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Fair For the Kampers, it’s a family affair
Kevin Kamper named Kiwanian of the Year
Advocacy runs deep in the Kamper family. But it was the events of Sept. 11, 2001 that rejuvenated their desire to help others, said Kevin Kamper, 49, who has lived in East Meadow with his wife Lori since 1995.
Kevin’s best friend and brother-in-law, Carlos Dominguez, who worked at Marsh & McLennan in the World Trade Center, died in the terrorist attacks. Shortly after, Lori, and Kevin’s sister, Maureen Dominguez, joined the East Meadow Kiwanis Club. Kevin stayed home with his young children, Matthew, who has autism, and Melissa, before joining Kiwanis a few years later.
On Oct. 9, Kevin was installed as the president of East Meadow Kiwanis for 2014-15, at the group’s installation dinner in Carle Place. Just before that, he was named Kiwanian of the Year by outgoing president Jim Smith.
Choosing a recipient for the annual award, which honors a member who best exhibits the club’s mission of community dedication and volunteerism, was an easy decision for Smith, who said Kevin was his “right hand man,” attending events in his place when he couldn’t make it because of his busy schedule working for the Transportation Security Administration. “He went to every Kiwanis event that exists in the division,” Smith said. “That takes a lot of commitment.
“With all he gave back to Kiwanis,” Smith continued, “I couldn’t imagine giving it to any one else.”
The Kampers’ advocacy has revolved around raising awareness and funds for autism. Both Kevin and Lori were handpicked by Joseph Aiello, the governor of the New York District for Kiwanis International, to assist on his governor’s project, which involves autism awareness.
As a result, Kevin has spoken at numerous Kiwanis clubs throughout the state, including East Meadow, about autism. Matthew, now 20, is the president of the Kiwanis Aktion Club, a division for young adults with special needs.
Melissa, 15, is a sophomore at East Meadow High School. “They’re a Kiwanis family,” said Debbie Kirsh, club president from 2012-13. “Kevin’s just all about the kids.”
