Kiwanis Golf Outing - September 22nd
Kiwanis supports Washington Crossing Summer Intern
This spring and summer, Tatum Lovely joined the Friends of Washington Crossing Park as an intern, gaining hands-on experience in visitor services, education, outreach, and the day-to-day operations of a nonprofit historic site. Tatum joined us at a recent meeting to share her experiences as well her career goals. Tatum good luck in your future endeavors we know You WILL be making a Great Impact!
Kiwanis Supports Live Like Phillip Foundation
Lynn Osereduk, President and Founder for Live Like Phillip Foundation recently attended a meeting where we presented her with a check in support of their efforts in our community. Live Like Phillip Foundation was established to provide love and compassion to help families in the Bucks County Community who have experienced the loss of a school-age child. The foundation was born after the devastating loss of Lynn’s son Phillip. “Through the indescribable pain and unimaginable grief came an incredible power to help and assist other families facing this unimaginable loss.”
Lynn Osereduk, President and Founder for Live Like Phillip Foundation recently attended a meeting where we presented her with a check in support of their efforts in our community. Live Like Phillip Foundation was established to provide love and compassion to help families in the Bucks County Community who have experienced the loss of a school-age child. The foundation was born after the devastating loss of Lynn’s son Phillip. “Through the indescribable pain and unimaginable grief came an incredible power to help and assist other families facing this unimaginable loss.”
Kiwanis Supports Fostering Hope Lower Bucks
At a recent meeting we presented a check in support of Fostering Hope Lower Bucks for 2026. Fostering Hope relies on donations to keep the Foster-Share Closet open and Bags of Hope going to foster families and children. All donations go to operational costs and providing tangible support to children in foster care in Southeastern PA. Jenae Travia says "We appreciate all varieties of donations including monthly gifts, one-time gifts, gift-cards, donation drive sponsors, purchases off our wish-list, as well as any good to new quality donations of baby gear, clothing, toys, books, etc. If you would like to donate please follow the link below.
Kiwanis Support Habitat for Humanity Bucks County
Florence Kawoczka CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER for Habitat for Humanity recently attended a meeting where we presented her with a check in support of their efforts here in Bucks County. Habitat for Humanity helps to build or improve a place where needy families can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. Habitat Bucks’ shared equity, land trust model now permanently preserves the affordability of our homes.
Kiwanis supports Rolling Harvest Food Rescue summer Intern
Vicki Sarnoff along with 2022 summer intern now working with Rolling Harvest Kate Yarrow attended our meeting April 16th where we presented a check to support their summer intern for 2026. Since 2010, Rolling Harvest has been focused on partnering with local farmers, making it easy for them to share their fresh, healthy produce with the food-insecure communities in which they live. Our dedicated volunteers help with daily pick-up and delivery schedules from 52 farms and food producers, assist with weekly distributions to more than 80 hunger relief sites, and glean (harvest) directly from our farm partners’ fields, and at our Rolling Harvest fields at Gravity Hill Farm.
38th Annual Council Rock Kiwanis Invitational
We partnered with Council Rock North for a successful 38th annual Council Rock Kiwanis Invitational this year. 47 high schools were represented with athletes hoping to qualify for the upcoming Penn Relays, District, and State championships. Over 300 athletes participated in track, throwing, jumping, and vaulting events. Pictured are Dave Marrington, the coach of Council Rock North along with members of the club
Easter Egg Hunt
The weather was great and the event well attended with over 200 children coming out to greet the Easter Bunny!
Thanks to the Upper Makefield Volunteer Fire Company for insuring the Easter Bunny arrived safely.
