LEWISTON — In an era when service clubs and organizations are struggling to survive, the Kiwanis Club of Lewiston is a prime example of prospering with a strong membership and numerous community projects.

Since it was chartered in 1958, the Kiwanians here have sponsored events and activities that generated upwards of $1.3 million, with all proceeds flowing directly to the community. Much of that money was raised through the popular three-day Peach Festival which started in the club’s inaugural year.

Major beneficiaries of the club’s fundraising efforts have been:

Women’s and Children’s Hospital Foundation; St. Mary’s Hospital Foundation; Niagara Hospice; the Boys and Girls Club; the DARE Program; Relay for Life; Juvenile Diabetes; Gliding Stars, the Red Cross; and Toys for Tots, to name a few.

One of the biggest annual events is the Peach Festival Parade that traditionally draws thousands of area residents to Center Street in the village. Kiwanian Jerald I. Wolfgang has chaired that committee for years.

Other fundraisers include the annual Clam Bake and the Block of Dollars, when the bucket crew collects contributions on a summer day at major intersections in Lewiston and Youngstown.

This weekend the club celebrated its 50th anniversary with more than 120 members and guests attending a dinner program Saturday at Suzanne’s Fine Dining, Niagara Falls Boulevard.

The current officers include, Ron Parent, Youngstown, president; Randy Gorzka, Lewiston, vice president; Dean Beltrano, Lewiston, treasurer; and Brad Martin, Lewiston, secretary. Bill Bennion is president-elect.

The group meets Wednesdays at The Brickyard Restaurant on Center Street. When its charter was signed in 1958, there were 64 members; today the membership is nearly 90.

“We’re constantly looking for new members,” Parent said, noting a problem many other service clubs confront. “Sometimes it’s simply a matter of just asking people,” he added.

In 2001, the club launched a spirited campaign to increase its membership, with the focus on attracting younger people.

That’s in contrast to some organizations, he said, that for whatever reasons are often complacent about carrying on with longstanding members and not welcoming new faces.

At present, over one-half the Lewiston club has less that 10 years of service. About one-third of members have served for five years or less.

For Thomas Baia, a club member for more than 40 years, one of the most rewarding endeavors is the sponsorship of youths groups, from the Lewiston-Porter elementary and middle schools to the senior high.

Lewiston Mayor Richard Soluri has often credited the success of the organization to the dedication and leadership of people who want to improve the quality of life throughout the community.

During the dinner program, Brad Martin was presented the club’s “Outstanding Service Award” and Donald Smith received the “Lombardi Community Service Award,” named for the late Lewiston town justice and longtime Kiwanian.

Ten charter members also were honored: Ronald D’Arcangelo, Denton Hardison, John Hessney, James Hibbard, William Holroyd, Donald Knab, Herbert Reiter, Paul Schmoyer, Allan Van Den Bosch and Richard Webb.

The club was organized March 26, 1958, and celebrated its charter night May 17, 1958, at the former Luigi’s Restaurant, Ontario Avenue and 18th Street.

Robert Skimin was the first president.

Contact reporter Don Glynn

at 282-2311, ext. 2246.