Dec 23, 2024 | Boys & Girls Club Christmas Party, News, Photos, Programs
On Saturday, December 14th, the Kiwanis Club hosted their annual Children’s Christmas Party at the Volunteers of America facility in Harbor City. The event brought holiday joy to forty underserved children from local elementary schools, providing them with a memorable and uplifting experience.
The festivities began with a creative session where the children enthusiastically crafted personalized Christmas ornaments. Joan Davidson, a dedicated Kiwanis member, guided the activity and took a moment to emphasize a heartwarming lesson. She explained that the ornaments were not just for the children to keep but also a token of appreciation to give back in celebration of the joy and gifts they were about to receive. Members of the Kiwanis Club, alongside energetic high school students from the Key Club, supported the children throughout the activity, ensuring it was both meaningful and enjoyable.
Following the crafting session, the children were treated to a festive meal featuring a delightful spread of pizza and fried chicken. The room buzzed with excitement as the young participants enjoyed their feast, eagerly awaiting the highlight of the day: Santa’s grand entrance.
The joyous moment arrived with the sound of bells and a resounding “Ho, ho, ho!” as Santa Claus entered the room. The children’s faces lit up with wonder and excitement as Santa distributed carefully chosen gifts tailored to bring smiles to each child. Playing the role of Santa was none other than Steve Makshanoff, president of the Kiwanis Club of Rolling Hills Estates. Donning the iconic red suit, Santa Steve brought warmth, cheer, and laughter, making the occasion even more magical.
This was not just a simple gift-giving event. In a thoughtful twist, Santa Steve engaged each child, asking them what they planned to do in return for their gift. The message was clear: the gifts symbolized more than holiday generosity—they were a reward, encouraging the children to reflect on how they could give back or pay the kindness forward.
The Kiwanis Club’s Children’s Christmas Party was a beautiful reminder of the holiday spirit, fostering joy, gratitude, and community. Through thoughtful activities and meaningful interactions, the event created cherished memories for the children and everyone involved.
Dec 27, 2023 | Boys & Girls Club Christmas Party, News, Photos, Programs
On December 9th, the spirit of Christmas came alive at a special Children’s Christmas Party at the Boys and Girls Club in Harbor City. Fifty children from the Boys and Girls Club and the Volunteers of America participated in the program. The event was not just about festive decorations and Santa Claus, it was a heartwarming celebration that emphasized the joy of giving and the spirit of community.
Santa was none other than Steve Makshanoff, the president of Kiwanis Club of Rolling Hills Estates. Dressed in the iconic red suit, Santa Steve spread warmth and holiday cheer as he led the festivities, making the event even more special for the excited children.
Members and enthusiastic Key Club high school students joined forces to ensure the children had an unforgettable experience. Together, they created a festive atmosphere filled with laughter, joy, and the true spirit of Christmas.
The program kicked off with a creative session where the children crafted a personalized Christmas ornament, not just for themselves but also as a gift to give back in return for the anticipated visit from Santa. This thoughtful gesture set the tone for the day, emphasizing the joy of both giving and receiving.
After the creative session, the children gathered for a festive feast. The menu featured a delightful combination of pizza and fried chicken.
As the children finished their meals, the anticipation reached its peak with Santa’s arrival, complete with bells ringing and a hearty “Ho, ho, ho!” The children’s faces lit up with excitement as Santa distributed gifts, each carefully selected to bring a smile to every young face.
However, this was not just a typical gift-giving session. Joan Davidson, a Kiwanis member, took a moment to explain the significance of the gifts. She conveyed that these presents were not merely handouts but were earned by the children through acts of kindness. Santa Steve, in a heartwarming twist, asked each child what they planned to do in return for their gift. The message was clear: the joy of Christmas is magnified when it is shared and reciprocated.
The Children’s Christmas Party on December 9th was more than just a festive gathering; it was a celebration of generosity, community spirit, and the joy of giving. Through creative activities, shared meals, and thoughtful gift exchanges, the event succeeded in instilling valuable lessons about the true meaning of Christmas. As the children left with smiles on their faces and hearts filled with warmth, it was evident that this holiday celebration had created memories that would last a lifetime.
Dec 27, 2023 | Fundraising, News, Photos
The holiday spirit was alive and well as the Kiwanis Club of Rolling Hills Estates gathered members and guests for the first annual Christmas With Kiwanis wine tasting fundraiser at the Palos Verdes Bay Club on December 3rd. Sixty-five attendees were treated to an evening of delightful food, fine wines, and the chance to make a difference in their community.
Wine enthusiasts were in for a treat as Susan Brooks, the personal wine ambassador from the esteemed Boisset Collection of fine wines, guided attendees through a tasting journey. The carefully curated selection of wines added a sophisticated touch to the event, enhancing the overall experience for all who attended.
Entertaining Friend’s Jean Cordero took charge of the culinary experience, crafting a menu that delighted the senses and added a touch of gourmet flair to the festive occasion. The air was filled with the enchanting melodies of Richard Sherman, creating a harmonious backdrop for an evening of joy and camaraderie.
The highlight of the evening was the silent auction, which featured a one-week stay at a charming cottage in Cork, Ireland. Bidders eagerly participated in a friendly competition for the chance to escape to the scenic beauty of Ireland, creating an atmosphere of excitement and generosity. The auction not only added an element of thrill to the event but also served as a vital means of raising funds for Kiwanis’ charitable endeavors.
The funds raised during the wine tasting fundraiser will contribute to Kiwanis of Rolling Hills Estates’ commitment to supporting the underserved children and young adults of our community. This inaugural event marks the beginning of a new tradition for Kiwanis, showcasing their dedication to making a positive impact during the holiday season and beyond.
Sep 13, 2023 | News, Photos, Programs, Project Shoe
Forty-Eight 1st and 2nd grade children gathered at Skechers in Gardena to receive school shoes and supplies. The children were from The Boys and Girls Club of Harbor City and the Volunteers of America. The Kiwanis of Rolling Hills Estates has teamed with Skechers for the last three years in support of the underserved children in our community.
Key Club members from Peninsula and Palos Verdes High School supported the program by helping the children select their shoes. After selecting their shoes and a backpack, with the school supplies, the children gathered in the patio for snacks and dancing.
On a somber note a memorial plaque was presented to Karen, Fred Held’s wife, to recognize Fred’s support of the club and Project Shoe. Fred recently passed away.
Jun 15, 2023 | News, Photos, Programs, Scholarships
The 2023 Scholarship Luncheon was held at the Los Verdes Golf Course on June 11th. Twenty four deserving graduating seniors were given each a $1,000 Scholarship Award.
The students came from six local high schools, Peninsula, Palos Verdes, San Pedro, Port of Los Angeles, Banning, California Academy of Math and Science, and the Harbor Teacher Preparation Academy. The students were selected for not only their scholastic record but for their community service and career objectives. The Key note speaker was Susan Brooks, past mayor of Rancho Palos Verdes.
2023 Kiwanis Club of RHE Scholars
2023 Kiwanis Scholarship Program
Sep 12, 2022 | Photos, Programs, Project Shoe
On September 10th, 2022 the Kiwanis Club of RHE held their annual Project Shoe program at Sketchers in Gardena. Fifty underserved children from our community received school shoes and supplies. The children, from the Boys and Girls Club and Volunteers of America, ranged in age from 2 to 6 years old.
We would like to thank all our members and the key Club students that supported the program. Special thanks go to Sketchers who teamed with us to make this a successful program.