Kiwanis Club awards $3,000 to Legacy of Life
Kiwanis Washington Crossing-Yardley awarded $3,000 to help fund the Legacy of Life Foundation. Legacy of Life is a 501(c)(3) organization investing in educating, inspiring, and supporting women in unplanned pregnancies. Their women's centers in Bucks County and Philadelphia provide free services and resources to women from pregnancy through the first three years of their child's life. The funded project provides a community of support and programming designed to teach parenting and life skills intended to transform families. Accepting the check was Legacy of Life’s Parish Partnership Manager, Renee Primich. To find out more and how you can help please visit:
https://www.legacyoflifefoundation.org
Kiwanis Club awards $5,000 to Potential
Kiwanis Washington Crossing-Yardley awarded $5,000 to help fund Potential. Potential is a 501(c)(3) organization that engages children and adults with autism in personalized programs that helps them realize their full potential. The project funded is for the creation of the FUNdamental Kitchen designed to empower children with autism to build essential skills for greater independence. Accepting the check was Potential's President and CEO Kristine Quinby and Director of Donor Relations Maria Evan. To find out more and how you can help please visit:
Kiwanis Club awards $3,000 to Camp Discovery
Kiwanis Washington Crossing-Yardley awarded $3,000 to help fund this summer’s Camp Discovery program. Camp Discovery is a 501(c)(3) organization that runs a one-week overnight camping program in New Hope for children 8-11 identified as having behavior issues stemming from neglect and abuse. Camp counselors are selected from local area schools, and they serve as mentors for the children, who are selected from local social service agencies in our community. Accepting the check was Camp Discovery co-founder Bob Duaime.
Kiwanis Club awards $5,000 to Interfaith Food Alliance
Kiwanis awarded $5,000 to help update the Interfaith Food Alliance pantry in Morrisville. The monies will help renovate the kitchen and storage areas to support their growing mission. The Interfaith Food Alliance is 14 faith based communities joining together to fight hunger in the Morrisville (PA) School District by educating the community, advocating for those in need, and feeding hungry children and their families. Receiving the check were Diane Coyle President and Annmarie Clark Vice President of the Alliance.
To find out more or how you can volunteer please visit:
Thanks to Upper Makefield Volunteer Fire Company and Council Rock North Band for making the Christmas Tree Lighting another great event!
The cold weather did not turn away all the children and their families who came out to celebrate the Christmas Season kick off on November 28th.
Kiwanis Support YOBC
Greg Burns recently presented our annual support for to Erica Stockton Executive Director, Youth Orchestra of Bucks County.
The Youth Orchestra of Bucks County provides students in grades 4 through 12 with advanced musical training to enhance and supplement their school. Erica commented :
"YOBC is so grateful to the Kiwanis Club of Washington Crossing-Yardley for their generous support. It is our goal that no student is turned away from YOBC due to a lack of financial resources, and this gift makes it possible for us to uphold this promise to families in need. We are proud to serve our community, and grateful to the Kiwanis Club for making it possible for us to continue doing so.”.
"YOBC is so grateful to the Kiwanis Club of Washington Crossing-Yardley for their generous support. It is our goal that no student is turned away from YOBC due to a lack of financial resources, and this gift makes it possible for us to uphold this promise to families in need. We are proud to serve our community, and grateful to the Kiwanis Club for making it possible for us to continue doing so.”.
SNIPES EDUCATION CENTER OPENS its new Ponderosa Cedar Playground through a partnership with KIWANIS Club of Washington Crossing - Yardley
The Kiwanis Club of Washinton Cr. and Yardley have worked with and supported Snipes Farm and Educational Center for over 5 years to help improve the lives of underserved children in our local area. This June highlighted the completion of Phase I renovation to the playground complex. With the assistance of Kiwanis and other grants, a new playground was installed in late June, just in time for Snipes summer camp programs. Campers can now play and enjoy a modern, safe and structurally sound playground.
Melanie Douty Director of the camp says: "Snipes Farm Day Camp is so grateful to the Kiwanis Club of Washington Crossing-Yardley for the generous funding of our new Ponderosa Cedar Playground from Play with a Purpose. At a ribbon cutting with campers and Kiwanis Club members, we were able to share with the children that community goes beyond our staff and campers to people who care deeply for the well being of others. The Club has for many years has provided camp scholarship funds as well as a mister to help us to stay cool on hot days and a Gaga "pit" for our favorite dodge ball game.Enormous good will come from this gift through the joy of thousands of Bucks County and area children who play here.
The structure that the Ponderosa replaced was hand built 30 years ago and it was ready for retirement. Our play space has been completely transformed with equipment that not only gives children of a span of ages many fun things to do simultaneously, but is also esthetically so lovely. It fits right in with a farm setting.
