Relay for Life (Annual)
The idea of fighting cancer speaks for itself. Our primary missions for the event are to raise as much money as possible for the cause, to come together as a group and enjoy each other's company, and to interact with the hundreds of volunteers, survivors and families who come every year. At the event we sell items we think will appeal to the attendees- whether it's energy drinks to keep the walkers awake at 3 a.m. or just plain comfort food. The H-K Relay team has continuously been one of the top fundraisers in the state. We are proud of our accomplishment and are honored to be a part of such a momentous event.
See photos here...
Scholarship (Annual)
Each year, a dollar amount ranging from $250 to $1000 is set aside to give a worthy community-minded Killingworth woman (or women) a scholarship as she graduates from HK High School and heads towards higher education. Criteria include grades, letters of recommendation and an essay topic that we choose each year. This year we had the pleasure of donating a full $1000 to Katelyn Zenie who despite much adversity has flourished in her community life as well as her education and we believe will continue to succeed.
Christmas Lights Spectacular (December 2009)
The Gorski family of Killingworth illuminates Wolf Hollow Lane again this year with their spectacular display of lights and Christmas decorations. On Saturday, December 12th, the yard and wonderland will be open to everyone with a donation of $7 (per family) or a new, unwrapped toy so everything can be experienced up close. The donations will benefit local Toys for Tots and the Killingworth Friendly Fund, which provides assistance, including fuel, to seniors and families in need in town. Kids will be able to see Santa and receive a toy, carolers will set the mood and a great time is expected to be had by all. There will be free cookies and hot cocoa as well as am amazing deal of $1 for a cup soup provided by Cub Scout Pack 18 to ward off the chill.
See 2009 photos here...
Greg Bousquet Toy Drive 2009
Each November, we organize a drive for toys in conjunction with Helping Hands of Killingworth. It is in honor of a young Killingworth man named Greg Bousquet who was killed in New Haven about 15 years ago for innocently being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Helping Hands contacts people in need in town and asks them if they would like to be included in the drive so that their children will have presents under the tree. If so, they will list their children’s names, ages and wishes. We then, along with Jackie Bousquet, post the list at the Killingworth Elementary School office and wait for people to choose tags with the wishes they would like to fulfill and drop the gifts off. The chairpersons of the drive then sort and distribute them on a date set by Helping Hands, usually in conjunction with when they distribute their food baskets for Christmas.
Spring Dinner (Annual)
Our calendar year runs from June to May. So on our regular May meeting date, we plan a special dinner locally to celebrate the past year's success and friendships, to say goodbye to outgoing officers and to welcome in new officers. Awards are also handed out by both the President and the Founders (Gena Murray and Mary Ellen Wilson) to the people who have embodied the qualities we aspire to and who have gone above and beyond in the past year. In 2009, we celebrated at the Country Squire Restaurant where we were joined by 4 new prospective members. Mary Frances Studzinski won the Founders Award and Alice Donnelly won the President’s Award.
See photos here...
December Dinner (Annual)
The holidays are hectic- everyone knows it- and volunteers spend many hours during this season doing a great deal of good in a small amount of time. That is why our regular December meeting becomes an annual holiday get-together. Again, we try and choose an establishment in the community and gather for food, drink and friendship. Also our Secret Santa program culminates here as we exchange gifts with "unknown" friends.
See photos here...
Crime Watch Task Force (Ongoing)
We have been working with the local Crime Watch Team and the Lions to get involved in getting our streets set up with Crime Watch captains. We will be working with them and our local trooper to market the campaign to Killingworth with articles, speakers and by word of mouth. We will assist them in having people sign up at local events to become involved and we are still debating the idea of being captains ourselves. Mary Frances, KWO Crime Watch Chairperson, attends any local crime watch meetings as needed and briefs us of their progress.
General Federation of Women's Clubs of Connecticut (GFWC/CT) (Ongoing)
As members of the GFWC/CT, the KWO is part of an international organization (GFWC) with a mission that encompasses being innovative leaders in education, growth, and development of women to benefit their children, their community and their government. The GFWC/CT has over 60 woman's clubs across the state with over 4,000 members. The KWO is able to choose to work with any of their programs we deem applicable to our own goals.
See photos here...
Social Activities (Ongoing)
Because everyone's schedules differ from month to month and even year to year, attending meetings may be difficult at times. To keep the spirit of our club alive, we plan social outings. Outings include dinners, going to see bands, Quick Cuisine nights, scrapbooking nights and more. There has also been mention of a card night, cooking night, book clubs and gardening. As the year progresses, watch for more regular programs to develop and be a part of!
See photos here...
Dr. Reza Yavari – “It Must Be My Metabolism” Lecture (2008)
One of the issues we give additional attention to is health and women’s health in particular. In July 2008, our own Susan Davis, LPN, introduced us to Dr. Reza Yavari of Beyond Care, LLC, a lifestyle-management clinic in Branford. Dr. Yavari's specialty lies in metabolic and endocrine disorders. He was planning on opening a satellite office in Killingworth, so it was the perfect time to introduce the community to him and him to the community. We arranged a lecture at the middle school auditorium where the doctor spoke for almost an hour on managing disease and weight loss through your metabolism. The event was a success!
Soldier Fund (2008)
The KWO donated money to cover the cost of postage for care packages being sent overseas to military personnel and collected a good deal of items requested by soldiers to pass time and help ease the reality of being away from their families during the holidays.
Parent/Child Dance (2008)
When the topic arose about lack of opportunities for parents and children to have a fun night out together, the idea of a parent/child dance took root. The elementary school was decked out and food and drinks were on hand. A DJ and a dance instructor allowed parents and children of all ages to be lead through the steps of popular dances and spend time together in a safe, upbeat environment.
See photos here...
Wine Tasting Fundraiser (2008)
In June 2008, The KWO sponsored a very successful wine tasting event to benefit the Killingworth Elementary School Playground fund. It was held at the Pharmedica building, where many volunteers provided wine, hors d oeuvres, and desserts to the guests. Just under 100 tickets were sold, and including other donations, the event raised over $8000 for the Playground Fund. We are contemplating making this an annual event.