Holiday Bazaar - November 19
Enjoy crafts for sale and snacks! Join the Kiwanis for their annual Holiday Bazaar on Saturday, November 19, 2022, from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. The event will be held at the Elmwood Park Recreation Center, located at 2 Conti Parkway.
For more information, Debra DeSalvo at 708.456.0073.
Want to be a crafter at the fair? Click this link to download the application.
About
Montclare - Elmwood Park Kiwanis has been serving the community and its children since May 1934, as well as supporting national and international Kiwanis initiatives. Our local chapter also supports teen volunteer activities and leadership development through Key Clubs at Elmwood Park High School and Guerin Prep.
Recent examples of Kiwanis making a difference in the lives of children and their families include a donation toward a wheelchair for a young woman paralyzed in an accident and sponsorship of a young boy with physical challenges to attend a summer camp.
Meetings & Members
Kiwanis meet two-to-three times a month. Their typical schedule includes 1-2 Tuesday meetings at 12:30 p.m. held at the Library and one evening meeting on the second Thursday of the month held at a local restaurant. Please check periodically, as the list below will be updated if there is a change to location or time, or additional meeting dates.
Officers
- President - Debra DeSalvo
- Vice President - John Baynes
- Treasurer -
- Secretary - Toni Guyon, Jenny Lynn Raffe, Gabe Caporale, Dr. Leah Gauthier
Activities
The Montclare -Elmwood Park Kiwanis hosts a variety of annual events, including Peanut Days, and regularly participates in community and special events.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
- Hafla - This belly dance and multicultural dance showcase is held every January at the River Park Moose Lodge in River Grove and includes refreshments, raffles, vendors, and more. Bring the whole family. Be a part of the "kid dance" or "man dance" to help Kiwanis raise money for local families, children, and charities in need.
- Pancake Breakfast with the Bunny - Enjoy breakfast and get a picture with the Bunny. Also includes a coloring station, raffle prizes, and more. This event is typically held prior to Easter Sunday at Elmwood Park High School.
- Bowl-a-Thon - This spring event is sponsored by area Kiwanis groups with proceeds go to the Kiwanis Neuroscience Research Foundation aiding those with neuro-muscular and paralytic health issues, also known as "spastic paralysis". Drop-ins are welcome, but please contact us for information about sponsorships or if you know you would like to create a team (up to 6 people).
- Fourth of July Parade - Look for us in Elmwood Park's annual parade. We'll have some goodies to give away.
- Relay for Life - Kiwanis always sponsors a team at this annual summer event. Come join us and help raise funds for breast cancer research, support survivors, and honor those who lost their battles.
- Cruizin' with Kiwanis - Look for this event in the summer and fall - Russell's BBQ hosts our annual car extravaganza. Owners donate to Kiwanis to show their cars, while the public may attend for free. Enjoy music, enter our raffles, and take in all the classic cars, hot rods, and roadsters you can handle. Russell's will be barbecuing outside and their full menu will be available for purchase.
- Peanut Days - Each September, you'll see us at the stop lights and intersections around town on specific days, but you can also purchase a box of peanuts or pretzels. We will also pay postage if you buy a box to send to the Troops overseas.
- Holiday Bazaar - Annually in November/December - Get your holiday shopping done early - crafts, art, candies, jewelry, home goods and more!
- Pictures with Santa - Annually in early December - Kiwanis participates in annual Village holiday events. Look for us with the EPNCO at St. Celestine's for Marine Lance Cpl. Nickolas A. Daniels Toys for Tots Breakfast with Santa.
Supporting the Community
The funds raised by Kiwanis support many individuals and community organizations. We are proud of our continuing and growing partnerships with the Village of Elmwood Park and its Fire, Police, and Park & Rec Departments, Elmwood Park High School, Guerin Prep, Shriners Hospital, Adopt-a-Kid Inc., Friends of the Handicapped, Relay for Life, our local parochial schools, PACCT, and many others.
If you are interested in learning more about how we support these organizations or are interested in volunteering at their annual events, please join us for a Kiwanis meeting and we'll be happy to tell you all about the many opportunities to help and give back to others.
How to Participate
Adults interested in learning more about Kiwanis, its mission, and service projects are welcome to attend any of our local meetings, or you can contact club President, Gabe Caporal. Kiwanis seeks active members who are able to attend meetings, assist in program planning, and help us build strong community connections and partnerships to help the world, one child at a time.
Students interested in joining their high school's Key Club should contact their school's activity director or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. As a Key Club member you will attend club meetings at your school and have the opportunity to volunteer at various Kiwanis events, including face painting.
How to Contribute or Donate
Kiwanis is able to provide for children in need because of generous donations from the community, as well as the time and effort of Kiwanis members and volunteers.
If you or your business is interested in sponsoring an event, providing a raffle prize or gift card, or making a monetary donation, please contact the current President of the Montclare-Elmwood Park Kiwanis, listed above. Thank you for past, present, and future support of this important community organization.
Correspondence
All correspondence, including registration forms and payments, can be directed to River Grove Post Office, P.O. Box 475, River Grove, IL 60171
