Kiwanis dinner raises $10,000 for scholarships

It was a night of community and fellowship at the Kiwanis Club of Shafter Foundation Fall Scholarship Dinner, dedicated to raising funds for Shafter High School students. The event featured a lively reverse raffle, drawing guests together to support the mission of empowering local youth in their pursuit of education.

The club's biggest fundraiser collected $10,000. Club President Phillip Jimenez, now in his second term, expressed his enthusiasm about the dinner's success: "We sold all our tickets, and that was a big blessing. We appreciate everyone who supports the Kiwanis. I enjoyed seeing friends, families, teachers and mentors. These are good people with big hearts that are willing to give back."

It was a festive occasion, with 29-year member Arlie Smith and four-year member Colleen Diltz greeting guests.

"It's about service to the community and the kids. It's all about the kids," Smith said. "We're both educators. Kids are our lives." Smith worked 43 years at Shafter High School, and Diltz spent 33 years in education in Kerman. Being part of the Shafter Kiwanis Club, which has served the community for 86 years, holds a special place in their hearts.

Guests enjoyed a full-course meal from Audrey Chavez of Martin's Meats & Catering. She served New York steaks with all the trimmings "prepared with extra love."

"I feel privileged to come and cater to the Kiwanis, a very generous and giving group of people. Many here are teachers and faculty from Shafter; some went to school with me, so it's great to be among people from the town I grew up in and serve them," Chavez said.

Cameron Hunter, owner of Shafter Secure Storage, shared his positive outlook: "I'm happy I came. We're a local business, so we understand the value of community involvement."

"It's really exciting because it brings people out and supports our young kids, which is where all the money goes," Mayor Pro Tem Cathy Prout said. "Even though it's a reverse raffle and you might not win, we're all winners because we win when we help others."

Nine reverse raffle winners each took home $500. They were Supreme Almonds (twice), Blake and Heather Goehring, Doug and Katie Thompson, Belton and Brenda Banks, Pete and Elena Espinoza, Virgil and Karen Reimer, Shafter Transmission & Smog (owner Don Luna) and Rob and Cheryl Isaac

Sponsors for the evening included Supreme Almonds, GAF and Mission Bank. "We appreciate them. Without them, this event would not be doable," Jimenez said.

He warmly invited the community: "We are always looking for members. We meet the first and second Wednesdays of each month at noon for lunch at the Veterans Hall. Join us for camaraderie and to support the 'Terrific Kids' because we meet with them on the second Wednesday."