East Rockaway Kiwanis marks 75 years of service

Posted Thursday, April 2, 2026 3:00 am

East Rockaway Mayor Gordon Fox, far left, Past Kiwanis Gov. Joe Corace, President Michael Califano, Chair Theresa Gaffney, Long Island Southwest Lt. Gov. Michael Gliner, Past Gov. Joe Ruggerio and Past Lt. Gov. Ethel Gilloon were among the attendees at the East Rockaway Kiwanis Club’s 75th anniversary event.

Andrew Kempski/Herald photos

Standing, from left at the East Rockaway Kiwanis Club’s anniversary event were Past Kiwanis President John Chen, Kiwanis Pediatric Trauma Center Foundation President and Past Gov. Joe Corace, and Nydia Corace. Seated were Toni Cantone and Past Gov. Joe Ruggerio.

Standing, from left, were Lonnie Werner, Trustee Billy Kouvatsos, Mayor Gordon Fox, Bernadette Fox and Deputy Mayor Bruno Romano. Seated were Laura Passanisi and Trustee Frank Passanisi.

East Rockaway Kiwanis President Michael Califano, left, and Chen were recognized at the club’s 75th-anniversary celebration.

Long Beach Kiwanis President Mariana Raisig, left, and Island Park President Karen Davis attended the East Rockaway celebration.

Witches Brew performed during the Kiwanis Club’s 75th-anniversary celebration.

By Kayla Dechter

The East Rockaway Kiwanis Club is celebrating its 75th anniversary, honoring decades of service to children and families in the community. Founded in 1950, the club has supported local students through scholarships, youth service programs, food drives and other outreach efforts.

The anniversary celebration, held March 26 at Knights of Columbus in Oceanside, recognized both the club’s long history and its continued commitment to giving back.

For generations, East Rockaway Kiwanis has played a steady role in village life, supporting local schools, families and community organizations. The club is part of the Long Island Southwest Division of the New York District of Kiwanis International, a worldwide service organization focused on improving the lives of children. Today, the East Rockaway club has 25 members ranging in age from under 30 to almost 90.

“There’s really something for everyone in this club,” Past Lt. Gov. Michaelene Abbott-Cooper wrote in an email. “For 75 years, East Rockaway Kiwanis has found ways to support children and families both locally and beyond.”

Among the club’s local efforts are support for K-Kids clubs at Rhame Avenue and Centre Avenue schools and the Key Club at East Rockaway High School, which encourage young students get involved in service. Members also raise money for five graduation scholarships named in honor of past Kiwanians, organize food drives for local pantries and support events and organizations including the Memorial Day Parade, the Huckleberry Frolic, the Senior Center and the Children’s Recreation Center.

Beyond East Rockaway, the club also supports larger Kiwanis causes including the Kiwanis Pediatric Trauma Center Foundation, Ronald McDonald House outreach, Kamp Kiwanis, disaster relief efforts and the Kiwanis Children’s Fund. This year, members are also contributing to a governor’s project supporting foster care through the donation of blessing bags to local agencies. The anniversary celebration featured entertainment by Witches Brew, and spotlighted not only the club’s history, but the many ways it continues to serve the community.

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