Who, What, Why, When

What is Kiwanis?

Kiwanis is a worldwide service organization for men and women who want to give something back to their community. The name “Kiwanis” was coined from an expression in an American Indian language of the Detroit area, Nunc Kee-wanis, which means, “we trade” or “we have a good time.”  The operative motto for Kiwanis clubs is “Serving The Children of the World.” Founded in 1915, Kiwanis now has over 600,000 members in 96 countries around the world. We raise funds to serve a variety of community projects and also volunteer our time.  Our club offers good fellowship at our weekly meetings and offers friendships that can last a lifetime. For more information about Kiwanis Clubs, or to find one in your area, please visit Kiwanis International.

How do we serve our community?

Kiwanis International has joined forces with UNICEF to eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus – the ELIMINATE Project.  On a national level, Kiwanis has made a commitment to child health and welfare programs.  Endorsed by the current White House administration, they have already had far-reaching results and are nationally coupled with the major emphasis program, “YOUNG CHILDREN PRIORITY ONE.”  In the same vein, CAL-NEV-HA has established and is funding two Pediatric Trauma centers, with more to follow.  Our club contributes to and participates in all of these, but concentrates our time and monetary resources on a variety of local projects.

How do we raise our funds?

Service and money are the means by which we operate, and we maintain two accounts for club funds.  The Administrative account is maintained for the internal operations of the club. It includes dues, publication of a monthly newsletter, support for conventions, postage and education.  These funds are generated solely from within the membership from dues, donations and friendly fines.  The activities or “service” account is the heart and soul of our club.  These funds are solicited from and circulated back into the community.  Our major fundraiser during the year is the Manteca Pumpkin Fair. The Pumpkin Fair has allowed us to signifigantly give back financially to many organizations in our local community.

Sponsored youth

Sponsored youth are youth groups that have a Kiwanis structure. KIWIN and KEY Clubs are active at the high school level.  KEY Club is the largest youth service club in the country.  Many of our best Kiwanians started as active members in Kiwanis sponsored clubs in high school. We currently sponsor the Aktion Club of Manteca.

Some of our recent projects include:

  • Manteca Pumpkin Fair
  • Scholarships to local high school students
  • Thanksgiving in Manteca (partnered with the Manteca Rotary)
  • 4th of July Parade
  • Boy’s & Girls Club Annual telethon
  • Annual Themed Fundraiser Dinner
  • Flags Over Manteca with the Manteca Chamber
  • Tidewater Bike Trail clean-up
  • The ELIMINATE Project
  • Kiwanis Family House – dedicated to providing temporary housing and support to families of seriously ill children being treated at University of California at Davis Medical Center​

The Pumpkin Fair People