Organized: January 23, 1945 – Chartered February 27, 1945 First President: William R. Allen Charter members: 25 Annual Dues: $15.00 District Dues: $2.25 First Kiwanis Club in Montgomery County, Maryland Sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Washington, D.C.
The Kiwanis Club of Bethesda is the oldest Kiwanis Club in Montgomery County, Maryland. The Club was organized by 25 enthusiastic friends in January 1945 and Chartered in February with a dinner meeting and celebration at the Mayflower Hotel in downtown Washington, D.C.
The Kiwanis Club is an organization of business and professional men, women and youth, working together as service-oriented people who focus on the principal of “Serving the children of the world.” Bethesda Kiwanis lives by that principle as you will see listed below the many groups and organizations that have been helped either “hands-on” and/or financially. We believe that children come first.
1945
Purchased first Iron Lung for Suburban Hospital.
Signs to advertise Kiwanis meetings go up at road entrances to Bethesda.
Organized and sponsored a Boy Scout Troop.
Newsletter officially named “Kee-Notes.”
The Club pledges $35,000 to buy Victory Bonds.
Christmas Party for Bethesda Baptist Orphanage (25 children).
Charter membership was 25 which met their goal. 38 members at the end of year.
1946
Assisted in organizing the Montgomery County YMCA spending $102 on the work.
Sponsored Girl Scout Troop and a summer recreation program for elementary school children.
Took 121 children to summer swimming pools over a 6-week period.
Organized track meet for 371 students at Bethesda-Chevy Chase HS with ribbons for winners.
Halloween party for 100 children, bought parkas for football team, sawdust for football field.
Held a Clothing Drive and Canned Food Drive.
Membership increased to 46.
1947
Sponsored and organized 145 USO dinners and entertainment.
Organized and sponsored Annual Bethesda-Chevy Chase Harvest Show.
Gave vocational lectures/conferences at high schools to an entire student body of 841 students.
Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets for needy families were provided.
1948
Completely equipped a delivery room at Suburban Hospital ($1,000).
Sponsored a new Kiwanis Club – Silver Spring.
1949
Contributed to the Red Cross, Cancer, Tuberculosis, Community Chest and American Legion Memorial Drives.
1950
Sponsored a new Rockville Kiwanis Club.
Celebrated National Kids Day by taking 29 children from Baptist Home to lunch and movie.
Organized and started a Key Club at B-CC High School.
Sponsored a hearing aid clinic treating 220 children.
Obtained a charter from the State of Maryland for carrying on all our work.
1951
Bethesda Kiwanis Foundation was established.
Two Key Clubs were organized at Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School.
Members assisted extensively with the TB Association and local County Chest X-Ray Program.
Sponsored a new Wheaton Kiwanis Club.
1952
Hearing clinics, children’s charities, and families in need depended on Bethesda Kiwanis.
Membership had grown to 70 members.
1953
Through the years, organized the Veterans Day Celebration and it continues to this day.
1954
Bethesda rated as the Outstanding Club in its Division.
Washington Club invited Bethesda for lunch to hear the International President. Attendance was limited to 400! Charter Night Dinner and Dance at Congressional Country Club.
1955
B-CC thanked Bethesda Kiwanis for a very successful Career Night.
1956
Student from B-CC was elected to Key Club International.
A Key Club needed at new Walter Johnson HS. It opened the following year with full staff of 36 teachers and 700 kids from B-CC High School.
1957
Wives started their own organization called “Kiwanettes” – later changed to “Ki-Wives”.
1958-60
Continue to work closely with the Red Cross on blood drives and safety.
1961
Sponsored Northwest Washington Kiwanis Club.
Foundation has grown to $32,000.
1963
Sponsored a new Capital Hill Kiwanis Club.
1965
Golden Anniversary International Kiwanis Convention (1915-1965).
Membership grew to over 100.
1966
Goal is to always be involved with children and sports.
1971
A total of 25 cents was collected from each member for not wearing their Kiwanis pin.
1972
Sponsored the formation of Friendship Heights Club, Chevy Chase.
1975
30th Annual Charter Night in Washington, DC.
1976
Goal reached of $25,000 for Camp Echo Lake which supported disadvantaged youth.
31ST Annual Charter Night at the Washingtonian Motel in Gaithersburg.
1978
Perfect Attendance pin (23 years) given to Wade Henderson. Congratulations!