Farm Camp has served children and youth ages 5-15 for 18 years. Our hands-on nature-based program includes caring for animals, cooking, caring for a garden, exploring the woods and creeks, science and art. "Having fun with friends" is often the favorite thing a camper shares at the end of any given camp day. Amazing friendships spring up across backgrounds from the core of what we all seek: connection with kindred spirits. Fundraising enables up to 60 children per summer to attend on scholarship including children from the Bucks County Emergency Homeless Shelter and children coping with the grief of profound losses and other challenging situations. The beauty and power of the natural world, kind staff, friends and animals help children to let go of burdens and to be kids again.
We thank the Kiwanis Club of Washington Crossing-Yardley for nurturing children at Snipes Farm Day Camp with compassion, thoughtfulness and generosity. It was wonderful to celebrate together as the ribbon was cut and children streamed onto the steps, ladder and slides with peels of laughter and delight."
The structure that the Ponderosa replaced was hand built 30 years ago and it was ready for retirement. Our play space has been completely transformed with equipment that not only gives children of a span of ages many fun things to do simultaneously, but is also esthetically so lovely. It fits right in with a farm setting.
Farm Camp has served children and youth ages 5-15 for 18 years. Our hands-on nature-based program includes caring for animals, cooking, caring for a garden, exploring the woods and creeks, science and art. "Having fun with friends" is often the favorite thing a camper shares at the end of any given camp day. Amazing friendships spring up across backgrounds from the core of what we all seek: connection with kindred spirits. Fundraising enables up to 60 children per summer to attend on scholarship including children from the Bucks County Emergency Homeless Shelter and children coping with the grief of profound losses and other challenging situations. The beauty and power of the natural world, kind staff, friends and animals help children to let go of burdens and to be kids again.
We thank the Kiwanis Club of Washington Crossing-Yardley for nurturing children at Snipes Farm Day Camp with compassion, thoughtfulness and generosity. It was wonderful to celebrate together as the ribbon was cut and children streamed onto the steps, ladder and slides with peels of laughter and delight."
Kiwanis Supports Family Services Bucks County
Kiwanis Club o Washington Crossing-Yardley paid a visit to Family Service. During their time there, they generously donated $3,000 towards Family Services' programs and services. Anne Marie Richard's of Family Services said "We are truly grateful for their ongoing support." Last year, Family Services touched nearly 50,000 people who turned to them for help addressing a broad range of challenges. They serve people where they live and work – in their homes, in their communities and in their offices. They offer a variety of programs and services focused on increasing opportunities for adults, reducing substance use, improving the lives of those with mental illness, preparing children and adolescents for the future, improving the quality of life for those living with HIV/AIDS and much more. They also operate the Bucks County Emergency Homeless Shelter, a temporary residence for individuals and families who have lost safe and stable housing.
Kiwanis Presents Fostering Hope Bucks County with 2025 sponsorship!
Greg Burns Presents our annual sponsorship award to Janae Travia with the Fostering Hope Lower Bucks Team! Janae said: "On behalf of all of us at Fostering Hope Lower Bucks, we want to extend our deepest thanks for your continued support. From the very beginning, the Kiwanis Club has stood by us, and we are truly honored to be one of your beneficiaries.In just over two years, we’ve been able to quadruple the number of youth we serve—an achievement made possible by generous donors like you. We’re excited to share that we now have a permanent location in the back of the Newtown Depot Shopping Center. Thanks to growing community awareness and support, our shelves and clothing racks are consistently filled with quality items that bring comfort and dignity to youth and families impacted by foster care."
Easter Egg Hunt
The weather once again cooperated and we were able to complete the Easter Egg Hunt. Special thanks to the Upper Makefield Fire Department for delivering the Easter Bunny! Also thank you to Washington Crossing Park for hosting the event. The children Enjoyed the day as they searched for the golden eggs, and took pictures with our special Bunny. Looking forward to seeing everyone at our Christmas Tree Lighting in November at the park.
News
Thanks to everyone who came out to support our Annual Bag Bingo Night !
