April 14, 2005

Almaden Kiwanis turn out in force for student scholarships

Almaden Valley Kiwanis Club members turned out in force on April 6 at the Villa Ragusa in Campbell for the group’s annual benefit to support turnaround scholarships. The fund-raiser this year brought together 10 clubs to raise money for students who have overcome major obstacles or difficulties and turned their personal and scholastic lives around.

Photo by Carol Rosen

This year’s benefit will support turnaround students from Campbell Union, San Jose Unified, East Side Union, Los Gatos-Saratoga and Santa Clara Unified high schools, typically providing more than 20 scholarships to deserving seniors.

Besides a raffle for a slew of major prizes including $1,000, a diamond necklace, various week and weekend trips and cases of wine, raffle tickets were sold for various smaller prizes including dinner certificates at the new Forbes Mill Steakhouse, gift certificates and tickets for entertainment venues.

Several announcements were made at the benefit, including one about Almaden Valley Kiwanian Pete Edwards, who recently was named a distinguished lieutenant governor for Division 12, which includes Santa Clara County.

Edwards, who is second from the left in the photo, is the immediate past lieutenant governor for the district. He received the rare honor because, during his tenure the membership, community service and funds for the division grew.

Other members of the Almaden service club include, seated from left, Bob Coelho, Carol Montanari, Betty O’Conner and Elaina Van Haas. Standing, from left, are Shija Avery, Edwards, Martha Kelley, Mike Hernandez, Pat Jones, Mike Montanari (president), Barbara Lawrence, Jennie Stonehous, Adele Squires and Anna Shantz.