The Broad Ripple Kiwanis Club is celebrating its 35th anniversary. They are comprised of volunteers who are dedicated to improving the lives of children.

Susan Neal, who is Treasurer and Past President of Broad Ripple Kiwanis Club, explained, "The club was formed in 1987, which was the same year that the Supreme Court said that service organizations had to admit women as members. We initially met at the American Legion on Westfield Boulevard, before moving the meetings to Northminster Presbyterian Church on Kessler Boulevard, and then to Binkley's on North College Avenue. We currently meet at Half-Liter at 5301 North Winthrop Avenue for lunch on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. On the second Tuesday of the month, we have "Think with a Drink" at 5:30 p.m. at rotating locations. On the fourth Tuesday of each month, we have a "Go Fourth" event where we do service work or outreach in the community."

"Tom Bardach and I are two charter members of Broad Ripple Kiwanis. Tom's company, Bardach Awards, was an anchor business in Broad Ripple for many years, and he was instrumental in organizing the club in 1987," she added.

She mentioned some past and current Kiwanis sponsored events. "Our first major fundraiser was the Ducking Dash, a run/walk event that started and ended at Park Tudor school. We held a dinner and auction event at Riverwalk for a number of years. A more recent fundraiser was Pints for Half-Pints, a beer tasting evening held at The Speak Easy. We are excited about our current event, 'Pumpkin Smash for STEAM (Science Technology Engineering Arts and Math) Cash'. It's a free, family-friendly, and will be held on Sunday, October 23, 2022, 2-6pm at Half-Liter. It will feature pumpkin-smashing, live bands, children's activities, costume parade, Silly Safari, Half-Liter food and drinks, and an on-line auction. Funds from the event will be used to promote STEAM education at Midtown schools." Detailed information can be found on the Broad Ripple Kiwanis Facebook page.

Ms. Neal reflected on the rewarding aspect of being a long-time Kiwanis Club member. "I've always said that you can have greater impact as part of a group. We believe that our club has benefited the local community, particularly Broad Ripple and Midtown. As a part of Kiwanis International and the Indiana District of Kiwanis, we also have participated in international service and Indiana-focused service."

The Kiwanis Club is a volunteer organization where members contribute their skills and talents in various ways. They make a difference in the lives of children and adults not only in Broad Ripple, but around the world. For more information, please visit www.brkc.org.