KIWANIS CLUB OF ALLEN, TEXAS

Charisse Bodisch

Club President 2004 - 2005

It is wonderful to be part of the Allen Club's 20th Anniversary Celebration...20 years of giving back to the community. Being part of the Allen Kiwanis Club is something that will always hold a special place in my heart.

When I first arrived in Allen, I wanted to find an organization where I could contribute to the community and once I learned Kiwanis was focused on children (our future), my decision was made.

It didn't take long to become active; what with David Olson, Sandy McNair, Mike McChesney and so many others encouraging me along the way. What started as helping with the Kiwanis Book Drive and Annual Circus somehow evolved into being President. I think I may have been nominated at one the meetings I missed :).

One of my fondest memories is of us assisting with KidMania. As I was assembling pieces and tightening bolts with City Manager Peter Vargas, I looked around at all the volunteers and realized we were all part of something very special. Given our "day" jobs and lack of construction experience, it's a good thing that professionals tightened the bolts one last time before children actually climbed on the equipment. As far as I know, the slide we assembled has not fallen off yet.

While I've moved to other parts of the state, I still remember everyone at Kiwanis. Leaving was one of the most difficult things to do, but I have so many special memories like serving food at Journey of Hope with Colleen Biggerstaff, picking up trash with Kurt Kizer (it was actually enjoyable and the kids always seemed to find some "treasure" left by the roadside), serving pancakes at the Pancake Breakfast with Debbie Stout and Sally Terrell, working on the Circus with Anita Rushing and Lee Howard (both with tireless energy)...and the list goes on and on. All great times.

What makes the Allen Club so special is the people. Good hearts and good people who always go above and beyond for each other and for the community. It makes me proud to say that I was part of this group.

Congratulations on 20 years of providing invaluable service to the community and God bless all of you.

Warm wishes,

Charisse Bodisch