Kiwanis Awards Night was a very special evening where many of our Kiwanians were saluted for their service during the past Kiwanis year. The event was held at Gates Four Golf and Country Club and all who attended enjoyed an excellent meal and superb fellowship! Thanks to President-Elect Jay Gothard and Mike Pleasant for planning and executing an OUTSTANDING Awards Night.
The program began with President Stephen Wheeler welcoming everyone and introducing special guests, followed by Mark Rice, filling in for Kirby White, as he led us in the singing of My Country Tis of Thee and the Pledge of Allegiance to our Nation’s Flag. Kirby was in the hospital following a fall at his church on Wednesday evening. Word has it that Kirby should be going home over the weekend. Keep him in your thoughts and prayers. Kiwanian and Past International Trustee, Gary Cooper, gave a very thoughtful invocation that was followed by our meal.
After dinner, John Holmes did another stellar job with Laws & Regulations, which was enjoyed by all.
Special recognitions included:
Introduction of new members during the past year.
Recognition of Past Presidents.
Recognition of Past District Officers.
Recognition of Past International Officers.
Recognition of 50-year members.
Recognition of George Hixson Fellows.
Recognition of Walter Zeller Fellows.
Recognition of Past E.J. Wells Cup recipients.
Presentation of Awards
President Stephen recognized the Past Presidents of our club that were in attendance.
President-elect Jay Gothard gave us an update on our Kiwanis of Fayetteville Endowment at the Cumberland Community Foundation. The report was an excellent one! Our endowment now stands at $495,020! Thanks go out to each Kiwanian who has contributed to our endowment.
COOK-HARSANT-WHITLEY Cup (Quiet Kiwanian) was presented to Kiwanian JOHN HARBISON!
HIGHSMITH CUP (Outstanding Committee Member) to Kiwanian GRACE McGRATH!
STRUPLER-WILLIAMSON CUP (Program of the Year) presented to Kiwanian JIM AMMONS!
STEWART CUP (Outstanding Committee Chair) presented to Kiwanian BOB McAMIS!
ROSE-TINNIN BOARD OF DIRECTORS CUP (Best Kiwanis Spirit) presented to Kiwanian CHERYL GLEASON!
DON PRICE PHILANTROPHY AWARD, which is a brand-new award given in memory of our late Kiwanian and friend, Don Price. 33 years ago, Don Price suggested we have a reverse raffle to raise money for Kiwanis projects. This project thus far has raised more than $600,000 that has been used for various club projects. Kiwanian Jim Ammons, who spearheaded giving this award in memory of Don Price, presented the first DON PRICE PHILANTROPHY AWARD to Kiwanian MARK FISHER!
J.O. TALLY, JR. AWARD (Outstanding service to the “K” Family) was presented to Kiwanians ALAN PITTMAN and TOM KEITH!
E.J. WELLS CUP (Outstanding Civic Contribution) was presented to Kiwanian RUSS JONES!
Please remember, next Friday’s meeting will again be held at Hay Street United Methodist Church. The Kiwanis Center is being used as a polling place for the upcoming election. Parking will be available in the parking lot behind Hat Street Church or in the First Baptist Church parking lot just across the street.
Parting thought: Commedian Jeff Foxworthy as a young man worked in the first Chick-Fil-A in the Atlanta area. He worked with Truett Cathy, the man who began Chick-Fil-A. Jeff said one day Mr. Cathy asked him who needed encouragement? And, before he could answer, Mr. Cathy said EVERYONE! My challenge to you is to encourage everyone you see this week!
See you Friday at Kiwanis!
Danny Highsmith 910-978-3947 dannyhighsmith42@outlook.com