Dedicated photographer, Duncan Brooks, received an award from the American Society of Photographers. He has taken pictures of every Kiwanian for our directories.
Special Honor – Annual Anniversary Contribution.
1980
Membership Drive brought in 10 new members.
1981
Donation of $425 for the Easter Seal Campaign to buy equipment for deaf children.
Perfect attendance pins to Wayne Shoemaker (15 years) and Lt. Gov. Bob Cressy (11 years)
Scott Brewer received a Life Time Membership to Kiwanis.
1982
120 needy children went to Camp Echo Lake for 2 weeks. Cost: $24,000.
Supports Boys and Girls Center of Montgomery County – the largest agency in the County housing runaway and abused children. The Center grew into 9 homes.
1983
Recognition for Major Emphasis Program – SILVER patch and for Multiple Service Programs – Honorable Mention.
1984
Special Olympics awarded Bethesda Kiwanis a Special Certificate — GOLD Medal Club for their help in the 1983 Olympics.
“Iodine Deficiency Disorder (IDD)” program began by collecting coins each week.
1987
Female Membership was approved by Kiwanis International. First female member was Gazette editor, Pattricia Royse.
1988
Money of $13,000 available for Boys and Girls Homes, 4 scholarships at $912 each, $3500 for Montgomery County Recreation, other scholarships for $510 each.
1989
Special Olympics Presentation.
Distinguished Service Award given to Gary Boswell for his work with Key Clubbers.
Kiwanis Speaker’s topic was “AIDS in Montgomery County” – first knew of AIDS.
1990
Presidential Service Awards to Scott Brewer, Ray Jager, Gary Boswell and 5 others.
Five new members joined in the first 3 months of the Club Year.
1991
Big silent auction fundraiser for Camp Echo Lake to send kids in need to summer camp.
1993
Christmas in April to help the elderly in need by repairing their homes.
1996
First Lady President of Bethesda Kiwanis was Lynn Hounslow.
Benefit Art Show and Auction – 120 people attended – $7,000 profit.
Special Olympics held at Bullis School.
23rd Annual Golf Classic held on a rainy and stormy day/night. 60 people showed up and made $12,000 from a golf outing that never took place.
The “blizzard of ’96” happened.
1997
Second Annual Art Show and Auction held at Christ Church, Kensington. $6,000 raised.
Received 3 awards from Kiwanis International: Growth Award, Administrative Award, and Worldwide Service Project Award.
Total grants – $48,500. Membership at 69. Dues still $110
1998
Supported Walter Johnson HS Prom with decorations and breakfast (1 to 5 a.m.)
Bethesda has in its membership over 20 Past Presidents.
Sponsored Youth Awards Banquet at Leisure World – many clubs attend.
Volunteers needed for the YMCA phone-a-thon to raise $1,000. Raised $2,710.
1999
25th Anniversary of Bethesda Kiwanis Foundation.
20t h Annual Charter Night to benefit the Treatment and Learning Center of MD.
Fundraising by Ron Spratt for WWII memorial is ending. Wal-Mart committed $20M.
Bethesda Cares received a check for $5,000 to care of 40 single Mothers needing attention.
2000
The Bethesda Kiwanis Foundation approved $56,850 for 16 grants.
2001
Fun-Filled “Opera Night” at home of John Durfee.
Meeting to discuss organizing a Crescent Trail Kiwanis Club.
Division 17 fundraiser at Toby’s Dinner Theater.
Bethesda Cares thanked us for Key Clubbers who walked and raised money for the homeless.
2002
Kiwanis Youth Clubs formed: Key Club – Whitman HS K-Kids Club – Burning Tree and Wood Acres Elementary Schools Builders’ Club – Pyle Middle School.
Greg Miele received 2 ribbons for highest percentage membership gain and net gain of any club in Capital District.
Youth Awards Banquet at Leisure World.
2003
Fundraiser, Div. 17 “Fiddler on the Roof at Toby’s Dinner Theater.
Greg Miele, District Past President (2003-04) kicked off his campaign for Lt-Gov Elect.
2004-06
Website Contest Award and District Web Page Award were won by Bethesda.
2010
Club membership is 25.
We remember that Bob Vidgerhouse received a Purple Heart Award for his bravery in the Battle of the Bulge in WWII
2011
OPENING DAY – MIRACLE LEAGUE of Montgomery County Maryland (August 1, 2011)
Fundraiser for ML – Comedy night and dinner, Holiday Inn Gaithersburg.
