Event News

On September 1, 2026 members of the Niceville-Valparaiso Kiwanis Club began teaching an 8 week course (one session per week) on basic life skills at Lewis Middle School.  Sessions are less than an hour and will be taught by various club members.  Annie Cameron is the club lead for this project.  The subject of each session is shown below.

On August 15, 2026 the Niceville-Valparaiso Kiwanis club had a work day to support our flag subscription service.  (See our fundraising page for a description of the program or to sign up for a subscription.)  Seven club members and one potential club member showed up on a very hot day at the club storage unit to inspect, repair or replace flags from our inventory.  Hundreds of flags and their poles were individually inspected.  Damaged and/or faded flags were replaced.  Flags removed were sorted for either cleaning, repair, or disposal.  Bent poles were either straightened or replaced.  It took about 2.5 hours to perform the task.  The effort was coordinated by our flag program coordinator Charlie Helms.

On August 8, 2026 the Niceville-Valparaiso Kiwanis club sponsored an ice cream social event for the children and foster parents at The Children's Neighborhood, Children in Crisis, Fort Walton Beach.  In addition to the regular ice cream treats, the event included a magic show by our very own member Jeff Sobel, a sticker giveaway by our member artist Charlotte Arnold, and a science demonstration with special ice cream making using liquid nitrogen by our member Charlie Helms.  In all 12 club members and one spouse supported the event.  There were at least 21 children and several foster parents in attendance at the Kid's Clubhouse.  Judging by the smiles and applause from the children, the event was a huge success.  We will definitely be back doing it again next summer.

On June 20, 2026 the Niceville-Valparaiso Kiwanis club carried out a beautification/improvement project for part of Meigs Park in Niceville. The project was to complement the joint venture between Niceville and Okaloosa County to make major improvements to other areas of the Park. The Kiwanis club was joined by Rotary President Arthur Jean for this work day. Projects completed on June 20 included raking/bagging leaves, pressure washing all the walkways, modifying a bench to make it safer for small children, and replacing an old trash receptacle cover with a custom-made cover. Additional future work will upgrade the covered swing structure with a new roof. Kiwanians JD Cameron, Bo Arnold, Bill Landsberg, Rick Mobley, Charlie Helms, Vern McGraw, and Phil Thorn joined Rotarian Art Jean for the workday. This project involved approximately 45 hours of volunteer time and $300 in materials. In spite of a rather threatening weather forecast, the weather was perfect that day. The Kiwanis club thanks the City of Niceville for their permission and valuable inputs in planning for this project. This project will extend the useful life of this part of the park and provide the neighborhood a nicer area to spend leisure time.

The Niceville-Valparaiso Kiwanis Club once again supported the Children in Crisis Organization at their neighborhood in Fort Walton Beach on Friday May 29. Kiwanians Vern McGraw, JD Cameron, Phil Thorn and Charlie Helms rehabilitated the fleet of 4 riding lawn mowers. Work included cleaning, inspecting, and repairing the mowers as needed. Phil Thorn also provided tune ups to several chainsaws. This equipment is used extensively to maintain the grounds of CIC to keep their community looking nice. A total of 13 hours of volunteer time were needed for this service project. Approximately $140 was spent on tune ups kits and oil.

Thursday, May 28th, AKtion Club held its annual picnic. AKtion Club is a Kiwanis organization who's members are mentally or physically challenged adults. They meet once a month at the American Legion Post 235 on Hollywood Blvd in Fort Walton Beach for dinner, games, learning and camaraderie. Most years the picnic is held at a local park but this year we stayed inside the American Legion. Though we missed out on the flies and the heat, somehow, we made do. Julie's Southern Joy restaurant , located inside the Legion, provided the hotdogs, hamburgers, beans and chips. For dessert we had their always popular banana pudding. After eating, Mike Chesser continued his travel theme presentation. The Club members were very responsive and quite knowledgeable about famous places in America. And it wouldn’t be our picnic without leis and dancing! JD Cameron, Judy Boudreaux, and Jean Pulley joined in on the dancing. Les Chambers and Hu Ross handled the cashier's duties.  Jeff Martin, Clarence Mayo and Gloria Mayo did most of the work. AKtion Club is now paused for the summer but will return again on 24 September.

