The Grady Bunch Assists in Leadership of the West Richmond Club
by Tracie Grady

Judy Hackler (formerly Grady) first joined the West Richmond Kiwanis by an invitation from her former employer's accountant, Marion Allen. After attending several program meetings and feeling an overwhelming sense of welcome from the club's members, Judy felt the club was an asset to the community and decided she wanted to be a part of the Kiwanis Club of West Richmond. Judy joined the club in 2004, and has been dedicated to the club ever since.

Judy wanted to share the club's mission and activities with other potential members, so she asked her mother, Jeanne Grady, to come to some of the club's meetings. Jeanne also made an instant connection with the club's members and joined Kiwanis in 2006. Jeanne's leadership potential was quickly recognized by the club's nomination committee, and she was quickly elected as President-Elect. Through the Kiwanis leadership classes, she has gained a wealth of knowledge about Kiwanis, its programs, and its potential future. Jeanne has taken a very active part in helping to educate the club on the current Kiwanis strategies and is looking forward to many years of increased services and membership from the West Richmond Kiwanis Club.

As with many volunteer opportunities that Judy and Jeanne participate in, another family member, Tracie Grady, was recruited to help the club with the Celebrate Children Silent Auction and Dinner that was held in 2007. Tracie is Judy's sister-in-law and Jeanne's daughter in law, and was a very important asset to the success of the auction, which raised money and awareness for not only the West Richmond Kiwanis Foundation, but also St. Joseph's Villa, the March of Dimes, and the Central Virginia Food Bank. Tracie's talents and likeable personality were recognized by many club members who strongly encouraged her to also become a member of the club. Tracie also recognized her own desire to participate in the club's activities, and was sponsored by another member to join in 2007. With her involvement in community service through her work at the VA Society of Association Executives, she has brought many program speakers and leadership to the club.

On 10/15/08, the Division 4 Lieutenant Governor, Tom Wagstaff, installed the Grady Bunch along with Marion and Betty Allen as officers to head the Kiwanis Club of West Richmond for the 2008-2009 season. These Grady ladies have really made their mark in a short period of time with the Kiwanis Club of West Richmond. Watch them grow! Pictured: Jeanne Grady President, Judy Hackler Vice President, Tracie Grady Secretary, Marion Allen Treasurer, Betty Allen Immediate Past President.