Whitewater Kiwanis Announces "Kiwanian of the Year" and Distinguished Service Awardees

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club.

At a special meeting of the Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club, club leaders presented several awards to local Kiwanians:

The “Kiwanian of the Year” was awarded to Rollie Cooper for his fundraising efforts for the We-Go-Round playground for children with all abilities. Rollie Cooper has been a Kiwanian for many years, and has worked tirelessly on behalf of the children of Whitewater and the world.

Kiwanian Lorrie Koppein Presented the “Kiwanian of the Year” Award to Rollie Cooper.

A Certificate of Memoriam was presented to Mrs. John Newhouse honoring John’s 37 years of service as secretary and service to Kiwanis.

Kiwanian Lorrie Koppein Presented an Award to Mrs. Newhouse in Memory of her Husband John Newhouse.

Distinguished service awards:
—Craig Cobb was recognized for 45 years of service to Kiwanis.

—Rick Norman was recognized for: 30+ years as treasurer; major pancake breakfast contributions; and for his management of poinsettia and lily sales.

—Kathy Schumacher was recognized for her many years managing the Bridge Marathon with profits going to the Breakfast Club and for her years of service as a member.

Kathy Schumacher was recognized for her many years managing the Bridge Marathon with profits going to Kiwanis and for her years of service as a member.

Others presented in absentia for decades of service included: Betty Schoonover (her award will be presented at a later date at Fairhaven) and Jack Trojan.

In addition Kiwanis will be presenting memorial plaques to the family of Joanne Coulthart honoring her service to Kiwanis and Margaret Toennies in honor of her husband Jim. These individuals recently passed.

Whitewater Kiwanis is a group of dedicated volunteers who help both children of the Whitewater community and the world, all with 100% of funds raised going directly to youth projects and zero to administrative costs. Last year the club distributed more than $20,000, with donations to Whitewater Unified School District, shoes and winter clothes for students, and scholarships, among other important causes. In addition, the club has donated to the Whitewater Food Pantry, Bethel House, The Community Space and First United Methodist Church that served free meals during COVID, Whitewater Youth Soccer Club, Friends of the Whitewater Aquatic and Fitness Center Family Partnership Fund as well as supporting other service projects in the community.

Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time.