The Kiwanis Foundation of Niceville-Valparaiso proudly presented a donation of $8,638 to the Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola in memory of Phinley Huisken. The donation was formally presented during the club’s May 21, 2026 meeting by Kiwanis Club President JD Cameron to Dr. Jason Foland, MD, President of the hospital. Also attending were Adrienne Maygarden, President of the Ascension Sacred Heart Foundation; Michaela McCarthy, Children’s Miracle Network Coordinator; and Jessie Huisken, Phinley’s mother. Funds were raised through community donation drives held at local Walmart and Publix stores in Niceville during April and May 2026. Kiwanis members volunteered a combined 32 hours collecting donations from the public, raising approximately $2,800. The club’s Board of Directors contributed an additional $4,000 from general fundraising efforts, while individual member donations helped bring the final total to $8,638. “Our community consistently demonstrates its generosity and compassion for children and families facing difficult medical challenges,” said JD Cameron, President of the Kiwanis Club of Niceville-Valparaiso. “We are honored to support the incredible work being done at Studer Family Children’s Hospital and to make this contribution in memory of Phinley Huisken.” The Kiwanis Club of Niceville-Valparaiso has supported the Studer Family Children’s Hospital since 1987 and has contributed more than $144,000 over the years. The organization also has a dedicated room named in its honor within the hospital’s Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. In addition to the monetary donation, the club presented 100 Kiwanis Trauma Dolls created by the K-Kids Club at Edge Elementary School. The handmade dolls are used to help young patients communicate where they are experiencing pain and provide comfort during hospital stays. “These trauma dolls serve both a medical and emotional purpose,” Cameron added. “They help children feel safer, heard, and supported during some of their most difficult moments.”

About the Kiwanis Foundation of Niceville-Valparaiso

The Kiwanis Foundation of Niceville-Valparaiso is dedicated to improving the lives of children and strengthening the local community through volunteer service, charitable giving, and youth development programs throughout Northwest Florida.

The Kiwanis club of Niceville-Valparaiso received a presentation by Ms Stephanie Fitzgerald about Freedom Life Compass (FLC), a non-profit organization she founded to provide recovery services to the local community. As a result of her presentation, our club committed to construct a concrete slab and assemble a metal storage building at one of the FLC recovery homes east of Bluewater Bay in Villa Tasso. The project consisted of several phases; building forms, pouring concrete, assembling the shed and anchoring the shed securely to the slab. This occurred in March and April 2026. The shed kit was purchased by FLC, but our club donated approximately $400 worth of materials to the project. Niceville Cash and Carry assisted by providing a discount on materials. Kiwanians JD Cameron, David Fauth, Jose Lozano, Bo Arnold, Vern McCraw, Jeff Sobel, and Charlie Helms participated in the various aspects of the project. Charlie led and coordinated all aspects of the project.  Aside from wearing a little concrete, the project was a success and hopefully will serve FLC for many years.  FLC was very appreciative of our efforts.

 In recognition of Foster Parent Appreciation Month in May our club partnered with NWF Health Network and other Kiwanis clubs in Florida Division 1 to host a special evening event at the Emerald Coast Zoo in Crestview.  More than 450 individuals from foster and adoptive families across Northwest Florida attended this fun event that included a meal and admission to the zoo.  Led by Toni Hunter, our club coordinated with Publix, Coca Cola Bottling Company, and Hungry Howie's to provide a meal to all attendees.  Seven club members (Les Chambers, Gloria and Clarence Mayo, Charlie Helms, Tim Parsons, JD Cameron and Toni Hunter) participated in event food delivery, set-up, serving, and clean-up.  We served pizza, tangerines, cookies, chips, and water to over 450 foster family members plus about 50 staff members and volunteers.  Leftover food items were donated to local firefighters and Sharing and Caring.  Other Kiwanis Clubs participating included Navarre, Crestview, Fort Walton Beach, and Big Lagoon (Pensacola).  Our club spent over 100 hours and approximately $5,000 supporting this event.  Many thanks to Toni Hunter for all of the hours she spent to make this event so special for the children and families in attendance.   They loved it!

