LISC K-Family Presents The Eliminate Project Experience

After months of preparation, the LISC K-Family welcomed representatives from UNICEF, Kiwanis International Foundation Immediate Past President Peter Mancuso and Kiwanis International Immediate Past President Tom DeJulio as well as all three New York District K-Family Governors for The Eliminate Project Experience.

Hosted by the Bowling Green K-Kids at their school, the event took place on a stormy Friday, Dec. 6.

The Eliminate Project Experience provided a look at each country where maternal & neonatal tetanus (MNT) still kills a mother or newborn baby every nine minutes. At each country's table participants were invited to taste a food or beverage, play a game, hear a story or make a craft. Foods and beverages included lemongrass iced tea, cassava, plantains, yams and polvorone. Crafts included shadow puppets, lanterns, shell bracelets and mardi gras masks, while games included Sey and Shax. Participants also had the opportunity to have their hands or wrists decorated with henna.

The event also spotlighted successful fundraisers run by local K-Family clubs for the Eliminate Project. However, the highlight of The Eliminate Experience took participants on the "Vaccination Journey" through which UNICEF representatives explained in detail how donated funds are used to eliminate MNT by vaccinating women in the hardest to reach corners of the world.

The Eliminate Project Experience was planned and produced by a committee of LISC K-Family members ranging from Kiwanians to K-Kids. The LISC K-Family Eliminate Project Experience Committee was co-chaired by new Kiwanians Rickie Santer and Emma Reed.

Committee members included: Elianna Rivera (Bowling Green K-Kids), Kristina Schilt (Bowling Green K-Kids), Tia Blumennau (W.T. Clarke Builders Club), Julianne Hallett (W.T. Clarke Builders Club), Zainab Nathani (East Meadow HS Key Club), Ansuha Syed (East Meadow HS Key Club), Sofia Conti (Adelphi University Circle K) and Vicki Toal (Adelphi University Circle K).

While attendance was dampened by the rain, the primarily educational event raised about $1,000 for the Eliminate Project through admission donations and a baby-themed baked sale.

Kiwanis members and non-Kiwanians alike were awestruck by the impact their donations to the Eliminate Project are having in the hardest to reach places on Earth.

"Being part of eliminating a deadly disease from our world is an amazing feeling!" Host Club President Aline Asarian of the Bowling Green K-Kids said. 

"Our club has raised over $7,000 to save mothers and babies since the Eliminate Project began. We are really proud to be helping," added K-Kids secretary Elianna Rivera.

Submitted by the Bowling Green K-Kids