| "WE BUILD", the motto
of Kiwanis International, has guided the Kiwanis Club of Trenton
since it was chartered in 1950. From
its beginning, the club emphasized service to youth. In the
1950's, it's Peanut Day raised funds for Kiwanis Children's Day.
In the 1960's, the club produced a variety
show called "The Kiwanis Frolics," featuring the best talent
Trenton had to offer, from church choirs to "The Whistling Belly
Buttons." The revenues from ticket sales, like all Kiwanis
fundraisers before and since, were totally devoted to projects
which served others.
The first Kiwanis Little League Tournament
in 1962 was such a success that forty-three have followed.
The projects of Kiwanis have been as
varied as the club's members and their talents. Non-interest
loans to FAA members are made for everything from feeder pigs to
tractor restorations. The club supports North Central Missouri
College through scholarships. Many people first visit Trenton
for the Kiwanis Car Show. The KTTN/Kiwanis Christmas Wish
assures a Merry Christmas for needy children. Other current
Kiwanis services includes: Terrific Kids, Adopt a Highway,
Spring Cleanup, Courthouse Flag Display, Key and Builders Clubs
and support of many other events and projects.
The largest undertaking in the club
history was construction of the enclosed shelter house in
Moberly Park. Countless man-hours went into the project to
provide Trenton a useful multi-purpose structure.
Trenton Kiwanis has distinguished itself
in leadership. Jack Arnold, the club's senior member, served as
Kiwanis lieutenant governor in 1968. Ruby Woodson, the club's
first female member, has served as club president and lieutenant
governor. Her husband, Dave Woodson, served two terms as
president, three terms as lieutenant governor, and as governor
of the Missouri-Arkansas District of Kiwanis International.
Three Trenton Kiwanians have received the Hixon Award for
outstanding service and support to Kiwanis: Dave Woodson, Ruby
Woodson and Leo Fuhr. The Woodson's also hold the highest
Kiwanis award: Tablet of Honor.
The Trenton Kiwanis Club now has 28
members. Like those first Trenton Kiwanians of over a half
century ago, these men and women are dedicated to making Trenton
an even better place to live.
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