 The Kiwanis Club of Niceville-Valparaiso extends our heartfelt thanks to the community for your support that helped make our Annual Pancake Breakfast & Silent Auction a success on Saturday, March 7th. The event gave over 300 of our neighbors a chance to enjoy a delicious pancake breakfast, listen to music by the Island Brothers, bid on silent auction items, and watch the children get their faces painted. It was a perfect reminder of the power of community spirit!  Thanks to the nearly 200 auction  items donated by the community and businesses, we raised almost $14,000. Black Rifle Coffee Company donated the coffee for the event. Most of our local golf courses donated very popular golf packages. The money will allow us to continue our mission of meeting the needs of the children in our community. Last year our club donated more than $44,000 to support children and families in our community.  Major contributions included $11,000 to local high school seniors for scholarships, $7,000 to Studer Family Children's Hospital at Sacred Heart, $4,000 to Children in Crisis, $5,777 to our "Bags of Hope" program to support local foster children, and $2,526 to support our Christmas at Walmart party for local children in need.  From all of us at Kiwanis of Niceville-Valparaiso — thank you for serving alongside us and for making our community stronger.

  The Niceville Valparaiso Kiwanis Club completed one of its favorite activities today.  That is, delivering food baskets for Christmas to 20 families in the area that might otherwise not have had a plentiful Christmas meal.  Our club partners with Niceville Sharing and Caring and with Publix at the Crossings to provide non-perishable (Sharing and Caring) and fresh (Publix) food items including a ham and all the fixings.  Sharing and Caring provided a list of the families in need.  The 20 families included 88 children and 26 adults for a total of 114 people served.  Club members picked up the food items from Sharing and Caring and Publix and delivered them to the families.  Many members added items of their own to the deliveries including small Christmas gifts.  

  The Kiwanis Club of Niceville-Valparaiso, in conjunction with the Fort Walton Beach Kiwanis Club held its Christmas AKtion Club meeting. AKtion Club is a Service Leadership Program for mentally or physically challenged adults. Each month the members get together at the American Legion on Hollywood Blvd, Fort Walton Beach, for Food, Fun, learning and comradery. Miss Julie of Julie's Southern Joy restaurant provided a delicious ham dinner. Mike Chesser spoke of the true meaning of Christmas and led us in singing Christmas carols. To the delight of all, Santa Claus made an appearance! Mike Mihalcik made an awesome Santa, taking his time and talking to each member and giving them a gift.

  For many years the Kiwanis Club of Niceville-Valparaiso has partnered with Walmart to bring joy to local children in need. For the second year Okaloosa Gas generously donated $1500 towards the children's shopping spree. Early Saturday morning,13 December, Kiwanis members and Key Club members from Niceville High School met 17 children in the Walmart break room. Manager Kim was there to make sure all was well. An unexpected star was the driver of the Walmart truck who would be in the Niceville Christmas Parade. Walmart employees had decorated the room and provided snacks and drinks for the children. The event began with the children writing Christmas cards for their parents. This was followed by a game of unraveling a saran wrap ball of goodies. All the children were given a gift bag containing gift items and a soft cuddly blanket. We then all sang Christmas carols until Santa Claus arrived! After every child met with Santa it was time to grab a cart and GO SHOPPING! The key Club and Kiwanis members stayed with the children, helping them find their special gifts, keep track of their budget and the time. It was a truly moving experience to see the children's many selfless choices to use their money to buy gifts for others.  Many thanks to Walmart, Okaloosa Gas and the Key Club.

  The Niceville Valparaiso Kiwanis Club completed one of its favorite activities today.  That is, delivering food baskets for Thanksgiving to 20 families in the area that might otherwise not have had a plentiful Thanksgiving meal.  Our club partners with Niceville Sharing and Caring and with Publix at the Crossings to provide non-perishable (Sharing and Caring) and fresh (Publix) food items including a turkey and all the fixings.  Sharing and Caring provided a list of the families in need.  The 20 families included 88 children and 26 adults for a total of 114 people served.  Club members picked up the food items from Sharing and Caring and Publix and delivered them to the families.  Many members added items of their own to the deliveries.  The club looks forward to a similar activity providing meals for Christmas dinner in December.

