By Aimee Levinson
The Kiwanis Club of Manhasset-Port Washington’s Annual Installation Gala was held last month at the Port Washington Yacht Club in the main dining room overlooking the beautiful Long Island Sound. Every year the club hosts the gala to welcome the year’s new officers, such as the new president, Jeff Stone, and the executive board. This year they also honored the now-past president, Dr. Kathy Levinson, for her three years of dedicated service and her new role as lieutenant governor elect.
The evening began with a cocktail hour featuring delicious hors d’oeuvres such as mini bruschetta and the classic pigs in a blanket. The guests then found their way to their tables, decorated with vibrant orange and red mum plants, to watch the opening ceremonies. As at all Kiwanis events, the pledge of allegiance was said, followed by the national anthem sung by Kiwanian Donna Quinn. After opening remarks, local politicians such as Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Judi Bosworth, TONH Clerk Wayne Wink, TONH Councilwoman Dina DeGiorgio and Port Washington North Mayor Bob Weitzner all gave Dr. Levinson their congratulations and best wishes in her new endeavors. Judi Bostworth also decreed that in honor of Dr. Levinson’s hard work and dedication for the community, Oct. 1 would be known as Kathy Levinson Day. The night went on without a hitch as dinner was served and guests listened to Dr. Levinson’s farewell speech where she explained how her Kiwanis journey all began and thanked everyone for their support.
In her speech, Kathy also took the time to explain what Kiwanis is and its mission. Kiwanis is an international organization that prides itself in helping the children and families of the world. There are over 600,000 members worldwide in over 80 countries. Every year, Kiwanis Clubs in the U.S. alone raise over 100 million dollars. The Manhasset-Port Washington Club is not only one of the oldest but also one of the largest clubs on Long Island with over 100 members and counting. This Kiwanis Club is known for its annual pancake breakfasts, this year marks their 50th, which funds scholarships for deserving seniors of Manhasset and Schreiber High School, the annual golf outing in support of YAI (The National Young Adult Institute for People with Disabilities), the distribution of pediatric trauma kits for EMS vehicles and the ringing of the Salvation Army bells with the Key Club during the month of December. These are just a few acts of charity that the club does throughout the year. There are 27 more.
It was a lovely evening that shone a light on all that Kiwanis does for the Long Island community and those behind it who work everyday to make it happen.
If you are interested in finding out more about the Kiwanis Club of Manhasset-Port Washington, visit their website at www.manhasset-portkiwanis.com. Their meetings are held on the second and fourth Thursday of every month at the Port Washington Yacht Club.
