The Kiwanis Club of Vero-Treasure Coast held the Annual Installation and Awards Dinner on Sunday, October 24, 2021, at the Vero Beach Yacht Club. Kiwanis Past President and newly elected Lt. Governor, Al Sammartino served as the Master of Ceremonies.
For 2021-2022 Doug Vitunac has been named Kiwanis Club President. Doug served as Vice President this past year. He is a Vero local, a graduate of Vero Beach High School, the University of Florida, and Florida Coastal School of Law. He is active in the community and has been involved in the Treasure Coast Gator Club, various Christian charities including Habitat for Humanity, and other service organizations.
Other new club officers include Jim Wolfe, Vice President; Bob Marshbanks, Secretary; and Mara Wicklund and Kevin Brown as Treasurers.
Throughout the meeting Sammartino presented awards to many Kiwanis members for their long-time service and ongoing contributions to achieving the Kiwanis Mission. This Kiwanis District 16 has been named the Best District in Florida.
The Award for serving as Key Club Advisors went to Cheryl Warriner, Vero Beach High School, and Jessica Kelly, Indian River Charter High School.
Other awards were given to Tim Wright, Steffan Lundberg, Jeff Meyer, Milt Thomas, Chester Clem, Bob Marshbanks and Gene Cravens. Marshbanks has served as Treasure for 45 years and never missed a meeting. Cravens been a Kiwanis member for 65 years.
To conclude the presentations Cheryl Warriner was named the Key Kiwanis Person of the Year and Matt MacClaren received Kiwanian of the Year.
The Kiwanis Club of Vero Treasure Coast is actively involved in serving our community. Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to helping children and community. Each year the Kiwanis Club of Vero Treasure Coast provides scholarships to Indian River County high school graduates through the annual golf tournament. Kiwanis also sponsors Kiwanis Youth in Action, a program that engages teens in helping non-profits and individuals with home repairs and painting as well as other community service projects. The annual Take a Kid Fishing Tournament is held in May bringing elementary age children and parents together for a fun morning of fishing.
For more information about Kiwanis and how to join visit www.verokiwanis.com The club meets each Wednesday at noon at the Vero Beach Yacht Club.