On July 4th, the Kiwanis Club of Statesboro scored a major win. They snagged a spot in the top ten for their Signature Project, the Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair, at the 2024 Kiwanis International Convention, beating out 526 other projects from 33 countries.
Signature Projects are what Kiwanis Clubs are all about—making a real difference in their communities. This year’s contest was tougher than ever, so making it to the top ten was a huge accomplishment for our local club.
President Matt Anderson and President-Elect Marilyn Darrell were there, along with Brent Leslie, Governor of the Georgia District, to accept the award. The excitement was off the charts!
“It was truly an honor to be just considered as a top ten finalist, and to be alongside so many other great clubs that are part of the Kiwanis family,” said the President-Elect.
Statesboro’s Star Project
The club's big project is, of course, the beloved Ogeechee Fair. This event has been rocking Statesboro for over 60 years. With a 4-H livestock show, carnival rides, the Ogeechee Kiwanis Fair Pageant, and a pancake house run by Kiwanians and Key Club members, it’s a local favorite. Plus, it raises more than $400,000 for community projects every year.
This money goes toward scholarships for graduating seniors, museum trips for elementary students, wheelchair ramps for residents in need, and supplies for foster kids. The fair has also helped grow the club, adding more than 100 new members.
Winning this award is a big deal, but club leaders say it’s just the beginning. The Kiwanis Club of Statesboro is more motivated than ever to keep making a difference in our community.
What Kiwanis Is All About
This contest isn’t just about winning. It’s about showing why Kiwanis Clubs exist: to help kids and improve communities. Every project in the top ten did just that, proving how impactful these clubs are worldwide.
The top prize went to the Kiwanis Club of Providence-Montego Bay. Their amazing project brought Christmas toys to kids in some of Jamaica’s poorest areas. Talk about spreading joy!