-- Anne Frank

Dear Cal-Nev-Ha Kiwanians,

As I begin my term as Foundation President, I have taken a moment to reflect on my time serving as a member of the Foundation's Board of Directors; first as a Director and, later, as Vice President. When I think about this time, two things rise to the top - how fortunate I am to have had the opportunity to be of service alongside such a remarkable group of individuals, and the enormous satisfaction I feel knowing the difference we've made in the lives of so many children and their families.

Have any of you ever thought about why each of us dedicates so much of our personal time and energies into improving the lives of children? For many of us, it's our life's work, or, perhaps more appropriately, our life's passion. There is so much work to be done, so many children still to benefit from our service and commitment. And yet, it's about more than that. For many of us, this lifelong passion was born of a single moment, our 'Kiwanis moment.' But why is that moment so important? I believe it is because nothing is so important, so rewarding, as making a difference in the life of child. My favorite quotation is that "No man stands so tall as when he stoops to help a child." This is my passion.

The Kiwanis Cal-Nev-Ha Foundation has found our mission in improving the lives of children and families in the communities we share. We are doing just that together with our Kiwanis family. In communities throughout this District, children receive free safety equipment such as helmets and protective gear; mothers and fathers learn how to prevent unintentional injury from happening to their children; young parents receive critical information on how to care for their newborn child; nurses, doctors and first responders receive, at no cost, cutting-edge pediatric emergency medical training, and more than 4,500 children and youth each year receive the best pediatric emergency medical care available.

My goal as Foundation President over the next two years is simple: I want to be of greater service. As a result of the economic difficulties facing so many families, I need to ensure our Foundation is strong and in a position to support more children and families than ever before. This year, the Foundation will be partnering with First Lady Cheryl to support the Hope 4 Kids program in an effort to reduce the number of young children who experience the devastating effects of homelessness. Not since the great depression have so many of our families faced homelessness.

The Foundation's network of partner hospitals will be turning to us this year for an unprecedented level of support. As funding streams continue to be cut, those who care for our children will look to Kiwanis to fill the gaps. As our communities have fewer dollars for public programs, they will look to their local Kiwanis clubs to host safety fairs and provide education and information to families with young children. Reading programs, library days, and bike fairs, all of these are ways our Kiwanis family works together to make a difference.

The Foundation is here to support our Kiwanis family in their endeavors to be of service. I urge you to apply for funding to support your worthwhile community programs; we want to work with you. I hope you'll partner with First Lady Cheryl in her efforts to impact homelessness. And I hope you'll chose to support your Foundation this year so we may address the growing needs in our various communities. When all is said and done, it's not about us as individuals, it's about the children. And together, we can do more.

Pat Liddell
President
Cal-Nev-Ha Foundation