A History
of
Kiwanis de Amigos

BY: George Mitcham

1990-91

David Betts is elected to lead the Kiwanis de Amigos into the next decade.  The club assists with the Tucson Marathon, Special Olympics basketball, and numerous other events.  The club donates funds to: Desert Survivors $3,316; Tucson Boys Chorus $3,316; Lighthouse YMCA Day-Care $500; Comstock Children's Foundation $500; Hugh O'Brien Youth Foundation $150; 5 children sent to Kamp Kiwanis; YMCA $1,100; Children's Miracle Network $500; and Educational Enrichment Foundation $500.

1991-92

Under Steve Perkins leadership membership is increased to 24 members.  Members help with the Tucson Marathon and the Pima County Immunization Clinic.  The club donates: $500 to Primavera Foundation; $100 to Tucson Hockey Club; $9,100 to Desert Survivors; $9,100 to Tucson Boys Chorus; $150 to Pima County Juvenile Court; $500 to YMCA; $250 Wright Flight program; $600 to Special Olympics; $250 to Children to Children; $250 to Tucson Literacy Coalition; $1,000 Children's Miracle Network; $1,000 Traveler Aid Society for a new homeless shelter; $9,600 Arizona Children's Home; $500 Make-a-Wish Foundation; $250 to Youth at Risk; and $500 Big Brother/Big Sisters Bowlathon.  The club raises $37,700 during the year for worthy causes.

1992-93

Kiwanis de Amigos began the fiscal year with 23 members and under the leadership of Kent Miller ended with 26 members.  The club members sell beverages at the Rugby Classic Tournament with proceeds going to the rugby team.  Wendy's is the corporate sponsor of the 9th Annual 'Kiwanis for Kids' Golf Tournament, and four billboards advertise the tournament around town.  The club nets $22,600 from the tournament.

Donation were made to the following: $5,875 Desert Survivors; $500 YMCA Scholarship Fund; $5,875 Tucson Boys Chorus; $300 Special Olympics; $450 Big Brother/Big Sisters; $400 Youth on their Own; $500 Boys & Girls Club; $100 Hands Across the Border; $250 Arizona Boys Ranch; $150 Comstock Children's Foundation; $200 Job Corp Scholarship Fund; $795 sends 3 children to Kamp Kiwanis; $500 Children's Miracle Network; $150 Gangbusters; $250 Parent Connection; $700 Arizona Families for Children; and $20,000 to Arizona Children's Home.  The club raises $40,562.

1993-94

With Scott Meyer as club President Kiwanis de Amigos continue their outstanding service to the community.  A joint fund-raiser at the Gaslight Theatre is held with the YMCA.  Members also participate in the Kiwanis Apple Day.  'Cow Chip Bingo' raises $10,500 for the 4-H Clubs.  Approximately $42,000 is contributed to various charities and local non-profit organizations.

Club donations include: $500 Educational Enrichment Fund; $300 Family Center for TTY machine to help hearing impaired; $150 Southern Arizona Academic Decathalon; $800 Blake Foundation; $800 Boys & Girls Club; $500 Lighthouse YMCA; $300 Special Olympics; $1,925 Desert Survivors; $4,880 Tucson Boys Chorus; $1000 Quincy Berger for special equipment; $500 Children's Miracle Network; $575 Parent's Connection; $500 Arizona Families for Children; $23,696 Arizona Children Home; $500 Education Foundation; $500 Our Town; $300 Primavera Foundation; and $2,207 Kiwanis de Amigos Foundation.

1994-95

Gary Greene takes over the leadership of Kiwanis de Amigos with 28 members and increases it to 30 members.  Members help paint a house for Desert Survivors.  Through the Annual'Kiwanis for Kids' Golf Tournament $9,128 is raised for Arizona Children's Home.  'Cow Chip Bingo' raises $5,413 for the 4-H Clubs.

Additional club donations included: $200 Traveler's Aid; Salvation Army $200; $1,000 United Cerebal Palsey; $400 Academic Decathalon; $5,018 Tucson Boys Chorus; $5,018 Desert Survivors; $500 YMCA; $300 Big Brothers/Big Sisters Bowlathon; $1,140 Kamp Kiwanis; $500 Blake Foundation; $500 Children's Miracle Network; $400 Arizona Families For Children; $500 Mervyn's (school clothing); $250 Primavera Foundation; $1,000 Boy's & Girl's Club; and $330 Hoby Sponsorships.  The club spent $43,000 on service projects.