PARSIPPANY – The Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany was recognized as a model club by Kiwanis International, for their contributions to The Eliminate Project.
The Eliminate Project is the Kiwanis family’s biggest campaign for children yet. But it’s not the first.
In 1994, Kiwanis joined UNICEF and partners for Kiwanis’ first worldwide service project to virtually eliminate iodine deficiency disorder, the world’s leading cause of preventable mental disability. Kiwanis-family members raised and leveraged nearly $100 million.
The effort spared millions of children the pain of disability and continues to make an impact in more than 103 countries. Thanks to The Eliminate Project, started in 2010, Kiwanis and UNICEF continue to make the world a better place for children.
With a goal of raising $110 million, The Eliminate project strives to eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus “MNT”. Tetanus can infect newborns, spreading quickly, causing excruciating pain and killing within days. It’s a terrible disease, preventing even the comfort of a mother’s touch—but it’s highly preventable. MNT is easily prevented by giving women of childbearing age a series of three vaccine doses, which cost roughly $1.80. This cost includes the vaccinations, syringes, safe storage, transportation and more.
In January 2018, Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany fulfilled their pledge, donating a total of $45,000.00, to The Eliminate Project. This donation represents a total of 25,000 lives of mothers and babies saved.
On behalf of Kiwanis International, NJ District Eliminate Chair Michael Mulhall and New Jersey Kiwanis Division 9 Lieutenant Governor Howard Gordon presented club president Frank Cahill the Model Club Patch and Model Club Lapel pins for each member of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany.
Frank Cahill said “This wasn’t a project that I started or can take credit for, I just happen to be President when Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany made their final donations. Many thanks to the previous presidents that kept this commitment as part of their fundraising efforts. Bob Keller (2011-2012), signed the pledge during his term as President, and it continued through five presidents, Davey Willans (2012-2013), Carol Tiesi (2013-2014), Mimi Letts (2014-2015), Connie Keller (2015-2016), and Greg Elbin (2016-2017), until our commitment was reached.”
To learn more about the Eliminate Project click here.
Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time. It is not religious based or partisan in any way. The Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany meets every Thursday at 7:15 a.m. at the Empire Diner, 1315 Route 46. We are 62 members strong and growing. New members are always welcome. (Click here for more information on Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany).
