The Kiwanis Club of Gainesville appointed new officers for the 2021-2022 year.
Cindy Wilson was appointed president, Allen Jernigan as president-elect, Megan Martin as secretary, and Angela Sheppard as secretary-elect. Jay Jacobs continues to chair the Gainesville Kiwanis Hope Foundation. The officers were installed by Georgia Kiwanis Division 8 Lt. Governor Barry Sanders.
In addition, the following members will serve as the club's board of directors: Mark Green, Cheryl Jones, Roger Sulhoff, Jay Parrish, Kayla Loudermilk, Stacy Davis, and Meg Minnelli. Immediate past president John Pace will continue to serve on the club board.
The Kiwanis Club of Gainesville supports several signature projects and programs throughout the year. Through their Dictionary Project they provide dictionaries to every third grade student in Hall County. During the holiday season they support Friends of Recovery and families involved with the accountability court. Every Spring, the Kiwanis Club awards $15,000 in scholarships through the Charles J. Thurmond Youth Art Scholarship. The club raises money for the projects through their pancake breakfast (postponed this year due to the pandemic) and the annual Rotary-Kiwanis Golf Tournament.
“Kids need Kiwanis, in our community and in communities around the world,” said Cindy Wilson. “Our club believes in children and wants to provide all kids with an opportunity to thrive, prosper and grow.”
The Gainesville Kiwanis Hope Foundation is a nonprofit and assists the Kiwanis Club with its mission of changing the world one child and one community at a time. The Foundation supports children year-round by aiding in areas like health care, extra-curricular school activities, and tutoring as well as helping families struggling to meet basic needs. In 2020, the foundation, club, and club members collectively gave over $20,000 in support of local COVID-19 relief efforts.
The Kiwanis Club of Gainesville welcomes new members who want to serve their community. Information about the Club and Foundation is available at www.gainesvillegakiwanis.org. The club meets weekly on Tuesdays at 12 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Gainesville.
