2008-2009 Installation Banquet

September 30, 2008
St. Petersburg, Florida

This year’s installation banquet was held at St. Petersburg Yacht Club last Tuesday night. Over 80 members and guests attended to congratulate Markus Mittermayr on a job well done and to usher in Biff Baker as this year’s president. Markus’ closing remarks were heartfelt and gratifying as he outlined the club’s accomplishments during his tenure. 

Markus compared his reign to owning a boat; excitement in the beginning but glad to pass on the boat to the next captain. 

He had high praise for the support of the members especially the Board of Directors and committee chairs, and most notably, our secretary/treasurer, Charles Stuart. 

Markus’ highlights for his 2007-2008 term are as follows: 

• A plus four in membership
• Establishment of the CKI Club at USF – St. Pete Campus
• Adding a second Key Club to our portfolio  - at Shorecrest Prep
• Continued support of the Key Club at St. Petersburg High School
• Improved communications through our website and bulletin. A special thanks to Frank Ranieri for his hard work
• Special emphasis on three major service projects:
  1. Stem cell research by Dr. Ann Steele at All Children’s Hospital
  2. Project Save-A-Smile sponsored by member Dr. Ron O’Neal who has treated over 250 children for FREE at his dental clinic over the past three years
  3. The Jim Fischer Doorway College Scholarships program which contributed to 39 new scholarships for 2008 and a running total of 113 scholarships. Our club donated nearly $106,000 this year. CONGRATULATIONS  -- all members
• Four college rolling scholarships at $9,100 per year
• Continued support for the following organizations:

1. Mt. Zion Human Services
2. Help A Child 
3. PARC
4. ASAP Homeless Shelters 
5. Academy Prep
6. Horses for Handicapped
7. World Club International 
8. American Stage
9. The Science Center
10. YWCA
11. Happy Workers
12. Key Clubs
13. CASA
14. CKI Club 
15. Girl Scouts
16. Sallie House
17. Boy Scouts
18. Brookwood
19. Salvation Army 

In summation, during Markus’ tenure he reported that the club raised over $150,000 and contributed over 1500 hours in community service.

For all the members of the Kiwanis Club of St. Petersburg, give yourself a hand. Markus hands over the Presidency to Biff Baker, who will lead us into our 87^th year. 

Awards at the Installation Banquet 

• Lay Person of the Year - David Abbey
• George F. Hixson Fellowship Honoree - Robert Byelick
• Outstanding Chairperson of the Year - Worth  Blackwell

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