Sequim Gazette staff

The Kiwanis of Sequim-Dungeness said goodbye as a club last week.

Its handful of members met for the final business meeting June 13 in the Paradise Restaurant to allocate the last of its funds to college scholarships, local nonprofits and Camp Beausite, a summer camp near Chimacum for people with special needs.

Recently, the club decided to disband after more than 40 years helping children locally and internationally. Lt. Gov. Phyllis Darling for the Olympic Kiwanis Club honored the club, saying their years of efforts didn’t go unnoticed.

The remaining Sequim club members briefly reminisced about good times with the club before moving on to business. Members of the Port Angeles Kiwanis Noon Club, which originally sponsored the club more than 40 years ago, were in attendance to show support, too.

The club’s 172 patriotic buntings were passed on to KSQM Radio as a fundraiser months ago. Gil Oldenkamp, who organized its Christmas tree program, still is looking for another group to take on the project. He estimates it brings in about $4,000 for the club, which they give back to the community in various forms benefiting local children.

While the club is done meeting, it officially ends in September. Club President Suzi Schmidt said they plan to thank the community in the coming months for years of support.

Kiwanis’ banners will go on display at the Sequim-Dungeness Museum & Arts Center, 175 W. Cedar St.