PROJECTS
The Rooster Roast was held on December 6, 2023. This was a new fundraising event for The University City Kiwanis Club.
The primary youth organizations designated to benefit this year were Young Life and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Pecan Project
Chairman: Dan Tew
WHAT: A project started by club founder Les Garner that began with members bagging and selling peanuts has evolved. Club members currently sell pecans as a fundraising project prior to Thanksgiving and Christmas.
WHEN: Primary distribution is in the fall.
Dan Tew dedicates countless hours to direct the club's pecan and peanut project.
Club members turn out in force to support the Great Golf Ball Drop at Brook Valley Country Club.
Great Golf Ball Drop
Chairman: Bob Galbraith
WHAT: Launched in 2018 by club member Bob Galbraith, the Great Golf Ball Drop raises additional funds for the club to distribute. Buckets of 1,000 golf balls are dumped from high above a flag stick, and the three balls closest to the pin win a share of the pot from sales of tickets. The Great Golf Ball Drop has been held in conjunction with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes' annual golf tournament ay Brook Valley Country Club.
WHEN: Once a year in spring/summer
Patrick Porter and Lewis Cahoon help man the Kiwanis booth at the annual Down East Holiday Show.
Down East Holiday Show
Chairman: Whitman Brown
WHAT: University City Kiwanis members and their blue shirts have become a tradition at the Down East Holiday Show, a fundraiser for the Pitt Community College Foundation held annually at the Greenville Convention Center. The club's booth is stocked for the holiday season with peanuts, pecans and pecan logs, ready for the more than 12,000 shoppers looking to get in the Christmas spirit early. The three-day event requires numerous volunteer hours to man the booth to not only sell but to share how University City Kiwanis is making a difference in the community.
WHEN: First weekend in November
Barry Sugg and many of his fellow Kiwanians to ring the bell for The Salvation Army.
Salvation Army Bell Ringing
Chairman: Lewis Cahoon
WHAT: University City Kiwanis members strap on the red vests of The Salvation Army on a designated Saturday in December to ring the bell during the annual Red Kettle Campaign. Members are stationed at various stores throughout Pitt County, some bringing along their families, seasonal music or holiday treats to get shoppers in Christmas -- and giving -- spirit. University City Kiwanis typically ranks as one of the top fund-raising groups during The Salvation Army's bell-ringing efforts.
WHEN: Second or third Saturday in December
Ray Spears helps bring smiles to Special Olympics perticipants during the softball throw.
Special Olympics
Chairman: Bill Cox
WHAT: Participating in the annual Pitt County Special Olympics Spring Games has become a favorite among many University City Kiwanis members. Kiwanians team up with other local volunteers to direct the softball throw on the J.H. Rose High School soccer field, encouraging and interacting with Special Olympics participants, recording measurements and submitting results. It also creates an opportunity for fellowship and to put the Kiwanis mission into action.
WHEN: Typically on a Friday in April
Ed Daughtry is "Santa" year-round and plays the part perfectly during the Santa Project.
Santa Project
Chairman: Edwin Gray
WHAT: The signature project of University City Kiwanis raises nearly $20,000 and distributes presents to 125 Boys & Girls Clubs members. The Santa Project requires a team effort to make Christmas brighter for children, from raising funs spearheaded by Edwin Gray, to shopping and wrapping gifts by other volunteer groups, to the big day that includes songs from UCK member Rob Hall to Domino's pizza donated by UCK member to a visit with Santa, masterfully played for many years by UCK member "Santa" Ed Daughtry.
WHEN: Second or third Sunday in December