KIWANIS CLUB OF ARUBA CELEBRATES 60 YEARS OF EXISTENCE

On February 20th, the members of the Kiwanis Club of Aruba celebrated their 60th anniversary at La Cabana Beach Resort & Casino. The special guest for this jubilee was the Governor of Aruba, His Excellency Mr. Alfonso Boekhoudt, who was warmly welcomed in the ballroom by President Tessely Koolman-Ranis and Mr. Pierre Kock, F&B Director of La Cabana Beach Resort & Casino, along with all the members present.

The Master of Ceremonies, Mr. Ebby Schwengle, a double distinguished past President, welcomed all the members present and elaborated on the history of the Kiwanis Club of Aruba, which began on November 21, 1964. At that time, the late Mr. Clinton Whitfield, as the first President, received a delegation from Canada during the first meeting. Various topics were brought forward with the main goal of helping the community of Aruba, particularly children in need. With great enthusiasm, the late Mr. Clinton Whitfield, along with his board and new members, accepted this challenge. On February 20, 1964, the Kiwanis Club of Aruba was officially chartered by representatives of Kiwanis International. The vision of the late Mr. Clint Whitfield remains intact to this day, leading to the establishment of various Kiwanis Clubs in Aruba for adults, young adults, and youth, totaling around 300 members.

Distinguished Governor of the Kiwanis Club of Aruba, Mr. Robert Spellen, elaborated on the various projects executed in the past, explaining how the club creatively raised funds to continuously support the community in its needs and the importance of continuing this work. DLG of the Kiwanis Club of Aruba, Mr. Giantonio Muller, elaborated on the successful project he initiated during his tenure in 2017, the "Christmas Ornaments," which annually raised significant sums, thus contributing to a good cause executed by Fundacion Ban Uni Man pa Cria nos Muchanan.

In the presence of all special guests and members, a symbolic check of AWG 15,000 was presented to the President and members of Fundacion Ban Uni Man pa Cria nos Muchanan, Mr. Jonn Fun and Rachelle Roos, who elaborated on the important and tireless work being done to provide daily breakfasts to children in need during school hours. This is an important cause that the Kiwanis Club of Aruba has been supporting for nearly 25 years!

A special moment was also presented for Mr. Andre Kelly, who was re-installed as a member of the Kiwanis Club of Aruba during this special celebration. In the past, he served as President and Vice Governor, representing the Kiwanis Club of Young Professionals, now called the Kiwanis Club of Aruba Trade Leaders.

The celebration concluded with a beautiful speech by the Governor of Aruba, His Excellency Mr. Alfonso Boekhoudt.

The Kiwanis Club of Aruba wishes to thank everyone and every entity that, in one way or another, has believed in and contributed to its main goal of helping children in need during its 60 years of existence.

The Kiwanis Club of Aruba has existed since November 21, 1964, with the main goal of improving the lives of children in Aruba. This is achieved by organizing various fundraising projects, volunteer work, and awareness projects. For more information about the Kiwanis Club of Aruba, please visit https://www.kiwanisclubofaruba.com or our Facebook page.