YMCA Recognizes Rehoboth Kiwanis Club

by Rosemary Cummings

The Sussex Family YMCA in Rehoboth Beach awarded the 2009 "Building Strong Families Award" to the Kiwanis Club of Rehoboth Beach.  Vice Presidents Bob Bacon and Jim Kunkle accepted the engraved timepiece on behalf of the Club.

George and Pat Blacklock, Joan Horn, Bob Bacon, Alin Buckley, and James and Marge Kunkle attended the Strong Kids Campaign Thank You Dinner where the award was made.  

YMCA Board Member Joanne Merlo (a Key Club Parent) commented on the long history of KIWANIS support for the "Y" and of the ongoing sponsorship of service clubs in the local schools, as well as new clubs recently established. In 1980, Rehoboth Kiwanians were instrumental in bringing a YMCA to the coastal community for many years served on the Board of Directors. Jim Kunkle presented the award to Club President Ken Drerup at the November Board meeting. In 2003, the Club received a similar award for their work in serving the community.

Rehoboth Kiwanis now has eight Service Leadership Program (SLP) Clubs in the Cape Henlopen and Indian River School Districts. As Kiwanis Family, Kiwanians sponsor the student Clubs and work with its members as a family, providing service to the school and the community while teaching the members leadership skills.