The Buckhead Kiwanis Club celebrated its 50th anniversary April 21 with a cocktail reception and dinner attended by 70 members and guests at The Parc at Buckhead senior residences on Phipps Boulevard.
Many of the longtime members of the club and their wives attended, including Bill Heinz, who is one of the few remaining original members.
The only formal part of the program was the presentation of the George F. Hixon Award to Julie Love, a 13-year member of the Buckhead club. The presentation was made by Ren Brennan, president of the club, who said it is “a very prestigious award.” The club actually donated $1,000 to the Hixon Foundation in order to be able to present the award to one of its members.
Longtime club member Wiley Verden gave an informal talk to those attending, pointing out one of the club’s major local initiatives, the student improvement awards it sponsors in local schools.
He also warned club members that young professionals today are not joining civic organizations as they did in the past and Kiwanis needs to find a way to attract younger membership.
Buckhead Coalition president Sam Massell attended the celebration as a guest of the club.
— John Schaffner