100th Anniversary of the Kiwanis Club of Cheyenne

Floor Speech

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Mr. BARRASSO. Madam President, I rise today to recognize the 100th anniversary of the Kiwanis Club of Cheyenne. This is a hands-on service organization making a profound impact on the development of Wyoming's youth. The club is committed in every way to the betterment of the community.

On March 10, 2023 the Kiwanis Club of Cheyenne will celebrate its 100th anniversary at the Little America Hotel and Conference Center in Cheyenne. Seven years after the official recognition of Kiwanis International, the Kiwanis Club of Cheyenne was formed on January 27, 1922. The international mission to serve the needs of area children extended to Cheyenne. Sixty-five men gathered at the Plains Hotel, electing William Bradford Ross as their first president. Ross was elected Governor of Wyoming within a year from the club's charter date.

One of the club's first major accomplishments was the creation of Kiwanis Park, a notable landmark in Cheyenne. In 1922, the city solicited help from local service clubs to build parks in the vicinity of Cheyenne's lakes. To this day, club volunteers care for the park. The Kiwanis Club remained involved in the lake area by helping to establish the Kiwanis Community House. This is a large, multi-purpose meeting space in what remains of the Cheyenne park system. The house is used for meetings, reunions, weddings, and small trade shows. The city opened a new park in east Cheyenne in 2021. The park was adopted by the Kiwanis Club, with members committed to both labor and financing. On June 27, 2022, the Cheyenne City Council voted to name the park ``Kiwanis Park.''

The Kiwanis Club of Cheyenne strives to ``develop by precept and example, a more intelligent, aggressive, and serviceable citizenship by providing World Class leadership development for the young people of our community.'' That dedication to Wyoming's youth encompasses a variety of programs. The Stars of Tomorrow talent show showcases the incredible skills of Wyoming's youth. Key Club provides adolescents with opportunities to develop leadership skills, build character, and participate in service projects within the community.

The needs of Cheyenne's youth were also addressed with the establishment of a ``student's fund.'' For many years this scholarship program helped area high school students attend the University of Wyoming. The club participates in the Friday Food Bag program ensuring all Laramie County students have dependable access to nutritious food during weekends. Other youth organizations and individuals to benefit from Kiwanis Club support include the Future Farmers of America--now known as FFA--Boy Scouts, Sea Scouts, the City's Youth Alternative Program, orphaned boys, and underprivileged children through the vocational guidance committee.

Since their beginning, the Kiwanis Club of Cheyenne has never stopped its charitable outreach. Their positive impacts on the community keep growing. While assisting youth is their main focus, the club helps other groups as well. Their outreach extends to those with disabilities. The Kiwanis Aktion Club, the only service club for adults with disabilities, helps members become ``competent, capable and caring leaders'' through service-oriented projects. The Kiwanis Club's financial support was pivotal in the early days of Magic City Enterprises. This company helps disabled individuals learn, develop and retain necessary skills to live successfully.

A cornerstone of Cheyenne Frontier Days since 1952 is the delicious pancake breakfasts served to locals and tourists. This includes the famous ``chuck'' of the pancake over the cook's shoulder. This past year, Kiwanis Club members and volunteers dedicated their time to prepare 19,285 pancakes free of charge in 1 week. This level of sheer commitment to the community by the members and volunteers of the club exemplifies the strong character and selflessness of all participating club members. The club's outreach is expansive and impressive. Not only are the needs of Wyoming's youth met, but the needs of the Cheyenne community are guaranteed to be addressed with resolute dedication.

The Kiwanis Club of Cheyenne is led by:

Renee Brower

President

Laura Drake

Secretary

Debbie LaFaso

Treasurer

Margaret Cox

President Elect

Larry Walters

1st Vice President

Lisa Trimble

2nd Vice President

Pamela Freeman

Assistant Secretary

Kim Lovett

Assistant Treasurer

Samuel Weinstein

Past President

Rhianna Brand

Board Member

George Costopoulos

Board Member

Scott Royce

Board Member

Richard Russell

Board Member

Rich Wessenberg

Board Member

Patrick Brady

Board Member

Denise Newell

Board Member

Deborah Dancik-Paxton

Board Member

Melissa Stutz

Board Member

Travis Vogel

Board Member

It is an honor for me to rise in recognition of this significant milestone for the Kiwanis Club of Cheyenne. Bobbi joins me in extending our congratulations to the Kiwanis Club of Cheyenne on their 100th anniversary.

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