Many thanks to all those who sponsored and attended our 2025 Bag Bingo Fundraiser. We had over 230 participants in a record turnout! Special thanks to our sponsors: SourceOne, Capital Health, Saphyr Pure Linen, McCaffreys, Reinhard Talent Agency, The Hill Group, Marlene Ridgway, Haldeman Lexus, Deb Granite Realtor, Washington Crossing Historic Park, Cordatus Wealth Management, Penn Community Bank and Sarah O’Driscoll Realtor. We raised over $13,000 to help underserved children and families in our area. Your support of this event will go a long way towards helping them live better lives. Thank you!
NEWS
Special Thank You to the Upper Makefield Volunteer Fire Company for delivering Santa to our annual tree lighting on Friday November 29th. The children were able to let Santa know what they wanted for Christmas while tasting many of the treats and sipping hot chocolate.Christmas Medleys were played by the Delaware Valley Wind Symphony. This was also the Kick-Off for the annual UMFC "Betsy's Basket" Food Drive. Thank you for all that donated non-perishable food at the event. Looking forward to seeing everyone next year!
Brown Memorial Scholorship Awarded for 2024-25
Nancy Brown along with Steven Brown and Mark Zaba were on hand at Conwel-Egan High School to award two $2,000 scholarships. The recipients were Sebastian Montalbano and Makenzie Rutledge two incoming freshmen at the school. Special thanks to Bill Burns for helping to coordinate the day.
Thank You to everyone who supported our 2024 Golf Outing!
The weather cooperated again this year and 128 golfers participated in our 15th annual Kiwanis Golf Outing on September 23rd at Makefield Highlands Golf Course. Through the support of our sponsors, loca businesses, volunteers, and of course our golfers we were able to raise over $25,000 to support underserved children in our community. These monies will go directly to our scholorship fund, as well help us to partner with our local charities like Fostering Hope, Family Services, Snipes Education Center and others. Mark your calendars for next year, Monday September 22nd.
Kiwanis supports Washington Crossing Park Intern Program
At our recent meeting Mike DeMuth presents a check supporting the 2024 summer intern at the Friends of Washington Crossing Park. Pictured with Mike DeMuth are Alex Robb from Friends of Washington Crossing Park and Tyler Danemark the 2024 intern for the park. Jennifer Martin Exceuctive Director for the Friends of Washington Crossing Parks Says: For the past eight years, the Kiwanis Internship Program has been integral to meeting the needs of our community at Washington Crossing Historic Park. Summer interns enable the Friends of Washington Crossing Park (FWCP) to connect with visitors during the busy summer months, when many families, often with children or out-of-state relatives, visit the park. By assisting in the development, planning, and execution of free weekly living history programs interns help FWCP to share the park's important history and connect community members to the site and each other as they create new shared memories during their park visit. The internship program also plays a vital role in nurturing the next generation of historians and community leaders, as many Kiwanis interns have gone on to become educators and employees in the nonprofit sector. Additionally, this program offers students a valuable opportunity to gain early, paid experience in their chosen field—proving equality and access for many student who cannot afford unpaid internships.
Kiwanis Partners with Snipes Education Center
Headline, Kiwanis partners with Snipes Education Center to Refurbish the Playground. Kiwanis presented Snipes education center $10,000 to assist them in rebuilding their children's playground which has become outdated. Snipes will also start a fund raiser which Kiwanis will match up to an additional $10,000 toward the goal for raising $30,000 in total. Construction should start in the spring of 2025.
In addition Kiwanis supported Snipes Summer Camp Scholarship Fund with a $3,000 donation to send children from Bucks Homeless Shelter to camp.
Johnathan Snipes remarked: "Your $3,000 donation for summer camp scholarship is wonderful news! This scholarship support for local children, including from the Emergency Homeless Shelter, will be matched dollar for dollar by the Argus Fund. Along with the commitment to our playground renovation project, Kiwanis is truly living its mission to uplift our community! This is our first week of summer camp, and it is wonderful to have the farm full of happy little people! "
Fostering Hope Lower Bucks County attends our May 2 meeting.
Jason Bundick joined us May 2nd to share the lastest news from Fostering Hope Lower Bucks County Chapter. The chapter was started by Jenae Travia just one year ago and has already grown their supply closet from 2 bays in a local storage center to a new location in Newtown Shopping Depot. They supported over 100 children last year alone! The club donated $3,000 to help them continue their mission to empower youth experiencing foster care, nurture families, and restore dignity to every child we serve. Learn how you can help.
