks. The convention will include workshops and forums, as well as community service projects in the Williamsport area Friday, August 9 and Saturday, August 10. The convention will close on Sunday, August 11, with a farewell breakfast and keynote speaker.

“I’m sure I echo the members of the Kiwanis Club of Williamsport in saying that I’m very excited for the Pennsylvania Kiwanis District Convention to be held in Williamsport,” said Michael Haven, Convention Chairperson and Governor-Elect for the Pennsylvania District. “The Kiwanis Club of Williamsport is celebrating our 100th anniversary this year, and I am thrilled that Kiwanians from across the state will be coming to Williamsport to help us celebrate. Williamsport is a great location to host a convention with plenty for the attendees and their families to do from shopping in the city’s stores to eating in the restaurants, visiting local attractions, and simply enjoying our wonderful city.”

The Kiwanis Club of Williamsport is involved in a variety of projects that include fundraising, community service, and assisting children locally and worldwide. As part of its mission to improve the world one child and one community at a time, the Kiwanis Club of Williamsport organizes a number of service opportunities throughout the year, sponsors events that improve lives, donates money, time, and physical assistance to organizations that provide lifesaving and life-improving services, and gives scholarships to promising young members of our community.

The Club raises money for its many projects by hosting an annual Pancake Breakfast, several ‘Burger Burns’ at local events, the 5KRun4Kids, the Leroy Simpson Golf Tournament, a blueberry sale, rose sale, and holiday season fruit sale.

“Our club members, as well as the members of the other clubs in our region, are working hard to plan the convention to ensure a great and memorable experience for all those who attend,” Haven said. “Since Kiwanis members are volunteers who pay their own way to the convention, we will be seeking local sponsors to help lower the cost of lodging, food, and entertainment, as well as other costs associated with hosting a convention.”

For sponsorship information, please contact Miranda Leopaul at 570-601-8001 or miranda@genetti.com.

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, K-Kids for students age 6–12 and Aktion Club for adults living with disabilities, annually dedicate more than 18.5 million service hours to strengthen communities and serve children. The Kiwanis International family comprises nearly 558,000 adult and youth members 82 nations and geographic areas. Visit http://www.kiwanis.org for more information.