A Word from Andy Klingelhoefer, 2022-2023 First Mate
As a career university administrator, I have a special place in my heart for Circle K clubs (CKI) and their ability to serve their college community and the community at large.
The mission of Circle K International is to develop college and university students who strive to be responsible citizens and leaders with a lifelong commitment to community service.
Their motto is “Live to Serve, Love to Serve.” And yet, less than 1% of CKI members join a Kiwanis club upon graduation.
To support our District’s Circle K members in growing their clubs and developing their leadership skills, I’ve created the K.I.C.K. Initiative as my First Mate’s Project this year.
Funds raised through the K.I.C.K. Initiative (Kiwanians Investing in Circle K) will be used to provide aid to Circle K members to attend the 2023 Circle K International Convention (ICON) by providing reimbursement of a portion of a student’s ICON convention expenditures.
Any remaining monies at the end of the First Mate’s year will be donated to the Circle K Scholarship Fund, administered by the CNH Children’s Fund.
Additionally, the Cal-Nev-Ha Children’s Fund has provided funds in their 2022-2023 budget to kickstart the Freshman Ambassador program, a new program to increase leadership opportunities in CKI.
Simply stated, the K.I.C.K. Initiative will:
- Encourage CKI members to develop their leadership training skills by attending the 2023 CKI International Convention in Minneapolis, MN;
- Increase the visibility of CKI within the Kiwanis family; and
- Attract CKI alums to join Kiwanis upon graduation.
I hope each you will join me in supporting the K.I.C.K. Initiative. My goal is to raise $15,000 to support this initiative. Here are some of the ways you can make this happen:
- Encourage your club to support the First Mate’s Project with a club donation – Clubs will be recognized with a banner patch for contributions of $150 or more
- Develop fundraising projects with proceeds earmarked for the First Mate’s Project
- Donate $5 to receive a time-limited 2022-2023 First Mate’s Pin
- Invest $10 to receive a distinctive limited-edition First Mate’s Challenge Coin
- Build a CKI club this year. Learn how
More About Circle K –
Circle K inspires college students to better our world and provides constructive opportunities for students to become involved on their campuses and communities through service work to others in need. CKI members have the chance to work with fellow students, children in the community, and other adults in need of special programs. CKI students are the best of the best on each college campus where they choose to serve.
Collectively, Circle K members annually perform more than one million hours of service on their campuses and in their communities. CKI members assume leadership responsibilities at all levels of the organization and actively contribute to the operation of their respective clubs, divisions, and communities.
Many CKI members choose to work reduced hours, juggle internships, and work minimum wage jobs to help others in need. Watching the men and women of CKI work together in serving their communities gives me hope for the future. Their altruism is truly awe-inspiring.