On Wednesday, October 23, The Metzenbaum Center’s Aktion Club held it 3rd Annual Installation Dinner. This dinner was extra-special as new officers and new members were inducted. In addition, current members were honored. On-hand to help with the inductions were Dennis Rupp, West Geauga Club President, and Kiwanis Lt. Governor Gary Stumpf. Also in attendance were West Geauga Kiwanis members who helped to serve dinner.
Kiwanis Aktion Clubs are an International service organization sponsored by Kiwanis International. Kiwanis Aktion Clubs are the only service clubs for adults with disabilities, with more than 11,000 members worldwide.
The Metzenbaum Aktion Club was formed in 2011 with only twelve members. This year close to thirty individuals were inducted or honored. They meet once a month to discuss ideas for fundraisers and group outings. One of the biggest fundraisers is the annual food drive to help needy families in Geauga County. When they started in 2011, ten families were helped. In 2012, fifteen families received supplies. This year, the goal is twenty families!
The Aktion Club raises money and collects donations at The Metzenbaum Center and from other events like their annual Halloween Party.
In addition to the food drive, Aktion Club has also been preparing backpacks for Jobs & Family Services. These bags are given to children who are unexpectedly removed from their homes. They are filled with stuffed animals, toys, and other essentials. To date, fifty bags have been made.
The Geauga County Board of Developmental Disabilities is very proud of Aktion Club and all they do for the Geauga County Community!
President Russell Rosch, Vida Martin, Michael Hunt, Meghan Viviani, Kate Campbell, Scott Ervin, Tricia Ford, Keith Rex, Don Dechellis, and Emilie Ervin.
