Des Moines Kiwanis History  

The Des Moines Kiwanis were founded in 1920 with a Charter membership of 150, is the third oldest club west of the Mississippi.

In 1947, the club began the football jamboree as its major fund raiser. In 1974, it became the Basketball Jamboree, and, as such, it is the longest continuously held charitable event in central Iowa. Comprised of every young men's and young women's team in the CIML, the Jamboree has raised over $1 million for local charities.

While we continue the Jamboree, we also engage in a variety of other fundraisers and service projects.

Kiwanis International
Founded in 1915 and headquartered in Indianapolis, Kiwanis International is a thriving organization of service-minded men and women who respond to the unique needs of their communities and address worldwide issues by "Serving the Children of the World." There are more than 13,000 clubs in 82 countries with more than 600,000 total members.

Kiwanis clubs sponsor Kiwanis youth organizations which provide young people with opportunities to perform community service and develop leadership skills. From elementary up through the collegiate level, Kiwanis reaches out to those in need and develops future generations of leaders.

Check out Kiwanis International for all the details.