About Us

What is Kiwanis?

Kiwanis International is a global organization of clubs, members, and partners dedicated to improving the lives of children—one community at a time. Founded on January 21, 1915, in Detroit, Michigan, Kiwanis now has over 550,000 members across 80 countries, spanning from K-Kids to Key Club and beyond. Each community has unique needs, and Kiwanis empowers members to address them through initiatives such as fighting hunger, promoting literacy, offering mentorship, and providing leadership training.  

Each year, Kiwanis clubs collectively host nearly 150,000 service projects.  

Kiwanis Organization History

Kiwanis Club of Bainbridge Island was founded in 1958.

Kiwanis International was founded January 21, 1915, in Detroit, Michigan, by Allen Simpson Browne, a Moose lodge organizer, and Joseph G. Prance, a tailor. Kiwanis is an organization devoted to the principle of service; to the advancement of individual, community, and national welfare; and to the strengthening of international goodwill. Kiwanis spans the globe, with more than 300,000 members, giving on average $70 million and 6.5 million volunteer hours for community service each year.

Our Club History

The Kiwanis Club of Bainbridge Island was founded over 67 years ago.  The first organizational meeting took place on June 3, 1958, at the Martinique Restaurant in Winslow. Attendees included Lou Goller, George Thompson, Walt Woodward, Sam Clarke, Tom Dean, and Ed Ulloa from Bainbridge Island, along with Steve Selak and Chuck Reynolds from the Downtown Seattle Kiwanis Club, which sponsored the new club. Lou Goller was elected President pro tem.  

A second meeting was held on July 8, 1958, at the Coffee Shop Restaurant in Winslow, where Ambrose Richards—a Kiwanian since 1919 and a charter member of the Seattle Club—advised members to “pull together and stick together.” At this meeting, Walt Woodward proposed a $10 membership fee and $24 annual dues, seconded by Sam Clarke.  

The first official Board of Directors meeting took place on July 15, 1958, with the following leadership: President: Lou Goller, First Vice President: Gordon Herron, Second Vice President: Sam Clarke, Treasurer: Tom Dean, Secretary: Ed Ulloa 

This date marks the official charter of the Kiwanis Club of Bainbridge Island. Today, our club continues to be governed by elected officers and a dedicated Board of Directors.  

The Kiwanis Mission & Vision

Kiwanis empowers communities to improve the world by making lasting differences in children’s lives. Our vision is for all children to grow up in communities that believe in, nurture, and support them.  

Our club fulfills this mission by actively engaging in Kiwanis Community Service Projects.