OUR STORY

WE ARE IMPROVING THE ENVIRONMENT,
CHILDREN'S LIVES, AND THE LIVES OF OLDER ADULTS

We are one of the largest and most active Kiwanis Clubs in the world with 150 members; 95% serve on committees and participate in projects, 23% are female, and 10% are under age 40. Our membership includes city and state government leaders, corporate leaders, nonprofit leaders, civic-minded citizens, and the 2021 Roanoke Citizen of the Year. Twenty-seven of our Club's past presidents remain active members.

We have fun while taking our civic responsibilities seriously. You will find us benefiting from weekly club meeting speakers, conducting young professional activities, engaging in local environmental projects, supporting local youth and high school students, and assisting older adults. As a result of our fundraising, we annually award a substantial amount of money in scholarships for students and grants for local organizations. Networking is an important aspect for our Club members, as are social events.

BRIEF HISTORY

Chartered in 1920, the Kiwanis Club of Roanoke has steadfastly focused on serving the needs of the local community. For decades, Roanoke was the third-largest city in the state. Membership in the early days, as it was for all civic organizations at that time, was comprised of businessmen. Money was raised to support the Children's Home Society of Roanoke, repairing the road from Roanoke to Floyd and to Rocky Mount, and building summer camps for boys and girls.

In 1987, as soon as Kiwanis International voted to allow female members, the Kiwanis Club of Roanoke inducted its first two women. Since then, women have become the lifeblood of the Club; six have served as President. Our 100th anniversary was celebrated in 2020. More recently, the Club has been attracting and benefiting from an increasing number of young professionals. Our active outreach program is responsible for our growth in membership.