Kiwanis gives out $100,000 Kiwanis gives out $100,000 (June 25, 2004)

Club's investment pays off child-focused grants

By Corey Pride

The Mountain View Kiwanis Club completed its mission to give out $100,000 in charitable grants last week by providing money to nonprofits that help children.

Earlier this month the club gave out $14,000 in the form of college scholarships to local high school students. And in January a litany of charities received grants from Kiwanis.

Kiwanis President Frank Zajac said he believes it's particularly important to help minors in need.

"We have a multimillion-dollar foundation and our first priority is helping children," he said.

The Mountain View Kiwanis Club was founded in 1926 as an affiliate of the international Kiwanis organization designed to help children in need. The club gives grants to nonprofit organizations in Santa Clara County that specialize in helping the public.

In the past five years, the Mountain View chapter of Kiwanis has given out $500,000 in grants. Its money comes from club dues, fundraisers it puts on during the year and various private contributions.

And in 1951, Kiwanis purchased some property on El Camino Real for $9,500. The club sold it in 1995 and although Zajac would not reveal exactly what it sold for, he said the club "received several millions."

The Community Health Awareness Council (CHAC) received a $10,000 grant from Kiwanis in January. CHAC Executive Director Monique Kane said Kiwanis helped her organization tremendously.

"Because of Kiwanis we have been able to expand our program and provide more help to children from crisis intervention counseling to homework clubs," she said. "Without Kiwanis, it would make our lives a lot harder."

Zajac said he is also proud of the club's support of the local fire and police departments. Each received grants to keep programs they have for children that might have otherwise been cut for budget concerns.

Kiwanis member Marshall Absalom said he is glad the club helps community organizations.

"I think it's wonderful we can help them. They do charitable work, and they need the money," he said.

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