The Florida District of Kiwanis International is partnering with the March of Dimes as state preferred charity for their fiscal year, from October 1, 2005 until September 30, 2006. The March of Dimes was selected by the First Gentleman of Kiwanis, Dave Batelaan, as his project. Dave and his wife (shown left), Donna Batelaan, the Kiwanis Governor, have experienced the mission of the March of Dimes firsthand. Dave was born with spina bifida and Donna contracted polio at the age of four.

Kiwanis is a world wide service organization of men and women who share the challenge of improving their community. The Florida District, comprised of more than 290 clubs and 11,000 Kiwanians, is one of the largest and most successful districts in Kiwanis International.

In 1990, Kiwanis began a campaign called Young Children: Priority One, focusing on their support of children from prenatal through five years old. Annually, Kiwanis clubs spend $35 million and volunteer for one million hours through projects involving parent education and support, safety and pediatric trauma, child care and development, and maternal and infant health.

The March of Dimes is being added to the list of charities that Kiwanis clubs will work to support in the next year. Clubs across the state will be participating in WalkAmerica and Signature Chef’s Auctions, as well as organizing their own events in support of the March of Dimes.

For more information on the Kiwanis Club visit www.floridakiwanis.com.