Club History  

Aiken-Palmetto Kiwanis Club first began in September of 1999 under the name "Aiken Golden K Club."  The club began as an opportunity for individuals age 50 or over to become personally involved in the improvement of the community as well as enjoying the fellowship of like-minded citizens.  The club had its charter luncheon on December 13, 1999.  The first officers of the club were Dave Muhlbaier, President; Lucile Shuler, Vice President; Bessie Boyette, Secretary; and Angie Flanagan, Treasurer.  The members participated in a variety of activities and fundraisers, including singing at area nursing homes, having yard sales, volunteering at Freedman Parenting Center, and assisting the Aiken Kiwanis Club with its annual Tricycle Race.

As the club grew, however, members decided to open membership to adults of all ages.  In August of 2001, the Aiken Golden K Club officially became Aiken-Palmetto Kiwanis Club. 

In the fall of 2002, under the leadership of past president Lucile Shuler, Aiken-Palmetto Kiwanis Club became the sponsor of the only K-Kids Club in Aiken County - the Chukker Creek Elementary School K-Kids Club.  The K-Kids Club is composed of fifth graders who want to learn more about service and leadership; their motto is "We Build."  Since then, we have chartered two more K-Kids Clubs (one at Busbee Elementary in 2008 and one at Byrd Elementary in 2009).  Some of the projects the K-Kids have been involved with include Valentines for Vets, Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Project, the Be-A-Bunny Project for senior citizens, and the Aiken SPCA Pet Food Drive.

Aiken-Palmetto Kiwanis Club members are involved in several service projects, including ACTS (Area Churches Together Serving), the Guardian Ad Litem Program, Operation Christmas Child, and volunteering Aiken/Barnwell Head Start.  Some of our members assist the elderly and aid in various hospital projects.  We also have fundraisers throughout the year, including the annual "Wish Upon a Car" Benefit Car Show held in April at the Aiken Mall and an annual Charity Golf Tournament.  Some of our beneficiaries include the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), Aiken/Barnwell Head Start, and our sponsored leadership programs such as K-Kids.

The club also makes time to have fun and socialize.  We participate in area Christmas parades as well as having a Christmas party for members and guests.  We also get together once a month for a fun event (such as concerts at Hopelands Gardens, bowling, putt-putt, and more).