When the Kiwanis Club of Monterey was founded in April of 1926, it had 41 members and would eventually grow to over 100! Membership was restricted to men only, preferably professionals and business owners. Some of the club’s earliest meetings were held in the rooftop restaurant of the San Carlos Hotel in downtown Monterey.

Things have certainly changed! As the Kiwanis Club of Monterey celebrates its 100^th birthday, our membership is, of course, open to women and men, the San Carlos Hotel was long ago replaced by what is now the Monterey Marriott, and “service clubs” are no longer a thing that everyone joins.

Yet, for 100 years, the Kiwanis Club of Monterey has been raising money and providing service, working to make life better for children and teens on the Monterey Peninsula. We’ve raised millions of dollars that are in turn invested in local charitable organizations, awarded to very deserving college-bound students, and used to support the service projects of youth on the Monterey Peninsula.

We invite you to help us in any way you feel able. Do you just want to volunteer from time to time? We can add you to our Volunteer Corp! We’ll let you know when opportunities come up, but you will be under no ongoing commitment. Do keep your mind open, though. Visit one of our weekly club meetings, pay attention to the variety of speakers we host at our meetings, and you may just decide that being in the club sounds very rewarding.

The needs of children have changed over 100 years, as have the challenges and opportunities facing by the Kiwanis Club of Monterey. Yet, we’re always there to help. Come meet some nice people and do what you can.