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, lawyers, bankers, and postal workers. After attending the first few meetings, a significant number of the participants realized that the purpose and benefits of Kiwanis International were ones they could adopt to 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.
About Our Kiwanis Club
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, lawyers, bankers, and postal workers. After attending the first few meetings, a significant number of the participants realized that the purpose and benefits of Kiwanis International were ones they could adopt to 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.
2025 Board Members