  The Niceville Valparaiso Kiwanis Club celebrated its 50-year anniversary at an Awards and Recognition Banquet on September 25, 2025 at Rocky Bayou Country Club. The evening consisted of a social hour, an Italian Buffet dinner, yearly awards and recognition, a keynote speaker, and installation of new officers and directors. The Club was chartered on August 28, 1975. Two members from the original club were present: Jimmy Summerlin and Bill Landsberg. Bill is still a current member of the club and gave an interesting and entertaining keynote speech about our club history. Distinguished guests from the Florida Kiwanis District included current Governor Jeremy Riehl, Governor-Elect Tommy Mills, Vice-Governor Linda Skaathun, and Florida Division 3 Foundation Trustee Kim Mills. Bo Arnold, outgoing Club President, introduced the guests and gave a summary of the club’s year in which the club donated over $41,000 to local charities and club members generously donated their time to support community youth programs. The club sponsored service leadership programs at Niceville High School (Key Club), Ruckel and Destin Middle Schools (Builders Club), Edge and Bluewater Elementary Schools (K-Kids). The club also sponsored an Aktion Club with the ARC of the Emerald Coast. The club gave monetary donations to Children in Crisis, Children’s Advocacy Center, Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Sacred Heart, CALM House, Sharing and Caring, VIP PAL soccer, and the Emerald Coast Autism Center, as well as providing $11,000 in scholarship awards to local high school students. Bo recognized Dona Force as Kiwanian of the Year for her many contributions during the year including organizing Thanksgiving and Christmas Food Baskets for local families through Sharing and Caring and Publix. She also coordinated the very successful Silent Auction Fundraiser at the Pancake Breakfast. JD Cameron was recognized with a Distinguished Service Award for his outstanding efforts during the year as president elect and Media Committee chairman. Both received $85 gift cards. A new slate of officers/directors was installed by Governor Riehl for the 2025-2026 fiscal year beginning October 1. Refer to the Leadership Page on this website for information on this year’s officers/directors.

 Through a generous $3,000 grant from NextEra Energy Foundation, Florida Power and Light, and matching $3,000 from the Kiwanis Foundation of Niceville-Valparaiso, plus donations and support from other Florida Division 1 Kiwanis Clubs, the Niceville-Valparaiso Kiwanis Club and their supporters assembled 288 "Bags of Hope."  The event took place at the Community Life Center of Crosspoint Church in Niceville on August 16, 2025.  The Bags of Hope program provides duffel bags filled with essential items — such as toiletries, blankets, comfort items and personal care products — to children entering the foster care system in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton counties. These bags offer not only practical support but also a sense of comfort and dignity during what is often a traumatic transition.  The goal is to help improve the well-being of foster children by providing them with an opportunity to have a brighter future across Northwest Florida. Twenty-one Niceville Valparaiso Kiwanis Club members plus 6 Niceville High School Key Club members and 2 representatives from Florida Power and Light. The assembled bags were loaded into a trailer and delivered by 3 Kiwanians to Northwest Florida Health Network offices in Pensacola. NWF Health Network serves as the Network Management agency for child protection and behavioral health services in northwest Florida.  Four Health Network employees helped unload the bags. NWF Health Network will distribute the bags as needed throughout the year.

 Three Kiwanis Club of Niceville-Valparaiso members help start the Navarre Kiwanis Club. Lt Governor Ruth Sykes of Division 1 led the effort. Annie and JD Cameron and Pete Ross made over 100 calls to prospective members and brought two cubed watermelons and our two Kiwanis flags. Jon Morris, from the Fort Walton Beach Kiwanis Club also provided support. Past Lt Governor Craig McDonnell of Pensacola’s Big Lagoon club also made calls and brought doughnuts and coffee. Though prior to the meeting only two prospects were paid members, by the end of today's session they had the 15 required for chartering. Governor Elect Tommy Mills drove in from Tallahassee to give the invocation and an uplifting talk about who we are and what we do. Vice Governor Linda Skaathun led the new members in organizing their club. The name will be the “Navarre Kiwanis Club”. Meetings will be twice per month; a breakfast meeting on the first Tuesday of the month and a lunch meeting on the third Tuesday. Both will be at the Navarre American Legion Post 382, 1850 Luneta Street Navarre. Breakfast meetings will begin at 0730 with the lunch meetings at 1200. Chartering will be at the first regular meeting; lunch, 19 August. All of the Kiwanis organizers and leadership plan to be there for the chartering meeting.

Aktion Club annual picnic was held at Niceville’s Turkey Creek Park pavilion this year. 23 members and their caretakers got to spend a bit of time in the fresh air. The location was beautiful but we did lose power for the last hour. That didn’t stop the fun. The Aktion Club members continued to eat, dance and laugh until the park closed. Judy and Ellis Boudreau hosted the event; making the food, buying the supplies and coordinating all the moving parts. Judy once again made her special baked beans. (JD was seen taking more than his fair share). Annie Cameron, who has a special bond with the members, danced and joked with them. Les Chambers manned the cash box while Jon Morris from the FWB Kiwanis Club took food orders. JD and Clarence Mayo held off most of the marauding squirrels. Judy’s son, Joey Boudreau provided the music. Gloria Mayo, Jean Pulley and Susan Strom scrambled to fill all the orders. The members and Aktion Team alike were fascinated by a resident kitten and its raccoon friend.

