Kiwanis International President Dave Curry Visits Capital District as Speaker and Panelist At "National Economic Form on Early Childhood Investment"
by Bob Cressy, Immediate Past Governor

Kiwanis International has long been involved in initiating programs which promote the development and support of children and young persons. Some of our major service projects include our "Young Children: Priority One" programs, support of pediatric hospital and clinics, and of course our internationally recognized Service Leadership Programs in schools, colleges and universities all of which are recognized through the world.

Kiwanis was honored for its international contributions to children at the "National Economic Forum on Early Childhood Investment: The Annual Conference of the Partnership for America's Economic Success". International President Dave Curry was a principal forum speaker and panelist representing Kiwanis and 'sharing our story' particularly of programs for children from birth to five years of age, with our "Young Children: Priority One" projects.

The forum began with a reception, dinner and partnership speakers at the Capital Hilton Hotel on July 9th followed by the participant forums the next day at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce building. President Dave was among the distinguished panelists which also included leaders such as Rebecca Rimel, President and CEO, The Pew Charitable Trusts, a major sponsor of the forum, plus the United States Chamber of Commerce, and representatives of many state organizations, foundations and chambers of commerce. The themes included how to help such organizations and business work together more effectively to advance children's health issues.

Past Kiwanis International Foundation Trustee and Past Governor Pres Davis coordinated the Capital District welcoming reception of President Dave and First Lady Eva Curry at the dinner. Among those attending were Past Governors Jerry Peuler, Bob Cressy and Preston Davis and Past Kiwanis International President Will Blechman from Florida.

Last year in September, Kiwanis International was recognized for its world-wide leadership of the "Reading Is Fundamental" program in Washington and the Kiwanis International President Nelson Tucker and Alva accepted on behalf of Kiwanis.

Indeed "Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time". Each club everywhere contributes to 'making a difference' in our communities and our world by its many projects. Thank YOU for your service.

Pictured from left to right, Past Governor Jerry Peuler, International First Lady Eva and Kiwanis International President Dave Curry, Past KIF Trustee and PG Preston Davis, Past Kiwanis International President Will Blechman from Florida and Immediate Past Capital District Governor Bob Cressy.