Kiwanis Club of Pontchartrain

Monthly Meetings

We host meetings every first Saturday of the Month at 9:30 AM.

Location:
St. Mark’s 4th Baptist Church
2130 Perdido Street
New Orleans, LA 70112

Meetings are available via Zoom and a link can be provided to non-members upon request to [email protected]

History of the Kiwanis Club of Pontchartrain

In the spring of 1979, several Kiwanis International clubs invited prominent African-American men to a meeting at Lenfant’s Restaurant on Canal Street.  This meeting was designed to establish a new organization that would have a positive impact on the City of New Orleans.  Participants included educators, entrepreneurs, doctors, attorneys, bankers, and postal workers.  After attending the first few meetings, a significant number of the participants realized that the purpose and principles of Kiwanis International could enhance the City of New Orleans.  With assistance from the Early Risers Kiwanis Club of Baton Rouge and the Kenner North Kiwanis Club, the proposed new club members chose their name – Kiwanis Club of Pontchartrain – and elected officers. 

On May 16, 1979, the Kiwanis Club of Pontchartrain was chartered and received its flag, banner, lectern, bell and gavel from the sponsoring clubs.  For the next nine years, the club was open only to men.  In 1988, the first female member was inducted into the club.  Currently, women constitute more than half of the club’s membership.  Several Kiwanis Pontchartrain members have served as Lieutenant Governors of Division 4A.

The following are some of the community projects that the Kiwanis Club of Pontchartrain has undertaken:

• Key Club at Saint Mary’s Academy
• Literacy programs at several elementary schools
• Thanksgiving and Christmas food baskets for the elderly and needy
• An Easter Egg Hunt for preschoolers and first graders at Saint Mary’s Academy
• Water distribution to the runners and walkers at the Crescent City Classic 10K Race
• Registration assistance and food and water distribution for the participants of the Red Dress Run
• One year future study awards for select senior Key Club members
• Six Little Free Libraries in New Orleans and Baton Rouge
• Pencil cases with supplies for local elementary and high school students
• Bingo games for the residents of DeLille Inn.

Rebounding from the restrictions on assembly during COVID years, in 2023 the Club returned to monthly in person meetings with a Zoom option. The Zoom option allows us to embrace club members from Houston, Texas and Baton Rouge, Louisiana as well as the New Orleans Metro Area.

Kiwanis Pontchartrain operates a beverage booth at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival to raise funds for our service activities and Key Club awards.

One of the hallmarks of Kiwanis Pontchartrain is its willingness to support the project ideas proposed by senior and recently joined members.  After 47 years in operation, the Kiwanis Club of Pontchartrain is going strong, and hoping to increase both our membership and the services we offer to our community. 

Membership

Interested in learning more? Please contact us or apply to join our Kiwanis club here.