Brecksville Kiwanis

Upcoming Events:

Trick or Trot 5K and 1-mile Fun Run
Saturday, October 28, 2023 at Blossom Hill School
Registration begins at 7:30am
5K begins at 8:30 followed immediately by 1-mile Fun Run
Packet pick up Friday, October 27 at Vertical Runner - Brecksville
Sponsorships and advertising opportunities still available. Email gawlikd@sbcglobal.com for info.
Register Now!

Join our Team

New members bring fresh energy and ideas to Kiwanis clubs. We welcome your input, friendship and leadership.

CORPORATE SPONSORS

Service Projects

Service is at the heart of Kiwanis. These are some of the ways we serve in Brecksville!

SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION

If you are a Brecksville-Broadview Heights High School senior or a Brecksville resident who attends another school, you are eligible to submit a scholarship application. Applications are not yet open. It is preferred that applications are typed using the word format. Check out previous winners under our more tab on the Scholarship Page link. More information will be coming soon.

Kiwanis Events from Past Years:

Brecksville Memorial Day Parade 2019

KEY CLUB NIGHT AND MORE!

On Thursday evening, May 23, 2019, our club was treated to, what has become a traditional Chinese meal, by our club sponsored Key Clubs of Brecksville-Broadview Heights HS and Twinsburg HS. Also present for the evening and offering brief remarks were Kiwanis Division 24 Lt. Governor Marty McGinty and Key Club Lt. Governor Betsy Myers. Those present helped the club organize ribbons for our annual Horse SHow which will take place on Sunday, August 4, 2019.

These young people, combined with club members, represent some of what is best within our schools and communities and the impact and outreach that Kiwanis clubs throughout the world have on bettering our world and society. The students are so engaging and truly have a vision for their futures and the world in which they contribute. Special thanks to the advisors who make these relationships between clubs, schools, youth, and adults possible.

Scholarship Night - A Special Evening

On Thursday evening, May 9, 2019, our club recognized 12 outstanding young people for their accomplishments, particularly their commitment to service. This annual event is a result of former and present members establishing the Brecksville Kiwanis Foundation for the purpose of honoring graduating seniors with scholarship awards. Critical to this endeavor were Elton and Kay Lube, Frank Welch, Bob Wisner, Bob Andree, And Das and Pat Ram. Due to their philanthropy and initiation of the COYO Concert, the foundation has amassed approximately $350,000. Serving as president of the foundation is Dr. Das Ram.

Recipients included 11 Brecksville-Broadview Heights seniors and 1 Walsh Jesuit senior who resides in Brecksville. The awardees were:

Delanee Marlow - Elton Lube Scholarship
Jaden Kenner - Kay Lube Scholarship
Elisse Von Duhn - Frank Welch Scholarship
Justina Kubiak - Dr. Das & Pat Ram Scholarship
Benjamin Skapura - Robert Andree Scholarship
Grace Auble - Bob Wisner Scholarship
Marina DiFranco - Brecksville Kiwanis Scholarship
Zach Trybus - Brecksville Kiwanis Scholarship
Jaeyoung Yu - Brecksville Kiwanis Scholarship
Megan Louttit - Brecksville Kiwanis Scholarship
Julia Frisco - Brecksville Kiwanis Scholarship
Shannon Onders - Brecksville Kiwanis Scholarship

CLICK ON THE PHOTOS FOR THE COMPLETE PICTURE

ANNUAL EASTER EGG HUNT
Weather Does Not Dampen Enthusiasm

The 2019 Annual Brecksville Kiwanis Easter Egg Hunt took place on Saturday, April 20th. Club members and families adjusted to the weather conditions and transformed the BBHCSD tennis courts and parking lot to a giant field of 5,000 multi-colored eggs. Children enjoyed pictures with the Easter Bunny, donuts, juice, and very successful hauls of eggs filled with candy and special prizes. Although the numbers were down due to the weather, those attending found gathering eggs a much more successful and satisfying process.

Lucky participants won 4 baskets in each age group: 0 - 3, 4 - 6, 7 - 9, and 10 - 12. Special thanks to the Huntington Learning Center for contributing 4 baskets! Thanks to all the parents and grandparents who trusted our club to sponsor another year in this annual tradition. Thanks also go out to club members, Friends of Kiwanis, and Key Club members who made this year possible. Enjoy the pictures! Click on the pictures for a better view!

