Our Storied History
A Rich History of Service
The Kiwanis Club of Asbury Park was chartered in April 1921 with 44 members, sponsored by the Trenton, NJ club. Much of the Club’s history was preserved by long-time member F. Roy Garrabrant, Jr., who joined in 1947.
A committee later compiled records from past secretaries, highlighting decades of dedicated service. Secretaries—from Wilfred Pine and Russ Coleman to longtime Kiwanian Russ Danielson—played a vital role, keeping minutes, dues, and committee work organized while supporting Club leadership.
Throughout its history, the Kiwanis Club has relied on the local business community to support its efforts. The Club has backed organizations such as the Salvation Army, YMCA, Boys and Girls Club, and Boy Scouts, maintained Kiwanis Park, and established two Key Clubs in local high schools—all while consistently serving those in need.
Kiwanis Bell, Its Restoration
So much tradition is grounded in the Kiwanis Bell. Over the years (and still is), it was used to open and close club meetings. People looked forward to the ding of the bell being struck by anything that would make it "sing." But the continuous striking of the bell and a fire took its toll -- it ultiately needed restoration.
Past Presidents, Peter and Leon Avakian and Roy Garrabrant restored the clubs historic Kiwanis bell after a fire damaged it. See The History of the Kiwanis Bell.
The Early Years
In its early years, the Kiwanis Club supported local infrastructure and community improvements, from bridges and highways to parks and beaches. Much of this work was funded through entertainment, including the “Kiwanis Kapers,” a lively program of skits and performances that ran for over 30 years.
The Club also helped establish new Kiwanis clubs locally and abroad, providing guidance and ceremonial items to clubs in Switzerland and the greater Freehold area. Over the decades, meetings were held at several prominent local hotels and, after Pearl Harbor, at the Steinbach Company building, reflecting the Club’s enduring presence in the community.
1960s –1980s: Growth and Community Impact
In the 1960s, the Club grew to around 80 members, establishing lasting programs including a Cub Scout pack, a Muscular Dystrophy summer camp, and local little leagues.
During the 1970s, the Club supported service members in Vietnam by sending books, mail, and care packages, while also collecting eyeglasses, hosting holiday parties for underprivileged children, and supporting the Boy Scouts, Salvation Army, and Key Clubs. The popular Kiwanis Pancake Day became a signature event.
The 1980s continued this tradition of community service, assisting the Salvation Army, YMCA, Boys Club, and contributing to the establishment of the Ronald McDonald House near Monmouth Medical Center. In 1987, the Club welcomed women members, marking a historic change in the all-male organization.
1990s: Milestones and Growth
In the 1990s, the Club welcomed its first female member under President Robert Nicholson and continued fundraising through Pancake Day, the Ocean Township Festival, coupon book sales, and its first annual golf tournament. Charitable efforts supported scholarships, the Salvation Army, and projects like rebuilding the miniature golf course on the Asbury Park boardwalk.
Highlights included the 75th Anniversary Gala and the establishment of the “Kiwanian of the Year” award, first given to Robert Nicholson. The decade also saw women taking leadership roles, including Hazel Samuels as Club President and Susan Philpot as the first female Lt. Governor from Asbury Park.
2000s – Present: Continue the Legacy
We honor the dedication of the Club’s secretaries and treasurers, especially Russ Danielson and Robert Albright, whose years of service helped guide our work in the community.
Since 2000, Presidents Susan Philpot, Harold Greer, Janet Kortenhaus, Eugene Paduano, Adrian Hollywood, and Robert Taylor have carried the mission forward. Recent projects include providing Thanksgiving dinners to families, hosting a mini golf tournament on the boardwalk, awarding scholarships to local youth, and running our game booth at the Italian American Festival.
Global Impact: 90 Years of Service
Kiwanis is known for supporting world service projects, including the IDD program, which helped eliminate iodine deficiency in children, and the Maternal Neonatal Tetanus (MNT) initiative, providing life-saving tetanus shots to women in 38 countries.
The Club celebrated its 90th anniversary honoring a long history of local and global service, building on the vision of past presidents and committing to many more years of making a difference.