 The Kiwanis Foundation of Niceville-Valparaiso is proud to announce it made a $7,000 donation in honor of Phinley Huisken to the Bear Family Foundation Pediatric Oncology Center for Hope in Studer Children's Hospital at Ascension Sacred Heart in Pensacola. Accepting the check at our May 22 club meeting were Michaela McCarthy, Children’s Miracle Network Coordinator and Stephanie Barber, Development Analyst from Sacred Heart Foundation.  Also present were Phinley's parents Jessie and Travis, and grandparents Cindy and Bob.

For the first time since the pandemic our Club was able to solicit donations for the Children's Miracle Network at the Niceville Walmart and Winn Dixie stores.  Club members spent a combined 24 hours in front of the stores and collected $2,800.  Additional donations from club members and the Board of Directors brought the total to $7,000.  Our Kiwanis Club of Niceville Valparaiso has been contributing to Sacred Heart Studer Family Children's Hospital since 1987 and since then has contributed more than $136,000. Our club has a room named for it in the Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

 The Kiwanis Club of Niceville Valparaiso has presented five scholarships recognizing outstanding 2025 high school graduates for the impact of their demonstrated commitment to serving others. The awards totaling $11,000 were made to Sophie Broutin and Meridian Sobel (Niceville High School), Skyler Dill-Langley and Austin Sanders (Rocky Bayou Christian School), and Zoe Robinson (Collegiate High School). The awards will be applied to the cost of degree or certificate programs as chosen by the winners.

In addition, The Kiwanis Club of Niceville Valparaiso sponsors two endowed fellowships at Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC) in honor of two former members. One is for the Bill Hodge Memorial and the other is for Walker Spence. These endowments provide scholarship awards each year to NWFSC students in perpetuity.

 The Kiwanis Foundation of Niceville-Valparaiso is proud to announce it has received a $3,000 gift from NextEra Energy Foundation, a corporate foundation of NextEra Energy Inc. and Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) in support of its Bags of Hope program, a vital initiative that serves foster children across Northwest Florida. The Bags of Hope program provides duffel bags filled with essential items — such as toiletries, blankets, comfort items and personal care products — to children entering the foster care system in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton counties. These bags offer not only practical support but also a sense of comfort and dignity during what is often a traumatic transition. “This generous support from the NextEra Energy Foundation allows us to continue and expand this vital program,” said Bo Arnold, President of the Niceville-Valparaiso Kiwanis Foundation. “We are deeply grateful for their commitment to our shared mission of improving the lives of children in crisis.”
    J.T. Young, FPL VP and general manager Northwest region, said the gift reflects FPL’s and NextEra Energy Foundation’s broader mission to strengthen communities and enhance quality of life. “At FPL, we are honored to support the incredible work of the Kiwanis Foundation which aligns with our mission to help build strong and sustainable communities,” Young said. “We are also honored and grateful to join the Kiwanis Foundation as they help improve the well-being of foster children by providing them with an opportunity to have a brighter future across Northwest Florida.” In collaboration with local child welfare agencies, youth volunteers from Key Club and Builders Club, and regional Kiwanis chapters, the Kiwanis Foundation distributed over 300 Bags of Hope last year. With the support of this grant, the organization aims to serve even more children in the coming months.

Ed Dunbar, Bo Arnold, Hu Ross, David Fauth, Charlie Helms, Jose Lozano, JD Cameron and Vern McGraw met Jamie Poe (CIC grounds and maintenance supervisor) at the Children's neighborhood Saturday morning for our 5th Saturday day of work. Jamie had identified three projects for us.

A major “Thank You” to our Kiwanis members, high school Key Club members, and the many donors that made our 36th Pancake Breakfast and Silent Auction a resounding success! From the moment we opened the doors, a steady stream of community members and families filled the space, savoring delicious pancakes, enjoying the lively tunes of The Island Brothers, and exploring the treasures of our silent auction and exciting raffle prizes—like the stunning charcoal portrait by Charlotte Arnold and the Oster Air Fryer Oven. Belinda Parsons made many a kid very happy with her expert face painting.  Almost 300 people came to the event. We raised over $11,000! Money that will help us to serve the needs of local children throughout 2025.  Seeing the children at our event warmed our hearts, especially since supporting their growth and well-being is at the core of our mission.