TIM SPIETH BASKETS OF HOPE GET LOADED UP - SMILES ALL AROUND

Forty-seven club members, Friends of Kiwanis, several area dentists, and the following organizations contributed over $5,000 and gifts-in-kind to once again make the Tim Spieth Baskets of Hope a reality and bring joy to many children.
Contributing organizations: American Legion, BUMC Womens Club, Electa Circle, House of LaRose, Independence Excavating, Unique Home Solutions

The groups who benefited from this outpouring of generosity are: St. Catherines Pantry, Ohio Guidestone, Holy Spirit, Bethany Christian Church, Applewood Center, Family Promise, Cleveland Christian Home, West Side Catholic, and the Brecksville Center.

Members,Friends of Kiwanis, and Key Club members from Twinsburg HS and BBHHS assembled over 1,000 baskets for distribution. The baskets included: toys, books, candy, tooth brushes, and toothpaste.

CLUB GETTING READY FOR BASKETS OF HOPE AND EASTER EGG HUNT

Club members with the help of Key Club members from BBHHS and Twinsburg and Friends of Kiwanis spent Thursday evening, April 11th, and Saturday morning, April 13th, getting prepared to spread joy to youngsters in our area.

GUEST SPEAKERS SHARE KIWANIS VISION

On Thursday, March 28th, our club was given the opportunity to help two local causes. First Elisse Von Duhn told us about her Girl Scout Gold project. She is planning a track event for youth who live in the BBHCSD that have disabilities which prevent them from being a part of a track team.

We also heard from Jim and Lori Wotowiec the founders of S.T.A.R. Camp in Independence. This camp is for individuals with disabilities and typical peers ages 3-22. We were glad to give each of them a $300 donation. www.asgc.org/star-summer-camp

Mayor Hruby & Empty Bowls Donation Highlight February Meeting

On Thursday evening February 28th, club members and guests were treated to Mayor Jerry Hruby's annual address/conversation with the club. As always he gave important updates on the city's plans and what is happening with a variety of properties and areas in town. His address included his use of humor, but more pointedly, he made clear his passion for the city and its residents. He encouraged all of us to return to being more courteous and empathetic toward each other even when our points of view differ. Mayor Hruby once again emphasized his support for the schools and the partnerships which have formed. He cited the schools as among the best in Ohio.

Capping off the evening was the presentation of a $5,000 check to the Brecksville Food Pantry from the club's share of proceeds from this year's Empty Bowls event. Attending to accept the donation were Mayor Hruby and members of the Human Services Department: Director Steve Paciorek, Laura Kalinowski, Ted Lux, and Gina Cronauer.

3 New Members Inducted on Valentines Day

Glad that this Valentine’s Day we could share our love of Kiwanis with three new members tonight. Welcome Connie, Derick and Lisa.

7th Annual Empty Bowls Keeps Folks Coming

On February 5th a sold-out crowd of over 500 residents and visitors came to enjoy soups, salads, and rolls from area restaurants. Not your typical 3 course meal, these customers came for a delicious, yet meager meal, to raise their cognition that 1 in 5 children live in a food insecure household in Cuyahoga County, which translates to 94,000 children. Their $15 ticket allowed them to partake and to then take home a handmade Empty Bowl to serve as a reminder of the plight of so many people around the world. Their participation combined with the monetary donations of many sponsors will allow the evening’s organizers, The Kiwanis Club of Brecksville and the Broadview Heights Lions Club to contribute nearly $11,000 to the Brecksville Food Bank and South Hills Lend-a-Hand.

