WELCOME! WE HOPE YOU CAN JOIN US.
The Golden K Kiwanis is a service club dedicated to serving the children of the world. 

The name Kiwanis was coined from an expression in the language of an American Indian tribe from Michigan,”Nunce Kee-wanis” which translates to “we trade” or “we share our talents.” More...

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The Elgin Golden K Kiwanis Club meets every Wednesday morning at 9 a.m. in the basement of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church at 357 Division St. in Elgin, Illinois. More...
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On Novenber19 we were pleased to award funding in support of Connor Norman's Eagle Scout project for the Ruth Project Farm in Sycamore IL. We wish Connor the best regards in his vital activity.
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August 16 - City Council member Steve Thoren shows off his 1934 Model T Ford. Steve filled us in on the history of the Elgin National Road Races 1910-1920.
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Jerry Turnquist presents our June 5th donation of $2,000 to Maureen Manning, Executive Director of Elgin's Community Crisis Center.
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Chrystal Maxwell, Boys and Girls Club Senior Director of Community Engagement, accepts our $2,500 donation on December 20th. Boys and Girls Club does so much for Elgin's youth! This donation is in memory of Elgin Golden K member, Jim VandeDrink. Photo courtesy of Sara Johnson
We're a service club dedicated to serving the children of the world.

We have one major fund raiser each year. The bulk of the money we collect to support the club and our many charitable causes comes from our annual “Peanut Days” campaign.

However, it's not all we do, not by a long shot. Learn more about our projects and how you can get involved.

​Join Jerry Turnquist (below) as he introduces the Newspaper Throw, a new Kiwanis activity for next year!

Kiwanis Golden K supports a food pantry where guests leave with a cartful of groceries and the security of knowing they won’t have to worry about food. We donate hours of work so they will have enough food so they can afford to pay rent, buy medicine, or put gas in the car to get to work. Parents shouldn’t have to choose between feeding their kids and keeping the lights on. 

This week's presentation

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Our December 3rd meeting featured George Arsonaidis - founder of The Big Skillet Restaurant. George explained the new ownership of Big Skillet and announced that the restaurant has closed for a month or two for a complete renovation. It will open with a secret new name - something ending in the word "Cafe" - To Be Announced. George is semi-retired and will continue to run the show. George is one of 16 restauranteurs who operate 17 restaurants in and around Elgin.

Lake Geneva Cruise, 2025

Lyle Wolff set up another Lake Geneva Cruise for this year. It was July 30, and almost everyone was there. A special time was set aside to remember Tom Petersen, who passed away on May 25. Rain was predicted for all day, but there was only a light rain so the cruise was a big success! Thanks Lyle!

July 16 featured Martin Lopez and his educational service - ​4 Strings Attached

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August 16 Kiwanis community sharing at Elgin Township event - What Makes Elgin Township Tick. 12 Kiwanians volunteered to help. Pictured (l to r) are Dave Rohlwing, Sara Johnson, Dave Wheelock Thom Lenz, John Moravek , and Karen Snyder.
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On August 21 we were pleased to donate $350 to TRIAD. The TRI - is for 3 organizations - the link between seniors, senior organizations and Law Enforcement working together to educate & reduce crimes against seniors.
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Jim Feuerborn and Sue Welu - both U-46 retired administrators join Dr. Tony Sanders join and Jerry Turnquist.
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On July 12 we were privileged to donate $6,000 to the ECC Foundation. Eric Solberg, ECC Director of Giving, accepted the check and spoke briefly about our Golden K Kiwanis Scholarship Fund. This fund provides scholarship help for student nurses in the successful ECC nursing program. It supports students with a GPA of 3.0 or greater who are studying nursing have demonstrated a financial need, have been involved with leadership of sports or clubs on campus, and are District 509 residents. This is one of many local projects supported by Kiwanis Golden K. Please stop by any Wednesday at 9:00 am in Lind Hall of Holy Trinity Church, 357 Division Street in Elgin We are carefully guarding a free half-doughnut for you!
WHAT'S NEW...
If you want to buy Kiwanis Peanuts and support a local service club, you can order the peanuts by sending an e-mail to our club Secretary Ron Blake at [email protected]. You get 100 packs of delicious peanuts in every box, priced at $36.00 a box. We appreciate your help in these challenging times.
On December 13th we met for a Christmas Banquet at the Legion Hall. Please see out Banquets page!
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Aug 13th brought Cherie Ashenbrenner in for her annual visit, keeping us up to date on so many things that happen to seniors in Elgin. She’s been at this for 25 years, and now has become especially involved with helping many people find memory care. The 501c(3) effort is Dementia Friendly Elgin, which has an informative website at dementiafriendlyelginarea.org Cherie reminded us that 20% of individuals aged 80 years and older have Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia. (not to be confused with age-related forgetfulness - forgetting names etc.) She also hosts “Memory Café,” a weekly show on WRMN radio.
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In our weekly Wednesday meetings, there's an occasional time for clowning around. Jokes anyone?