GREAT BEND, KS — The Kiwanis Club of Great Bend is marking a significant milestone this year as it celebrates 85 years of dedicated service to the community. This remarkable achievement represents decades of commitment to improving the lives of children and strengthening the fabric of Great Bend through volunteerism and community partnership.
To commemorate this anniversary, we spoke with current President Barry Bowers and Past President Jay Luerman about the club’s enduring mission, impactful projects, and vision for the future.
A Legacy of Service
“It is a huge accomplishment to have existed for 85 years!” reflects Bowers, emphasizing the significance of the club’s longevity. Luerman adds that this milestone “means that Kiwanis Club has made a memorable impact on our community.”
The club’s mission remains as relevant today as it was at its founding. “Our mission is to make the world a better place one community and one child at a time,” explains Bowers. “We are focused on projects that support the youth.” This focus translates into substantial financial support, with the club contributing over $10,000 annually to youth activities, events, and play equipment, according to Luerman.
Transforming the Community Through Action
Over the decades, the Kiwanis Club of Great Bend has left its mark on the community through numerous projects that enhance quality of life for residents. Among their most visible contributions are the walking trail, playground, and splash pad shelter at Veterans Park. The club is also working on a new shade shelter at the recently rehabilitated Heizer Park.
Beyond infrastructure improvements, the club maintains a robust calendar of community events. They organize an annual spelling bee, Easter egg hunt, and Halloween costume exchange and parade. During the holiday season, the club demonstrates its commitment to addressing food insecurity by delivering 50 food boxes every December.
Luerman particularly values the spelling bee, sharing, “My favorite activity is the spelling bee. I am just amazed how gifted our spellers we have in our community.”
For Bowers, the club’s flag project holds special meaning. “Our flag project is special to me. It is our only fundraiser, but it is a great addition to our community at the same time.” This initiative exemplifies the club’s approach of creating community benefit while supporting their mission.
Personal Impact and Community Connection
Both leaders emphasize how their Kiwanis involvement has enriched their personal lives while allowing them to give back. “Giving back to our community is a large part of why I belong,” says Bowers. “Our community has had a long history of folks giving back and I want to be a small part of that.”
Luerman reflects on the collective power of the organization: “Our local Kiwanis Club has showed me how impactful a small group of people can make if their mission and goals are aligned.”
Enduring Relevance
When asked what keeps Kiwanis meaningful after 85 years, Bowers offers a simple but profound observation: “Trying to make the community better will never grow out of style.”
For those unfamiliar with the organization, Bowers encourages involvement as “a great way to impact our local youth, learn more about our community in general, and meet people you might not cross paths with otherwise.”
Luerman is passionate about sharing the club’s message more broadly: “I personally just love the mission of Kiwanis. Our local group does so much impactful work within our community, we just need to share the message better!”
Looking Forward
As the Kiwanis Club of Great Bend looks toward the future, both leaders express optimism and ambition. Bowers maintains a positive outlook, stating simply, “It can only get better!”
Luerman has specific growth goals in mind: “I would like to grow the club. I know our mission and annual contributions are impactful and I want the club to be healthy for another 85 years!”
A Continuing Legacy
The Kiwanis Club of Great Bend’s 85-year journey reflects the enduring power of community service and the impact that dedicated volunteers can have on their neighbors. From playground equipment to spelling bees, from walking trails to holiday food boxes, the club has woven itself into the fabric of Great Bend life.
As they celebrate this milestone anniversary, the club stands as a testament to the idea that small groups of committed individuals can indeed make their community—and the world—a better place, one child and one project at a time. With leadership focused on growth and continued impact, the Kiwanis Club of Great Bend is well-positioned to serve the community for another 85 years and beyond.
About the Kiwanis Club of Great Bend
The Kiwanis Club of Great Bend has been serving the local community for 85 years, focusing on projects and initiatives that improve the lives of children and strengthen the community. The club contributes over $10,000 annually to youth activities, events, and play equipment while organizing community events including spelling bees, holiday celebrations, and food distribution programs. As part of Kiwanis International, the local club is committed to making the world a better place one community and one child at a time. For more information about the Kiwanis Club of Great Bend or to learn about membership opportunities, contact President Barry Bowers at barry@spectrumcpa.com or Jay Luerman at jluerman@firstkansasbank.com.
