There has always been a need

for good fellowship and service. In 1914 two men in Detroit developed

a concept, one that developed into an organization that provided not only

fellowship, but an organization that provided young professional businessmen

new ideals in human relationship.

After several years a motto

was put into place - "We Build" - which became the

guiding force and inspiration still in place today. This includes the

work of the Cleveland Kiwanis beginning in 1915, of starting a nursery

school for underprivileged children. Serving children remains at is core

as well as serving its local community.

The organization is now an

international one serving 79 nations with more

than 8,000 clubs.

There are four in Fayette County:

the Fayette County Kiwanis, established nearly 40 years ago, which is

responsible for the county fair each year; the Peachtree City Kiwanis;

the Metro Fayette Kiwanis; and the Golden K, for retired Kiwanians.

The Fayette Metro Kiwanis was

chartered Aug. 7, 1977, as an offshoot of the Fayette County Kiwanis.

Serving as a model for Kiwanis ideals, the Metro Fayette club serves the

community by donations to 23 county nonprofits each year, such as the

Fayette Youth Protection Homes,

the Joseph Sams School, Fayette Senior Services,

and others.

A pancake breakfast each held

each spring which raises most of its funds. The group also parks cars

at the Fair for additional funds.

The club also has a partnership

with the schools in sponsoring after-school club dedicated to the same

Kiwanis club ideals. The Whitewater Middle School Builders Club recently

stuffed Christmas stockings for the children at the Fayette Youth Protection

Homes.

"We are very proud to

sponsor the caring young people," said current president Sharon

Cummings. "Kiwanis exists

to serve the community, and we believe that one of the most important

services we can perform is to pass along the ideals of voluntarism and

serving others to the next generation."

The Metro Fayette Kiwanis meets

each Tuesday noon at the IHOP in Fayetteville. For information call Cummings

at 770-461-8473.