Nearly every penny collected goes to the Brecksville Food Bank and South Hills Lend-a-Hand. This is due to several factors. Three groups donate all the bowls: the Brecksville Center for the Arts, the North Coast Woodturners, and the Brecksville-Broadview Heights High School Art Honor Society. Food is totally donated by the following restaurants: Zoup, 24 Karrot Kitchen, Burntwood Tavern, Courtyard Café, Creekside Restaurant & Bar, Danny Boys, Demitrios Restaurant, Frankie’s Wok, Good Olde Daze, , Simon’s Restaurant and Deli, Sokolowski’s University Inn, Tom & Chee, Zoup, Reinecker’s Bakery, East of Chicago Pizza, Michael Angelo’s Bakery, London Pickle Works, Augie’s Pizza Independence, Augie’s Pizza North Royalton, Austin’s, Brecksville Human Services, Sirna’s, Wild Eagle Steak & Saloon, and Mastro’s The 3 Spot. And the Girl Scouts, Ambassador Troup#70573 and Brownie Troup #70804, provided delicious cookies! Monetary and In-Kind sponsors include: Metrohealth, North Coast Litho, Approved Plumbing, American Legion Post 196 (Brecksville), Autism Society of Greater Cleveland, Becker Signs, Broadview Chiropractic & Health Center, Candy Lee Korn, Cleveland Scrappers, Creative Business Strategies, Councilwoman Jennifer Mahnic, Dennis Jackson, Fitness Together, Framer’s Gallery, Gerow Equipment Co., HealthyOne WeightLoss, Mike Sheppard – Edward Jones, Mayor Jerry Hruby, Mayor Samuel Alai, Ruohonen & Associates, and Toth Painting.

The final piece necessary to pull this event together are the volunteers. The event is spearheaded by a joint committee from the Kiwanis and Lions Clubs: Bill Rittman, Kevin Krcmar, Lisa Krcmar, Kathy Sopka, Rich DelRoso, Kathy Brusk, Kevin Brusk, and Jim McAllister. Volunteers for the evening include club members, friends of the clubs, girl scouts, and Key Club members from BBHHS and Twinsburg HS.

Special thanks go to the Cuyahoga Valley Career Center leadership for the use of its facilities.

If you are interested in joining these organizations which are crucial contributors to the quality of life in the Brecksville and Broadview Heights Communities and surrounding areas, you can contact them at brecksvillekiwanis@gmail.org and by checking out www.BroadviewHtsLions.org and www.brecksvillekiwanis.org .

Santa's Visits 2020

Santa's Visits 2020 took a different look due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Santa arrived as scheduled to make socially-distanced visits to children of Brecksville. This year Santa stopped, chatted with and gave gift bags to over 670 children. The visits gave some much-needed Christmas Joy to all involved!

SANTA DELIVERY 2018

This year on Sunday, December 16th Santa visited nearly 170 families and delivered approximately 380 presents. Once again young and old delighted in the visit from our Holly Jolly friend.

Members Enjoy Holiday Cheer at Christmas Party

Brecksville Kiwanis & BBHHS Choir Members - Brecksville Parade

TRICK or TROT - Another Fun Filled Morning

260 runners and walkers, many adorned with costumes, surrounded by family and friends braved the cold and drizzle to participate in our annual Trick or Trot Halloween Family Fun event. Proceeds from the event will be shared with Kids in Flight.

Attendees participated in crafts, a Trick or Trot 1 mile Fun Walk, and a 5K run. Winners were presented awards in various age classifications for the 5K and for outstanding costumes. Always a highlight is the participation of the Central School Be Fit Girls Running Club. The group consisted of nearly 70 runners this year.

Special thanks to our sponsors and our numerous club, Kids in Flight, and student volunteers from the BBHHS Key Club, Student Council, Robotics Team, National Honor Society, and the newly formed Twinsburg Key Club.

Check out some of the photo highlights from this year below.

YULETIDE HUNGER BOXES ASSEMBLED

New Officers Installed for 2018-2019 Kiwanis Year

On Thursday, September 27th, our club installed its 2018-2019 officers: President Kevin Brusk, Secretary Leanne Brusk, and Treasurer Jim McAllister as well as board of director members and foundation board members. Members were installed by Division 24 Lt. Governor Marty McGinty. Thanks to each of these individuals who place service above self to help families, organizations, and children across our northeast Ohio region.

Kiwanis 71st Annual Horse Show -
Our Final Show Recap

On Sunday, August 5th our club with the super help from Maple Crest Farm and several Friends of Kiwanis held an outstanding 2 day event. Competitors and spectators enjoyed the competitions, family fun events, and the food. Thanks to all!