Kiwanis supports Rolling Harvest Summer Intern
Elyse Yerrapathruni, Executive Director of Rolling Harvest Food Rescue attended our recent meeting and received our support for their summer nutrition intern. Pictured with Elyse is Mike DeMuth President of Kiwanis WC-Y. Else shared the plans for Rolling Harvest Food Rescue for 2024 and said "We are so grateful for your very generous gift - it is vital to our summer outreach in Bucks County and helps us impact so many more families and children in our local communities." Since 2010, Rolling Harvest has been focused on partnering with local farmers, making it easy for them to share their fresh, healthy produce with the food-insecure communities in which they live. Their dedicated volunteers help with daily pick-up and delivery schedules from 43 farms and food producers, assist with weekly distributions to more than 80 hunger relief sites, and glean (harvest) directly from our farm partners’ fields, and at our new Rolling Harvest fields at Gravity Hill Farm. Thank You Rolling Harvest for supporting our community and children!
Youth Orchestra of Bucks County attends April 4 meeting.
Mike DeMuth presents a check for our 2024 support of Bucks County Youth Orchestra to their Vice President Alex Godun. The Youth Orchestra of Bucks County provides students in grades 4 through 12 with advanced musical training to enhance and supplement their school programs.Based on level of mastery, students are placed in one or more of our eight core ensembles that include string-only groups, concert bands, and full orchestras. In addition to our weekly Sunday rehearsals during the school year, YOBC offers students opportunities for peer mentoring, chamber ensembles, advanced performing opportunities, and professionally run master classes for all instrumental groups. For our older students, we also offer international musical performance tours.
Kiwanis Club supports Live Like Phillip Foundation
The club is so please to be able to support the Live Like Phillip Foundation. Over the last four years, LLP has supported bereaved parents and siblings, both financially and emotionally through a variety of ways as they try and navigate through the unimaginable pain of losing a sibling or child. LLP has given grants for financial hardship, comfort care packages, sponsored retreats to Hayden’s House of Healing, and sustains a support group for children and their families who have lost a school-age child through the age of 21.Our mission is to honor the legacy of Phillip Oseredzuk by spreading his faith, kindness, love, and compassion to others. Pictured are Jenn Martin who is a member of both the Kiwanis Club and LLP, Mike DeMuth, and Lynn Oseredzuk, who started the foundation in memory of her son Phillip. For more information on their upcoming night to remember visit them at https://livelikephillip.com/party-with-a-purpose/
Over 300 attend The annual Easter Egg Hunt
Thanks to the Upper Makefield Fire Department for safely delivering the Easter Bunny kicking off our annual Easter Egg Hunt. A lot of Family fun with over 2,000 eggs being found by the children!
Kiwanis Donates $3,000 to Family Service Association of Bucks County
Family Service Association of Bucks County help the homeless, increase opportunities for adults, reduce substance abuse, protect seniors, and improve the lives of those with HIV/AIDS and much more. Kiwanis Club is pleased to support Family Services and their efforts to help the homeless children of Bucks County. Pictured are (from left to right) Ann Marie (Director of Volunteers), Mike DeMuth (Kiwanis President), Julie Dees (CEO) from Family Services and Murielle Kelly (Director of Housing Services)
Some Highlights from our 2024 Bag Bingo
Thanks for all your support of our 2024 Designer Bag Bingo held on Friday, February 9th. A great time was had by all while we raised funds to help underserved children in our communities. By working together we can achieve what one person cannot accomplish alone!
Jack Celebrates his 95th Birthday!
Everyone knows Jack and not only his energy level but his commitment to giving back to the community. Jack was. one of our original members of the Kiwanis Club coming over from the Rotary Club. Jack has served as President of both clubs, as well raises funds every year through the Golf Outing and 8:1 Ticket sales. We recently celebrated his birthday at our monthly meeting!
NEWS
Santa Comes to Washington Crossing Park
Great Turnout for our annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Santa Visit on November 25th with over 300 children attending!