2011–2015
ELIMINATE Project – SILVER Club. GOLD Club. PLATINUM Club. Partners with UNICEF to raise $110 million to eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus that affects young mothers and children. Global Service Society Award for fundraising excellence. SILVER Club. Model Club.
2012
YMCA Family Day fundraiser for ML.
Div. 27 Comedy Night.
Prepared dinner at NIH Children’s Inn. Veterans Day Ceremony.
Joint Meeting with Rotary.
YMCA Turkey Chase supporter.
Grants for charities – $47,000.
2014
69th Charter Night at Hunters Inn, Potomac.
Casino Night fundraiser.
Armed Forces Day Dinner at Kenwood.
2015
Kiwanis International celebrating 100 years – 84,000 clubs in 96 nations!
Joint Bethesda/Rotary Thanksgiving gathering at Positano’s.
2015-16
Bethesda “Big Train” baseball at Shirley Povich Field for Miracle League Day.
Girls-on-the-Run sponsor.
“Not Your Average Joe’s” fundraiser.
2017
Montgomery Distinguished Citizens Dinner sponsored by the Boy Scouts of America honored Robert G. Brewer, Jr. who was given a Boy Scout statue, a hat, and a scarf.
Hosted 58th Annual Veterans Day Observance. Bob Cressy MC for 31 years.
Carnival of Chocolates charity of The Dwelling Place – PLATINUM Donor.
102nd Kiwanis International Convention celebrated Bastille Day in France – The Boswells attended.
Special Event Celebration for 2 BK Senior Members: Scott Brewer (66 yrs) and Rev. John Walker (61 yrs) for their many years of dedicated service.
“The Scott R. Brewer Leadership Scholarship” ($1,000) was established for B-CC HS in his name.
“The LT Robert N. Cressy Gift of Honor” ($1,000) for the Army Artillery Alumni Foundation to aid children’s activities of servicemen and women stationed at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma.
2019-20 Today’s Club, BLUE Level ($10 – $24 per member)
2019-2024. Annual Club Gift ($102)
2018
Dedication Ceremony to honor Marvin S. Jackson with a memorial plaque at the Washington Nationals Miracle Field, Germantown, MD (April 29, 2018.)
Bethesda/YMCA Golf Tournament fundraiser, Argyle County Club.
2019
Dedication Ceremony to honor Dr. James J. Leder, Jr. with a memorial plaque at the Washington Nationals Miracle Field, Germantown, MD. (May 4, 2019)
Community Service Project – Kiwanis members made 100 sandwiches for 3 homeless groups.
2020
Kiwanis International Convention was cancelled due to the COVID pandemic for first time in history.
People working from home tripled from 9 M to 27.6 M between 2019-2021.
After 2 years about 860,000 Americans have died from Covid.
Bethesda Kiwanis is OPEN. Meetings on Zoom to keep in touch.
2021
The County Council of Montgomery County Proclamation awarded Bethesda 75 Years of Service
2022
Field trip to Suburban Hospital.
Kiwanis One Day –a day of service to others – supported Nourishing Bethesda.
40th Annual YMCA Turkey Chase.
2023
Joint/Rotary Luncheon. Guest speaker Mark Shriver.
“Give a Hoot” Comedy Fundraiser for the Miracle League.
Thanks to a partnership with Lettuce Grow, a hydroponics learning lab is installed at the YMCA Ayrlawn Program Center
2024
Divisions 1&3 welcomed Capital District Governor Eric Lamb to National Capital Region. Bethesda’s work with Nourishing Bethesda goes Division-wide as part of the “Addressing Food Insecurity in Division 3” initiative. 234 lbs. of food were collected and distributed, along with 160 books donated from 16 clubs across the Capital District for the initiative’s kick-off in the summer.
2025
Celebrate — 80th Anniversary Joint Celebration with Rockville Club at Mosaic Cuisine
This past weekend our club and Division 3, along with Division 1 and the entire National Capital Region, welcomed Capital District Governor Eric Lamb at the Kiwanis Family Open House at the Miracle League! Seven clubs from across the region showed up to volunteer and share in fellowship. Thanks to Governor Lamb and Lieutenant Governors Wayne Quick and Selena Anderson and Trustee Dr. Marie Bowe-Quick for making this weekend a success! More photos will follow soon. ... See MoreSee Less
Our Kiwanis Story
Organized: January 23, 1945 – Chartered February 27, 1945
First President: William R. Allen
Charter members: 25 Annual Dues: $15.00 District Dues: $2.25
First Kiwanis Club in Montgomery County, Maryland
Sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Washington, D.C.
