The Gainesville Kiwanis Club recently celebrated its 100th anniversary, reflecting on a century of service to the community and honoring those who have played an important role in the club – past and present.
GAINESVILLE KIWANIS CLUB NEWS RELEASE:
“Since its founding in 1925, the Kiwanis Club of Gainesville has remained a steadfast force for
good, empowering generations through education, service, and the arts. President Angela
Sheppard reflected on the club’s rich legacy:
“It was their mission to improve the community for future generations by reading to
children, recognizing the arts, raising money by flipping pancakes, and meeting weekly
to learn about other opportunities to serve. It is a testament to their vision and the
fortitude of this Club that we are here celebrating our 100th anniversary.” (Insert photo of
Angela)
Distinguished Guests
The celebration was honored by the presence of several esteemed Kiwanis leaders, including:
- David Simmons, Kiwanis Georgia District Governor, and his wife Monica, of the Cordele
Kiwanis Club - Alexia Lieber, Executive Director for the Kiwanis Georgia District, and her husband Bill
- John Pace, Division 8 Lt. Governor—and a proud member of the Gainesville Club—
along with his wife Patti
Their presence underscored the strong bonds and shared mission across Kiwanis clubs
throughout Georgia.
A Celebration Through Art
In tribute to this centennial milestone, artist Paula Hoffman created a commemorative
illustration that beautifully captures the spirit and legacy of the Gainesville Kiwanis Club. The
artwork, both stunning and deeply meaningful, served as a visual centerpiece for the evening
and a lasting symbol of the Club’s impact.
Honoring Youth Excellence
At the heart of the celebration was the Charles J. Thurmond Youth Art Scholarship Program,
which recognizes the artistic accomplishments of young people in the Gainesville-Hall County
area. Established through a generous, anonymous gift in memory of Charles J. Thurmond, the
program awards scholarships to top performers in the annual performing, visual, and writing
arts competitions.
This year’s recipients included:
- First Place Scholarship & People’s Choice Award:
Sydney Green, Madison Ladd, and Payton Whitaker (Chestatee High School, 10th–11th
Grade)
Performance: “Nothin’ Gonna Stumble My Feet” (Words by John Parker, Music by Greg
Gilpin) - Second Place Scholarship Winner:
Aidan Voyles (North Hall High School, 11th Grade)
Piano Performance: “Reverie” by Claude Debussy - Third Place Scholarship Winner:
Faith Harvey (Chestatee High School, 12th Grade)
Vocal Performance: “Speechless” (Alan Menken, Benj Pasek, Justin Paul)
Additionally, the prestigious John C. Thompson Award was presented to Lilly Perry of North
Hall High School for her exemplary achievements.
Honoring Kiwanis Leadership and Legacy
The evening also honored past and present leaders, including the presentation of the George F.
Hixson Fellowship to Megan Evans, in recognition of her dedication as Club President in 2024.
In a historic first, the club inaugurated its Legacy Member Program, celebrating individuals
whose decades of service have shaped the club’s mission and future. The 2025 inductees are:
- Edgar “Eddie” H. Chambers, Jr. – Longest-serving Kiwanian, businessman, and
community servant - Nat Hancock – Engineer, civic leader, and passionate historian
- Betty Howard – The club’s first female president and business leader
- John W. Jacobs, Sr. – Founding club president and lifelong community advocate
- John W. Jacobs, Jr. – Broadcasting pioneer and national Kiwanis leader
- John “Jay” Jacobs III – Media executive and Kiwanian visionary leader
- “Art” Jack Kunzer, Jr. – Lifelong businessman and devoted Kiwanian
- John Hartwell Smith – Esteemed attorney and 60-year Kiwanian
New Honors
President Angela Sheppard presented the first-ever Kiwanian of the Year Award to Matthew
Anthony, stating:
“When the executive committee thought about who to give our first Kiwanian of the Year
to, one name came to mind easily for everyone. This is a Kiwanian that truly embodies
the ‘Kiwanis Spirit’—Service, Community, and Enthusiasm.” (Insert Anthony photo)
Crowning Recognition
The evening concluded with the presentation of the John W. Jacobs Jr. Youth Service Award to
M. Douglas Ivester, Gainesville native and former Chairman and CEO of Coca-Cola. A
champion of education and opportunity, Ivester was praised by Sheppard:
“The lessons that he has learned growing from the streets of New Holland to CEO of one
of the world’s most recognizable companies—he wants children to learn how to use
education to better themselves and their situation.” (Insert Ivester photo)
A Century Forward
With 100 years behind them, the Gainesville Kiwanis Club looks ahead to the future with a
renewed commitment to serve. As Sheppard noted, the Club’s enduring success is not just in
what it has accomplished, but in the spirit it carries forward.”