New Officers for 2023-2024
Ann Lotz swears in incoming officers for 2023-24. President - Mike DeMuth, Vice President - Greg Burns, Secretary - Bob Jones, and Treasurer Gary Armstrong. Best Wishes to our new executive team!
Conwell-Egan Brown Memorial Scholarships Awarded (10/16/23)
Nancy Brown and Steven Brown present 2023-24 scholarships to incoming freshmen Dane Austerberry and Sondo Gray. The Brown Memorial Scholarship fund has awarded $12,000 to date to Conwell-Egan freshmen.
New Key Club officers Attend monthly meeting in October
New Pennsbury Key club adviser Vanessa Fry along with officers Aaron Hammer and Disha Kaklotar attended our meeting on October 5th to discuss their key initiatives for 2023-24. The club will be collaborating on several projects this year.
14th Annual Legends of Golf Outing Raises over $25,000 for our local community
Despite the rain we were able to get the tournament completed! THANKS TO EVERYONE for their support which makes it possible to fund our mission and help the underserved children in our community! Looking forward to seeing you next year - save the date Monday September 23, 2024
Kiwanis Supports Washington Crossing Park Intern (8/7/23)
Brandon Frey along with Washington Crossing Park Director Jenn Martin shared Brandon's experiences during his summer internship. Kiwanis supports this intenship each year. Brandon will be attending Gettysburg College this fall. In addition to his busy summer at the park Brandon started a podcast available on spodify discussing key events that let up to the Crossing in 1776 along with the battles that followed.
Kiwanis Supports Fostering Hope (8/7/23)
Kiwanis Club has partnered with Fostering Hope of Lower Bucks County to assist them with rent for their storeage needs. In addition the club donated $1,000 in gift cards for needy families to purchase goods for the children they are bringing into their homes. The club is also collecting goods for children of all ages for Fostering Hope to provide for the families as well. Join the cause https://fosteringhopepa.com/chapter/lower-bucks-county/
Kiwanis Club supports Youth Orchestra of Bucks County
Kiwanis Club has partnered with Fostering Hope of Lower Bucks County to assist them with rent for their storeage needs. In addition the club donated $1,000 in gift cards for needy families to purchase goods for the children they are bringing into their homes. The club is also collecting goods for children of all ages for Fostering Hope to provide for the families as well. Join the cause https://fosteringhopepa.com/chapter/lower-bucks-county/
Rolling Harvest Receives Donation for 2023!
The Kiwanis Club of Washington Crossing-Yardley sponsors Rolling Harvest Nutrition Education summer internship opportunities! Their recent grad Kate was so inspired by the work and the social justice mission she was involved in as our 2022 intern that she is now going on to get a graduate degree in nutrition! #communitysupport #foodaccess#nutrition
Family Services Recipient of Kiwanis $2,000 contribution
Family Service Association of Bucks County programs help the homeless, increase opportunities for adults, reduce substance abuse, protect seniors, improve the lives of those with HIV/AIDS and much more. Kiwanis Club is pleased to support Family Services and their efforts to help the homelss children of Bucks County. Picutred are Fred Duffner Kiwanis President, Murielle Kelly Director of Housing Services, and Stephen Burns Director of Development for Family Services.
Kiwanis Supports Bucks County Habitat for Humanity
Michael DeMuth Vice President of the Kiwanis Club presents Florence Kawaczka Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Bucks County a check for $1500 in support ot their efforts this year. People in Bucks County and all over the world partner with Habitat for Humanity to build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. With the help of Habitat homeowners achieve the strength, stability and independence they need to build a better life for themselves and their families. For more information please visit https://www.habitatbucks.org
Snipes Education Center recipient of Kiwanis Award
For 15 years Snipes Farm Day Camp has provided children and youth a place to learn, to grow and to have fun with friends on a farm! Kiwanis Club of Washington Crossing - Yardley donated $2500 to the Snipes Education Center summer camp scholarship program which allows children from the Bucks County Homeless shelter to attend the camp at no costs to them. Pictured is Melanie Douty Director of the Education Center receiving the donation from Fred Duffner President of the Kiwanis Club. For more information on Snipes Education Center and all of their wondefful programs please visit https://www.snipesfarm.org