Joyce Cunningham and Fernando Martinez, local outreach coordinators for Texas Bicycle Coalition gave a presentation to the Amarillo Downtown Kiwanis club on April 17, 2006. This presentation was to ask for support of the BikeTexas Safe Routes to School program. The PowerPoint presentation was well received and members were eager to do what they can to help make the children safer while promoting healthier lifestyles.

The word “Kiwanis” is from an American Indian expression Nunc Kee-wanis, which means, “we trade” or “we have a good time.” The first Kiwanis club was organized in 1915 to promote the exchange of business among the members. Later with expansion into other cities, a debate ensued between those members who supported community service as their mission and those who supported the exchange of business. By 1919, the service advocates won. In 1916 the Kiwanis went international with the expansion into Ontario, Canada. Now they are a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time.

This Kiwanis club has been a part of Amarillo civic and charitable activities for more than 80 years. Their 100 energetic members come from business, professional and governmental leaders in the community. Cunningham and Martinez welcome the help of such civic and service minded clubs to enhance the potential for developing a bike-friendly Amarillo. Thank you, Amarillo Downtown Kiwanis Club, for your support!