Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time.--Kiwanis defining statement, adopted October 2004.

                     What is Kiwanis?

Kiwanis is a worldwide service organization with nearly 350,000 members in 93 countries. Membership affords men and women the opportunity to become personally involved in helping to make this a better world for everyone.

As Kiwanians we serve the children of the world through improving the quality of life through health, education, and activities. We are coordinating with UNICEF to global elimination of iodine deficiency disorders (IDD), the leading preventable cause of mental retardation.

We strive to build community among young people through through leadership and service clubs. We sponsor 7,000 youth service clubs with 320,000 young people: Circle K (college), Key Club (high school), K-Kids (elementary school), Builders Club (middle school), and Aktion Club (people with disablities).

The first Kiwanis Club was organized in Detroit, Michigan in January, 1915 and, from the very beginning, its goal was to provide community service. Less than a year later, the goal was expanded to include an emphasis on youth and youth related activities.

The Kiwanis Club of Somerset Hills was organized in 1946 and attracts members from the greater Somerset Hills community - people of high moral character and concern for human betterment. Inwardly, it offers its members personal growth through involvement and teamwork, plus the benefits of many strong friendships. It turns outward to deliver an extensive program of civic and benevolent services. It's an outstanding example of comradeship and volunteerism in action.

There has been little change in Kiwanis goals and objectives during the last 90 years but as the organization grew so did its ability to provide service. While every club continues to work hard within its community, we have:

We:

· Provided monthly programs at the VA Hospital for a group of psychologically impaired veterans.

· Held an Easter egg Hunt at the Oak Street School in Basking Ridge.

· Maintained Key Clubs in both Ridge and Bernardsville High Schools.

· Sent middle school youngsters to the Kiwanis Leadership Training Institute.

· Supported Kiwanis's college level Circle K.

· Placed Memorial Day wreaths in both Basking Ridge and Liberty Corner.

· Helped distribute food at the Somerset County Food Bank.

· Participated in Basking Ridge's Charter Day Celebration.

· Helped provide iodine to a small republic in Siberia with severe iodine deficiency.

In addition, our fundraising efforts help support:

· A Kiwanis/Children's Specialized Hospital Partnership

· Member participation of Ridge and Bernards High School Key Clubs in state and international events.

· Rolling Hills Girl Scout Council

· Many local organizations like Bernards Township Police, Fire and Rescue Squads.

Kiwanis projects like the N.J. Kiwanis Foundation and our Governors emphasis.

Our Visiting Nurse Association

Our Women's Resource Center

And the year has just begun!

Our fund-raisers include annual wine tasting and Fish-n-Chips dinners.

The Kiwanis Club Of Somerset Hills

Meets on the 1st Tuesday evening of every month at 7:00 PM.

We meet at:

The Chu's Cafe

Highlands Village Shopping Center

576 Allen Road

Basking Ridge, N.J. 07920

(Exit 33 off I-78)

3^rd Tuesday evening of every month at 7:00 PM.  

Business Meeting

Bishop James United Methodist Church

22 South Finley Road

Basking Ridge, N.J. 07920