Smithfield
Kiwanis
Kiwanis, through guidance and example, works
to develop future generations of leaders.
Celebrating over 42 years of Service !
Ordinary people performing EXTRAORDINARY work
Smithfield Kiwanis at a Glance
Kiwanis International
Kiwanis is an international organization of more than 600,000 civic-minded men and women in
96 countries, dedicated to building better communities - one child at a time.
KI was founded in Detroit in 1915. For many years the KI motto was, “We Build.” That was
recently modified to reflect our focus on “Serving the Children of the World.”
Kiwanis Club of Smithfield, VA
Kiwanis initiatives to organize in Smithfield, begun in the Sixties and were completed with
sponsorship by Suffolk Kiwanis in the Seventies.
On November 17, 1976, forty-three “Founding Fathers” were installed at our Charter Banquet.
J. Clyde Aycock was elected the first of a long line of successful Presidents, whose names are
posted in our meeting room.
Kiwanis Goals
Kiwanis goals are summarized in the KI “Objects" - unchanged since 1924 :
• To give primacy to the human and spiritual rather than material values
• To encourage daily living of the Golden Rule in all human relationships
• To promote the adoption and application of higher social, business & professional standards
• To develop, by precept and example, a more intelligent, aggressive & serviceable citizenship
• To provide, through Kiwanis clubs, a practical means to form enduring friendships, to render
altruistic service, and to build better communities
• To cooperate in creating and maintaining that sound public opinion and high idealism which
make possible the increase of righteousness, justice, patriotism & good will
History of Achievement
Evidence of our 35 years of success is found in the varied programs conducted for the benefit of Isle of Wight County. Among the most prominent are the following:
• Christmas Toy Store: Under the leadership of Founding Fathers Bill Laine and Alan Monette,
Kiwanis began distributing toys on behalf of community donors to hundreds of needy children
in the club’s first year—1976.
• Golf Tournament: In his year as President (1980), Ron Pack organized our first annual Golf
Tournament, played at the Smithfield Downs Course. Now held at Cypress Creek, the event
has become our chief fund-raiser.
• Fishing Tournament: Beginning at Wharf Hill, then moving to Smithfield Station, this fun-filled
event was a fixture on the community schedule from 1987 to 2003.
• Fishing Clinic: In the Millennium Year of 2000 Wesley Brown began our Fishing Clinic. With
the help of Kiwanians from across Hampton Roads, Wes has grown it into an event serving
250 needy children annually.
• Two Kiwanis Key Clubs: Key Clubs have provided opportunities for high school students to
serve communities since the Thirties. Past Assistant School Superintendent Alex Decker
coordinated formation of the Key Club at Smithfield High in the Spring of 2004. Dan Lytton
completed the club-building effort at Isle of Wight Academy in December, 2010.
• Christmas with Santa: In December 2004 Sue Ivy created an instant success of the first
community-wide breakfast conducted by Kiwanis. Held at Smithfield Center, the event serves
as prelude to the town’s annual Christmas Parade.
• Scholarships: In the Spring of 2005 Mac Cofer initiated our annual award of scholarships to
worthy graduates of IOW high schools in Smithfield and Windsor. Our Higher Education
Committee, formed in 2009 and chaired by Barbara Bryant, added grants to graduates of the
IOW Career & Technical Education Program at Prudent Center.
• Kiwanis Foundation: Establishment of the Smithfield Kiwanis Foundation early on fostered
growth of these and other programs through tax deductible donations by individuals and
businesses. Thus all funds donated to Kiwanis are reserved for support of community
programs. Net proceeds of fundraising events are also reinvested in the community. Costs of
club operations—including weekly lunches—are funded by members’ dues.
Other Keys to Success
• Spouses’ Night: This annual gathering with our better halves is as popular now as it was in
the good old days. Carter and Connie Williams have kindly played host for the past 15 years.
• Place to Call Home: Every successful organization needs a great place to meet. Smithfield
Station has been home for Kiwanians ever since Ron Pack opened this landmark establish-
ment on Thanksgiving week-end in 1986.
• Not for Men Only: Opening our doors to women in the Eighties boosted our membership and
is a major driver of our success. Jo Ann Wood was elected our first lady president in 1993.
• Luncheon Programs: Weekly club meetings feature quality presentations by community
leaders. Dick Gutleber has led this effort for the past 10 years.
• Sponsors: Kiwanis contributes funds to more than 30 community organizations across IOW
County. We could not do this without the support of our sponsors. Foremost among these
over the years have been the Daily Press and Morgan Stanley.
• Interaction with Other Kiwanis Organizations: Benefits include doing joint projects like
the Fishing Clinic with other clubs. A couple of years back our Capital District purchased a
mobile medical unit for Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters.
• Success Breeds Success: Because of the success of its programs, Smithfield Kiwanis has
continued to grow despite the ups and downs of the economy.
Become Part of Our Future
For information on how to join with us in building a better community “one child at a time,” please
contact our President - Amy Murrill Musick:
email amusick@smithfieldva.gov
cell 757-365-4819
Thanks for reading about our great community-centered club !
We're glad you visited our webpage; if you're interested in working with local community leaders
to provide service to our youth, come join us and see if Kiwanis is the CLUB for YOU ...
Kiwanis Club of Smithfield, VA PO Box 143, Smithfield, VA 23431
3Jul19