The first Friday of September is the set date for the Kiwanis Club of Kirkland ‘s annual Installation Banquet. It is the biggest social event of the year for the club and a big money maker for the kids in our community. The in-coming president for the year, Bill Ward, was installed, along with two new board members. Outgoing president, Ralph Loveland, was commended for a job well done during this past year and given kudos by everyone at the banquet with a standing ovation.
This year the banquet was held at the Kirkland Woman’s Club and about 100 members and spouses gathered for the festivities. There was a photo booth capturing fun times to remember and keeping them for posterity. The K-band, the KCK’s own oldies rock and roll band, made their debut at the banquet with fun tunes from the past. Clubbers jived in their seats and sang along. A spoof to the song Mustang Sally was sung to Ward and Ralph Loveland, the outgoing president, did his Doo Wop moves with the gals in the band.
There was a live auction and a raffle that collected money that will fund the club’s basic operating expenses, which enable it to then allocate 100 percent of money through fundraising to go directly to helping kids in our community. The Kiwanian of the Year award was given to Bonni Sundberg for an outstanding job during the year.
One of the highlights of the evening was a visit to our club by two distinguished guests. It was an honor and a privilege to have Bob Munger, Pacific Northwest District Governor for 2014-15 and his wife Judy join in the fun. Also, present were Ferrin Lauve and his wife Nancy from the Providence Point Kiwanis Club in Issaquah. Lauve was installed by Munger to the position of Lieutenant Governor for PNWD Division 28 for the coming year. KCK’s own Lt. Gov. Matt Gregory.
Governor for PNWD Division 28 and secretary to club was among our special guests. Gregory has been in the position for two years and KCK secretary for four years.
As the evening came to a close, KCK members and spouses gathered up their treasures from the auction and raffle and headed home with smiles on their faces and warmth in their hearts, knowing that the Kiwanis Club of Kirkland will be moving into another great year of fun and service to the community of Kirkland.
If you would like more information about the Kiwanis Club of Kirkland, visit our website or contact Secretary Matt Gregory at (425) 828-0231. The club meets every Wednesday at noon at Hector’s in downtown Kirkland. If you are in the area, drop in – the club will buy you lunch!
Bonnie Sundberg is with the Kiwanis Club of Kirkland.
