The Florida Kiwanis Foundation was created in 1971
when then Florida District Governor J. Walker Field suggested this
was a necessary thing to provide backing for his beloved Key
Clubs. He turned to a few stalwart Kiwanians with the task of
forming the Foundation. He insisted that Ralph Davis be the
driving force behind the formation and appointed him president until
the foundation was approved by Kiwanis International, incorporated,
and bylaws established that would provide for elected
officers. District secretary Hal Wainwright acted as appointed
secretary of the newly formed foundation. John P. Nelson would
become the first treasurer while Robert W. Thal and Delbert H. Noel
would server as vice presidents.
Meeting at the Hotel Robert Myer, in Jacksonville, on March 19,
1971, the officers approved the documents that had been submitted to
Kiwanis International and the State of Florida and taking into
account the recommended alterations and amendments. The
amended documents were subsequently filed and the State of Florida
issued a certificate of incorporation on April 27th, 1971. The
very same day, the formal agreement (which required the
incorporation) with Kiwanis International was signed and notarized
and sent off along with the first writing of the bylaws. The
bylaws were approved by International on May 3, 1971. Florida
Kiwanis Foundation, Inc. was in business.
Ralph Davis served as the foundation's first president until
formal elections could be held for his successor. The District
Convention seemed like the perfect time to hold elections. Since few
people knew of the existence of the foundation, J. Walker Field let
it be known that he wanted to serve as president once his year as
governor was over. His wish was granted and he became the first
elected president of the foundation in September 1972.
Perhaps the hardest working of all was Robert W. Thal. He
served as vice president for two years and was the mind behind the
organization and development and chief fund raiser. He became
the second elected president in September 1973 as the foundation was
taking its first major steps. He believed that a ceremonial one year
term was not beneficial to the development of the foundation until
it was firmly established. He served for two years as president and
personally assured the economic soundness of the foundation.
One of the original trustees, George "Rocky" Shearouse,
took over the office next. By the end of1977, the
Foundation was firmly established and growing. One of the
strengths was the commitment to the cause of the founders. The
founders did not just server a term and then sit idly by. The
stayed involved with the foundation, recruiting professionals who
also shared their ideals. Ralph Davis knew of such a man from
his home club and recruited Howard Carraway to serve as president -
and he did for two years.
The Foundation has been served by many top quality Kiwanians,
many of whom have also been Governors. Today, the strength and
diversity of the Foundation eclipses its humble beginnings. We
have made giant strides forward in an effort to establish permanency
to the development and continuity of our youth leadership programs.