Kiwanis may have existed in Woodlake as early as the 1920’s when Muz Mullen complained about members not showing up for the dinners she made. But if it did exist, the depression depleted the group.
The Mullins in front of The Mill Inn, Woodlake, circa 1920’s
Not until 1989 when Gene Sheesley from Visalia walked the streets of Woodlake rounding up potential members did the modern Kiwanis of Woodlake Club come into existence. Sally Pace, Bob and Linda Hengst and Alice Fesperman responded to the call and took up the banner to recruit and build the service organization in Woodlake.
Sally Pace stated that, “At the time it was the only service club that accepted both men and women into the same club. “
Over the years the organization had maintained about twenty to forty members and become part of the backbone of Woodlake. The group specializes in serving food at many events as well two signature events of its own – Toys for Joy in the winter and July 3rd Blast in the summer. There are many other events throughout the year.
In 2017 Kiwanis of Woodlake was named the Non-Profit Organization of the Year.
The Kiwanis Mission & Vision
Kiwanis empowers communities to improve the world by making lasting differences in the lives of children. Kiwanis strives to be a positive influence in communities worldwide — so that one day, all children will wake up in communities that believe in them, nurture them and provide the support they need to thrive. Our Kiwanis club fulfills the Kiwanis mission by serving our community through Kiwanis Community Service Projects
Kiwanis Service
Service is at the heart of every Kiwanis club, no matter where in the world it’s located. Members stage approximately 150,000 service projects and raise nearly US$100 million every year for communities, families and projects. By working together, members achieve what one person cannot accomplish alone.
Our Kiwanis club focuses on changing the world by serving children, one child in our community at a time. To reach more people and have a greater service impact on their communities, many clubs sponsor a Kiwanis family club — K-Kids for primary school children; Builders Clubs for adolescents; Key Clubs for teens; Circle K clubs for university students and Aktion Clubs for adults living with disabilities.
Join Us
Our Kiwanis club fulfills the Kiwanis mission by serving our community through Kiwanis community service projects.
Are you ready to help create communities that let all children thrive, prosper and grow? It’s pretty easy to do! Simply contact us with your questions and apply for Kiwanis club membership here.
The kids in your community and the world are counting on you!
About our Kiwanis Club
A Brief History of Kiwanis of Woodlake:
Kiwanis may have existed in Woodlake as early as the 1920’s when Muz Mullen complained about members not showing up for the dinners she made. But if it did exist, the depression depleted the group.
The Mullins in front of The Mill Inn, Woodlake, circa 1920’s
Not until 1989 when Gene Sheesley from Visalia walked the streets of Woodlake rounding up potential members did the modern Kiwanis of Woodlake Club come into existence. Sally Pace, Bob and Linda Hengst and Alice Fesperman responded to the call and took up the banner to recruit and build the service organization in Woodlake.
Sally Pace stated that, “At the time it was the only service club that accepted both men and women into the same club. “
Over the years the organization had maintained about twenty to forty members and become part of the backbone of Woodlake. The group specializes in serving food at many events as well two signature events of its own – Toys for Joy in the winter and July 3rd Blast in the summer. There are many other events throughout the year.
In 2017 Kiwanis of Woodlake was named the Non-Profit Organization of the Year.
The Kiwanis Mission & Vision
Kiwanis empowers communities to improve the world by making lasting differences in the lives of children. Kiwanis strives to be a positive influence in communities worldwide — so that one day, all children will wake up in communities that believe in them, nurture them and provide the support they need to thrive. Our Kiwanis club fulfills the Kiwanis mission by serving our community through Kiwanis Community Service Projects
Kiwanis Service
Service is at the heart of every Kiwanis club, no matter where in the world it’s located. Members stage approximately 150,000 service projects and raise nearly US$100 million every year for communities, families and projects. By working together, members achieve what one person cannot accomplish alone.
Our Kiwanis club focuses on changing the world by serving children, one child in our community at a time. To reach more people and have a greater service impact on their communities, many clubs sponsor a Kiwanis family club — K-Kids for primary school children; Builders Clubs for adolescents; Key Clubs for teens; Circle K clubs for university students and Aktion Clubs for adults living with disabilities.
Join Us
Our Kiwanis club fulfills the Kiwanis mission by serving our community through Kiwanis community service projects.
Are you ready to help create communities that let all children thrive, prosper and grow? It’s pretty easy to do! Simply contact us with your questions and apply for Kiwanis club membership here.
The kids in your community and the world are counting on you!