Aktion Club is back! Kiwanis Club of Niceville – Valparaiso in conjunction with the Fort Walton Beach Kiwanis Club held its first meeting in 8 months. Aktion Club hosts monthly meetings for mentally and physically challenged adults. Most of the club members live in group homes. For them the meetings are a great way to get out, enjoy a meal and conversations with old friends in the area. For many years the club met at Golden Corral. They were very good to us but a change in management led to our search for a new venue. Our search found the American Legion Post 235 in Fort Walton Beach. They have a spacious meeting room and a very special resident restaurant; Julie’s Southern Joy. For many, many years Judy Boudreau organized and led Aktion Club. Watching her interact with the club members was always heartwarming. She has passed the baton to Mike Chesser. Fortunately for the Aktion Club members, the Kiwanis Club volunteers, and most of all Mike, she has continued to make her vast knowledge and experience available. As long as we take the lead and do the work, we’re hoping she will continue to advise. The first meeting was pretty smooth considering everything that was new and untested. We ate a mixed salad followed by pizza with banana pudding for desert. Turnout was phenomenal! 35 members and 8 Kiwanis volunteers. Judy and Mike were at the lead, Les Chambers made sure the money was collected and attendees recorded. Clarence Mayo, Gloria Mayo, Jon Morris and Fred Shore served the food and drinks. JD Cameron became the doorman and served wherever there was a need. We all could tell the members were very happy to meet again. After the members left we stayed behind to go over any problems and to plan for next month. Julie will be serving spaghetti with rolls plus the salad and banana pudding. Les humbled us all when he insisted on bringing the leftover pizzas to the Eglin AFB gate guards. What a class act. Next meeting will be 5:30PM 19 March. It will be the last Wednesday meeting. Beginning 17 April all meetings will be on the third Thursday of each month.

Tallahassee, FL – The Niceville-Valparaiso Kiwanis Club has been honored as a Distinguished Club by Kiwanis International for the 2023-2024 year, recognizing its outstanding service, leadership, and dedication to improving the lives of children and the community. 

 Jeremy Riehl, Kiwanis Florida District Governor, presents a Distinguished Club award to Dr. Bo Arnold, Niceville-Valparaiso Club President, on February 1, 2025 in Tallahassee FL at the Kiwanis Mid-Year Regional Conference.

The Niceville Kiwanis club has worked with the Twin Cities Pavillion to build and install 14 wooden surrounds to improve the appearance of individual air conditioners in resident’s rooms. Kiwanian Charlie Helms built and delivered the units. Pictured (L to R) is Twin Cities Pavillion Director Patty Snow, resident John Montalvo, and Kiwanian Charlie Helms.

Today the club had its annual banquet to present awards and install officers for the new 24-25 fiscal year.  The banquet was held at the Air Force Armament Museum.  

Today the club made its annual donation to the Phinley Huisken Memorial Fund at the Studer Family Children's Hospital at Sacred Heart, Bear Family Foundation Pediatric Oncology Center for Hope.  Present were club members, Phinley's parents, and hospital doctors, administrators, and caregivers.  The club also delivered 100 trauma dolls made by our K-Kids club at Edge Elementary School.  These blank dolls are then used by hospital caregivers in the treatment of their patients.  Typical uses include showing how procedures will be performed, patient input on their feelings, and for decoration by patients.  A sample of a finished doll is shown at right.

Today club members spent a drizzly day working at The Children's Neighborhood of Children in Crisis in Ft. Walton Beach.  The project was to dismantle a playhouse in the playground that had become a safety hazard.  The sturdy building was taken apart and the debris loaded onto a trailer for disposal.  Some materials were salvaged for reuse.

Our annual pancake breakfast and silent auction was a huge success today.  Congratulations to Chris Hughes, winner of “TASTE OF NICEVILLE” raffle with over $300 in local restaurants gift certificates! The Pancake Breakfast was a great success this year thanks to a record attendance from all our friends and neighbors including some from Destin, Crestview and Pensacola!  Over $12,000 was raised to help our local children's charities.  Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time