The Northside Naples Kiwanis Club is a group of 55 average citizens from all walks of life who raise money and give time and effort to help the Naples community. As a group, NNKC donates thousands of man-hours and tens of thousands of dollars to the Naples community every year. Click Here for the interview with Steve LeBlanch.
What is the mission of Northside Naples Kiwanis Club?
The mission of NNKC is that of Kiwanis International: “to serve the children of the world”. All the charitable acts performed by Kiwanis are focused on making a better world for the young generation.
What has been the biggest factor in the success of Northside Naples Kiwanis Club?
That’s easy; it’s outstanding membership. Our members are kind, giving people who truly enjoy and thrive upon helping others. The sense of satisfaction obtained through self-less giving of your time and effort to benefit those less fortunate is wonderfully addictive.
How will Northside Naples Kiwanis Club use the donation made from The ACE Group Classic Hosted by Peter Jacobsen?
All money raised during the tournament is used by the NNKC to fund its on-going projects in the Naples community. These projects include Christmas in Immokalee, support of the Children’s Advocacy Center, and support for Voices for Kids, sponsorship of the Immokalee Soccer and Shoe programs, the Bicycle Helmet fund, YMCA Project Graduation and so forth. Our annual project budget is approximately $100,000. All money is given back to the community; none is kept for overhead expenses.
How can members of the community become involved with Northside Naples Kiwanis Club?
That one is even easier! Just ask a member about joining or go to your local newspaper or the club website (www.northsidenapleskiwanis.com) and get all the information you need. Our club meets every Thursday at 7:15 am in the recreation center behind St. John the Evangelist Church in North Naples.
Who is eligible to volunteer at The ACE Group Classic Hosted by Peter Jacobsen with Northside Naples Kiwanis Club?
Anyone who wishes to give their time for a worthy cause is encouraged to volunteer to work for us at this wonderful tournament.
What can a prospective member expect when joining Kiwanis?
Speaking for NNKC, I can tell you to expect to have a lot of fun, make some new friends and become part of a group of outstanding citizens who come together for a common purpose; to give back to our community.
Why did you become involved?
A long time ago, my father told me something simple yet profound. He said “if you derive a living from the community, you must give back”. That simple principle has guided me most of my adult life and was the primary reason I joined Kiwanis.
How many Kiwanis Club locations are there in the United States?
I am not sure of the US numbers but on the international level, Kiwanis has over 8,000 clubs in 96 countries with an adult membership of 260,000 and a youth membership of 320,000.
What are you responsibilities with the Northside Naples Kiwanis Club?
I am currently on the Board of Directors of NNKC, chairman of The ACE Group Classic committee and member of several other project committees.