The Kiwanis Club of Bethesda is the oldest Kiwanis Club in Montgomery County, Maryland.
The Club was organized by 25 enthusiastic friends in January 1945 and Chartered in February with a dinner meeting and celebration at the Mayflower Hotel in downtown Washington, D.C.
The Kiwanis Club is an organization of business and professional men, women and youth,
working together as service-oriented people who focus on the principal of “Serving the children of the
world.” Bethesda Kiwanis lives by that principle as you will see listed below the many groups and
organizations that have been helped either “hands-on” and/or financially. We believe that children
come first.
Signs to advertise Kiwanis meetings go up at road entrances to Bethesda.
Organized and sponsored a Boy Scout Troop.
Newsletter officially named “Kee-Notes.”
The Club pledges $35,000 to buy Victory Bonds.
Christmas Party for Bethesda Baptist Orphanage (25 children).
Charter membership was 25 which met their goal. 38 members at the end of year.
Sponsored Girl Scout Troop and a summer recreation program for elementary school children.
Took 121 children to summer swimming pools over a 6-week period.
Organized track meet for 371 students at Bethesda-Chevy Chase HS with ribbons for winners.
Halloween party for 100 children, bought parkas for football team, sawdust for football field.
Held a Clothing Drive and Canned Food Drive.
Membership increased to 46.
Organized and sponsored Annual Bethesda-Chevy Chase Harvest Show.
Gave vocational lectures/conferences at high schools to an entire student body of 841 students.
Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets for needy families were provided.
Sponsored a new Kiwanis Club – Silver Spring.
Celebrated National Kids Day by taking 29 children from Baptist Home to lunch and movie.
Organized and started a Key Club at B-CC High School.
Sponsored a hearing aid clinic treating 220 children.
Obtained a charter from the State of Maryland for carrying on all our work.
Two Key Clubs were organized at Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School.
Members assisted extensively with the TB Association and local County Chest X-Ray Program.
Sponsored a new Wheaton Kiwanis Club.
Membership had grown to 70 members.
Washington Club invited Bethesda for lunch to hear the International President. Attendance was limited to 400! Charter Night Dinner and Dance at Congressional Country Club.
A Key Club needed at new Walter Johnson HS. It opened the following year with full staff of 36 teachers and 700 kids from B-CC High School.
Foundation has grown to $32,000.
Membership grew to over 100.
31ST Annual Charter Night at the Washingtonian Motel in Gaithersburg.
Dedicated photographer, Duncan Brooks, received an award from the American Society of Photographers. He has taken pictures of every Kiwanian for our directories.
Special Honor – Annual Anniversary Contribution.
Perfect attendance pins to Wayne Shoemaker (15 years) and Lt. Gov. Bob Cressy (11 years)
Scott Brewer received a Life Time Membership to Kiwanis.
Supports Boys and Girls Center of Montgomery County – the largest agency in the County housing runaway and abused children. The Center grew into 9 homes.
Distinguished Service Award given to Gary Boswell for his work with Key Clubbers.
Kiwanis Speaker’s topic was “AIDS in Montgomery County” – first knew of AIDS.
Five new members joined in the first 3 months of the Club Year.
Benefit Art Show and Auction – 120 people attended – $7,000 profit.
Special Olympics held at Bullis School.
23rd Annual Golf Classic held on a rainy and stormy day/night. 60 people showed up and made $12,000 from a golf outing that never took place.
The “blizzard of ’96” happened.
Received 3 awards from Kiwanis International: Growth Award, Administrative Award, and Worldwide Service Project Award.
Total grants – $48,500. Membership at 69. Dues still $110
Bethesda has in its membership over 20 Past Presidents.
Sponsored Youth Awards Banquet at Leisure World – many clubs attend.
Volunteers needed for the YMCA phone-a-thon to raise $1,000. Raised $2,710.
20t h Annual Charter Night to benefit the Treatment and Learning Center of MD.
Fundraising by Ron Spratt for WWII memorial is ending. Wal-Mart committed $20M.
