Club History  

A Brief History of the

Kiwanis Club of Hacienda Heights

         The Kiwanis Club of Hacienda Heights was organized on November 20, 1963, by the Kiwanis Club of La Puente.  The charter President of the Club was Walter Stiff, manager of Crocker Bank.  Its Charter was issued on January 28, 1964.  A joint charter party was held with the Walnut Valley Kiwanis Club at Orlando's in Pomona.  This was the first time in Kiwanis history that two clubs were organized simultaneously by one club.

        Early years saw frequent meeting location changes that included: French Basque Restaurant (where Great Western Bank is now located), California County Club, Sunset Hills Club, Chuck Wagon, Mister J's, the basement of First Federal Savings, Sunset Hills Club again, Jolly Roger, Moffetts', El Torito, Marie Callender's, now we are at Millie's Cafe.

        The Club sponsored the Los Altos High School Key Club which was chartered in 1964, Wilson High School Key Club in 1969, and the Los Altos High School KIWINS (formerly Keywanettes) in 1978.

The Club co-sponsored with the Kiwanis Club of La Puente, the Kiwanis Club of Hacienda Hills in 1969, but unfortunately, that club only lasted one year.  The Club also sponsored a Kiwanis club in Maranatha, New Zealand in 1970.

        One of the early community projects with which the Club was involved was the development of Steinmetz Park (formerly known as Stimson Park).  In 1965 the park site was undeveloped.  Under President Gary Graham's guidance, the Club raised approximately $3,500, which was turned over to the Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation Department (LACPRD).  The initial plans were to use the funds toward a sprinkler system.  However, the LACPRD was able to use the funds as 'seed money" toward development of specific plans for the park.  The Board of Supervisors recognized community interest by this time and authorized development of the entire park.  At this time several service clubs, the Hacienda Heights Improvement Association, and other community leaders were able to convince the LACPRD to build a community activity building at the site rather than the usual office and recreation facility.

        Another project which we have done is our ROP Steer Project. It is an activity of the Youth Services Committee and has proven to be very worthwhile.  The Club purchases and underwrites the upkeep costs of raising a steer during the year.  It is provided to a local high school student who cares and maintains the animal until it is auctioned at the Los Angeles County Fair in the fall.

        The Club has standing service committees which are: Community Service, Spiritual Aims, Youth Service, Major Emphasis and Sponsored Youth.  Some of the youth-related projects have included the Junior High School Science Fair, School Spelling Contests, recognition of the local high schools valedictorian and salutatorian, Superstars Competition between the seniors of Los Altos and Wilson High School.  One of the most recent school-related projects that has proven to be very successful is the Terrific Kids project for the elementary schools.  This program benefits a large number of students and has had a significant impact on young students' attitude toward reading.

        The Club is particularly proud of the Sponsored Youth programs which currently includes the Key Club and Kiwins at both Glen A Wilson and Los Altos High Schools.  These clubs provide valuable leadership training to responsible high school students as well as providing an opportunity for encouraging community service activities.  The Builder's Club at Newton Middle School also provides these same community service and growth opportunities for our youth in the Middle School grades. Designated goals and ideals of these clubs follow Kiwanis goals very closely.

        Each year Kiwanis International designates a Major Emphasis theme, which is typically related to programs for disadvantaged youth.  

        Fundraising projects over the years have included: circus, art auctions, horse shows, sales of coloring books, pit barbecue, travelogue programs, annual pancake breakfast and a food booth at the Industry Pro Rodeo. Our main scholarship fundraiser has evolved from a Crab-Fest to a Rib-Fest which is an all you can eat rib dinner. It is at this event that we elect the Miss 4th of July.

        The event our club is most proud of is the sponsorship of the annual Hacienda Heights “4th of July Parade.”  With over one hundred entries each year, it is a true community event.        

        As we say when we welcome guests attending our meetings, we are proud of our Club.  We welcome you to become a part of it and join our fellow Kiwanians throughout the World.