The Kiwanis Club of Flagler-Palm Coast got its start over 25 years ago which makes us one of the pioneer service organizations in the county. We are proud of our early efforts that brought the student of the year program to the prominent position it now holds for graduates of Flagler Palm Coast High School. In addition, our organization has long been involved with Special Olympics, Friends of Flagler Public Library, and support of the Key Club at Flagler Palm Coast High School.

Over the years it has become a tradition for our club to sell hot dogs at the food court during the annual Flagler Home Show.

This is one of several ways our organization raises funds that help us support a wide range of community programs benefiting the children and youth of Flagler County.

In recent years we have expanded our community outreach through our Flagler Kiwanis Foundation which enables us to:

Send immunization reminders to all parents of infants as part of a statewide Kiwanis "Shots by Two" program

Support a Police Athletic League Little League baseball team

Underwrite swimming lessons for needy children through the Flagler Safe Kids Coalition

Help keep local streets clean through the Adopt a Highway Program

Support school based programs for our children and youth-please see our web pages for Sponsored Youth and Community Service

The name "Kiwanis" was adapted from the expression "Nunc Kee-wanis" in the Otchipew (Native American) language, meaning "We have a good time," "We make a noise," or, under another construction, "We trade or advertise." Some persons prefer to pronounce the word "ki"; others, "kee."

During the organization's founding in 1915, members belonged to the "Benevolent Order Brothers." The name, however, was unsatisfactory from the first.

"It seems to me," said member Harry A. Young, "that Benevolent Order Brothers is a might peculiar name for an organization of businessmen. Who wants to be a BOB? Well, I don't for one. The name sounds downright silly, and I think we'd be getting off to a better start if we changed it right now before we go any further."

A committee of members sought the assistance of Clarence M. Burton, then historian for the City of Detroit, Michigan. Burton found the expression "Nunc Kee-wanis" in Bishop Baraga's dictionary of the Otchipew language.

The name was perfect. It satisfied founder Allen Simpson Browne, because one variation of its meaning, "We trade," corresponded with his conception of the new organization. He believed that better business opportunities among the members adding up to a sort of reciprocal trade arrangement constituted its prime purpose.

Other members, however, believed that the group should "make a noise" a noticeable difference through community service.

Meeting every Wednesday at Elks Lodge, 2709 53 Old Kings Road, Palm Coast, FL 32164.