KIWANIS CLUB OF ALLEN, TEXAS

Randy McDaniel

President 1995-1996

I am honored to write a few thoughts from my experience as the President of the Allen Kiwanis Club. I must give credit to Ernie Pero for his persistence to get me involved in the organization in 1993. My initial impression was that the club was a very friendly group of citizens who were very dedicated to the idea of helping children. What a great challenge in our world. After one meeting, I joined (it didn't hurt that many friends in the community were already members). My challenge to get involved was taken to heart from the induction ceremony, David Olson performed. I immediately got involved in many fun events such as trash pick up, the pancake breakfast, interclub visits, and the monthly Division Council meeting. I feel that my exposure to many activities within the club helped me realize the commitment most of the members have to Allen and Kiwanis worldwide.

It is a learning experience to understand fully the depth of "what it means to be a Kiwanian" and I received a glimpse of that while attending an interclub meeting at the North Dallas Golden K Club. They were very well organized, held a very timely meeting while rallying to do many great things for the schools surrounding their club. I spoke to many of them and one in particular, named Chuck Berry, who was the club secretary for 20+ years.( I forgot to mention their average age is probably the high 70's). Chuck made an impression with me for his dedication and relentless amount of time and effort he put into the club. His reason was simple...it was for the kids. While President, I tried to keep that as my focus and always used that as the barometer, "is this for the kids?"

Among the experiences that I will always remember during my term was the pancake breakfast, which was a lot of fun, yet hard work. We initially cooked everything outside and served food in the First Christian Church downtown, what a change a few years makes. Lines were long and we could never catch up once the crowd arrived.

We needed additional funds to make sure we could provide more for the kids so we started a golf tournament fundraiser. We drew on the members who played golf as well as had connections, like Kris Kistner's dad who was in the business, for help. We have now named it in memory of Ron Gentry and recently hosted our thirteenth tournament.

One memory that stands out during my term was being honored with a George F. Hixon award that the club matched funds to purchase. Money was used to fight Iodine Deficiency Disorder, which was our worldwide project. I could not believe during my term that the club wanted to send me to the International Convention, mainly because it was in....."Viva Las Vegas." Several members of the club also attended and we learned about many worldwide projects (and a lot about Vegas too). Now when I attend meetings, I am usually welcomed as "a guest." I don't know how I made all those weekly meetings when I was President.

I would not change a thing about my past experience and hope to become more active again soon. The bond that brings us all together has not changed in this worldwide organization. I think it goes back to the late Chuck Berry, who said "it is for the kids." If we keep that focus, I feel the Allen Kiwanis Club will continue to be an important part of the community and can make that positive difference in the world.