Pioneer Kiwanis Chili Feed set for Nov. 8

Monday, October 29, 2007

For the Kiwanis Club of Fort Scott Pioneers, the onset of fall means it is once again time for the organization's annual chili feed.

This year's chili feed, which is an annual tradition for many people, is scheduled to take place from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 8, at the Scottish Rite Temple, 110 S. Main St. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Pioneer Kiwanis Club, an organization that has served the community and worked to assist area children since 1988.

The chili feed serves as the organization's premier fund raising event.

"The chili feed is a big money maker," past club president and current member Marilyn Landers said. "The more money we get, the more kids we can help take care of."

All club members help out in some way with the event, as does the Fort Scott High School Key Club and students from Fort Scott Christian Heights School. The Key Club is the high school division of the Pioneer Kiwanis, Landers said.

Several schools in both Bourbon County school districts are also assisted in some way by the Pioneer Kiwanis with various school programs each year, she said.

The club meets at noon every Thursday in the Fort Scott Community College Heritage Room. The organization's statement this year, according to Landers, says that "The Pioneer Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world, one child and one community at a time."

The club's motto is "Serving the Children of the World."

Every Kiwanis club raises money for worthwhile projects, both local and international. The club also raises funds each year through a concession stand at the Fort Scott Airport Day -- which was held on Sept. 8 this year -- where lunches and snacks are sold to those attending the air show.

Activities and programs that typically benefit each year from donations by the Pioneer Kiwanis include the Bourbon County Relay for Life, the Bourbon County Chapter of the American Red Cross, the Bourbon County United Way Chapter, the Bourbon County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) group, the Bourbon County Big Brothers Big Sisters program, the Fort Scott Swim Team, the Kansas Food Bank Backpack Buddies Program, History Days, Mother to Mother Ministry, Bourbon County Healthy Start, Head Start, the Tri-Valley Greenhouse Project, The Beacon school shoes program, SOS parties at area high schools, and Project Art at Fort Scott Middle School.

In May, the club donated $1,000 toward construction of the $7 million Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center at Fort Scott Community College. That facility is expected to begin construction soon, and should be completed by early 2009.

The club also recently donated money toward a new air conditioning system at the Myers Building on the Bourbon County Fairgrounds, where club members work each summer during the Bourbon County Fair, Landers said.

Each year, the club also provides an evening of entertainment for residents at one of the area nursing homes. The club also operates the information booth each year at the annual Good Ol' Days festival, provides baked goods for the Historic Preservation Association's Stocking Stuffer during the annual Homes for the Holidays tour, and also donates cookies to the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce Visitor Information Center and area bloodmobiles.

The Pioneer Kiwanis also hosts a Community Prayer Breakfast each May, and maintains one of the largest flower planters on Skubitz Plaza in the historical downtown Fort Scott district.

Tickets for the chili feed, which can be purchased from any club member in advance or at the door the day of the event, cost $4 per person. Children under 5 years of age will eat free of charge. Carry-out meals will also be available.

The Pioneer Kiwanis consists of a diverse group of women of varying ages who work in a wide range of professions. The club is always looking to recruit new members, Landers said.

Call Landers at (620) 223-1143 for more information.