Bethesda Cares received a check for $5,000 to care of 40 single Mothers needing attention.
Meeting to discuss organizing a Crescent Trail Kiwanis Club.
Division 17 fundraiser at Toby’s Dinner Theater.
Bethesda Cares thanked us for Key Clubbers who walked and raised money for the homeless.
Key Club – Whitman HS
K-Kids Club – Burning Tree and Wood Acres Elementary Schools
Builders’ Club – Pyle Middle School.
Greg Miele received 2 ribbons for highest percentage membership gain and net gain of any club in Capital District.
Youth Awards Banquet at Leisure World.
Greg Miele, District Past President (2003-04) kicked off his campaign for Lt-Gov Elect.
We remember that Bob Vidgerhouse received a Purple Heart Award for his bravery in the Battle of the Bulge in WWII
Fundraiser for ML – Comedy night and dinner, Holiday Inn Gaithersburg.
Div. 27 Comedy Night.
Prepared dinner at NIH Children’s Inn. Veterans Day Ceremony.
Joint Meeting with Rotary.
YMCA Turkey Chase supporter.
Grants for charities – $47,000.
Casino Night fundraiser.
Armed Forces Day Dinner at Kenwood.
Joint Bethesda/Rotary Thanksgiving gathering at Positano’s.
Girls-on-the-Run sponsor.
“Not Your Average Joe’s” fundraiser.
Hosted 58th Annual Veterans Day Observance. Bob Cressy MC for 31 years.
Carnival of Chocolates charity of The Dwelling Place – PLATINUM Donor.
102nd Kiwanis International Convention celebrated Bastille Day in France – The Boswells attended.
Special Event Celebration for 2 BK Senior Members: Scott Brewer (66 yrs) and Rev. John Walker (61 yrs) for their many years of dedicated service.
“The Scott R. Brewer Leadership Scholarship” ($1,000) was established for B-CC HS in his name.
“The LT Robert N. Cressy Gift of Honor” ($1,000) for the Army Artillery Alumni Foundation to aid children’s activities of servicemen and women stationed at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma.
2017-18 Today’s Club, SILVER Level
2019-20 Today’s Club, BLUE Level ($10 – $24 per member)
2019-2024. Annual Club Gift ($102)
Bethesda/YMCA Golf Tournament fundraiser, Argyle County Club.
Community Service Project – Kiwanis members made 100 sandwiches for 3 homeless groups.
People working from home tripled from 9 M to 27.6 M between 2019-2021.
After 2 years about 860,000 Americans have died from Covid.
Bethesda Kiwanis is OPEN. Meetings on Zoom to keep in touch.
Kiwanis One Day –a day of service to others – supported Nourishing Bethesda.
40th Annual YMCA Turkey Chase.
“Give a Hoot” Comedy Fundraiser for the Miracle League.
Thanks to a partnership with Lettuce Grow, a hydroponics learning lab is installed at the YMCA Ayrlawn Program Center
Upcoming events
Kiwanis Capital District Convention
Kiwanis Capital District Convention
Kiwanis Capital District Convention
Nourishing Bethesda Service Project
Kiwanis Board of Directors Meeting
New Kiwanis Fiscal Year Starts
Kiwanis Board of Directors Meeting
Kiwanis Board of Directors Meeting
Kiwanis Board of Directors Meeting
Kiwanis Board of Directors Meeting
Kiwanis Board of Directors Meeting
Kiwanis Board of Directors Meeting
Kiwanis Board of Directors Meeting
Kiwanis Board of Directors Meeting
Kiwanis Board of Directors Meeting
Kiwanis Board of Directors Meeting
Kiwanis Board of Directors Meeting
Kiwanis Club of Bethesda
The Kiwanis Club of Bethesda, MD is a local chapter of Kiwanis International focused on serving children in our community and worldwide.
Thank you for having us, it was great to be back! 😁 ... See MoreSee Less
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This past weekend our club and Division 3, along with Division 1 and the entire National Capital Region, welcomed Capital District Governor Eric Lamb at the Kiwanis Family Open House at the Miracle League! Seven clubs from across the region showed up to volunteer and share in fellowship. Thanks to Governor Lamb and Lieutenant Governors Wayne Quick and Selena Anderson and Trustee Dr. Marie Bowe-Quick for making this weekend a success! More photos will follow soon. ... See MoreSee Less
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