Among the many service organizations of Modesto is the Kiwanis Club of North Modesto, a longtime supporter of local non-profits and programs focused on enhancing children’s growth and development. Not only does North Modesto Kiwanis volunteer throughout the year, but it also organizes and hosts the kickoff to Graffiti Summer: the American Graffiti Festival and Parade! North Modesto Kiwanis members have been active in the community since the club was chartered in 1966, and while its members and signature fundraisers have changed with time, the Club has continued its devotion to building a better community through service, friendship, and good will.
The original Modesto Kiwanis Club was established in 1923, and as the city’s population and interest in service organizations grew throughout the following decades, the Modesto Kiwanis Club sponsored new clubs to expand Kiwanis membership – first, the Kiwanis Club of Greater Modesto chartered in 1954, then the Kiwanis Club of North Modesto chartered in 1966. A committee of Modesto Kiwanis members had been created with the challenge of chartering a third club, among whom were Gary Vukich, Curly Church, Tommy Thomas, and Walt Thompson. Their efforts and connections were fruitful, with a contingent of new members associated with Modesto Junior College, and the North Modesto Kiwanis Club was successfully established.
The Charter Officials consisted of Francois d’Artenay, President; James Hartman, First Vice President; Donald Rosenberg, Second Vice President; Louis Schlenker, Secretary-Treasurer; and Directors Arden Anderson, E.W. English, Robert Martin, Gary West, Paul Wood, Ron Lattin, and Steve Collins. One of the first meetings of the Club was held on October 20, 1966 at Toppers Steakhouse at the Motel Phyl-Nor, where then-State Senate candidate Richard Lyng was the guest speaker. From there, meetings would go on to be held at the Sundial Restaurant for many years. The Kiwanis Club of North Modesto held its Charter Fete at the Hotel Covell Fable Room on November 26, 1966…