April 27, 2007

Fellow Kiwanis-Family members,

On Monday, April 16th, 2007 a hole was torn in the Blacksburg community and thirty-three lives were taken from the Hokie family. It was a day of tragedy and sorrow not only for Virginia Tech, but for the whole nation. As many of you know, Ryan “Stack” Clark, a member of Circle K International at Virginia Tech, was one of the victims. He was an amazing individual and will forever be missed.

There is nothing we can do to change what has happened, but I want to inform you all of actions that we, as a Kiwanis family, can take to honor the lives lost and show support to their families and friends.

First of all, Virginia Tech has set up a Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund for all of the victims. Directions on how to donate can be found at www.vt.edu. Also, if you wish to send any cards or messages of hope and love, our club address is the following:

Circle K
121 Squires Student Center
Blacksburg, VA 24061

Please send all cards to this address where they will be forwarded to the appropriate recipients.

Lastly, Virginia Tech Circle K in partnership with the Capital District of Circle K International has set up a memorial scholarship in honor of Ryan “Stack” Clark. Selection criteria for the scholarship are still being decided and will be announced shortly. If you wish to make a tax-deductible donation to the scholarship fund, please mail your checks payable to “Capital District Kiwanis Foundation” to the address below:

Capital District Kiwanis Foundation
Ryan “Stack” Clark CKI Memorial Scholarship
1601 Charrington Drive Midlothian, VA. 23113

I want to thank everyone for the incredible amount of love and support already shown to Virginia Tech Circle K. You have all once again proven that this organization we call Kiwanis truly deserves the title of “Family” and I am honored to be a part of it.

Melina Ciccarone, President
Circle K International at Virginia Tech