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City: McHenry, Illinois
Club: McHenry
Age: 54
Number of children: 2 daughters
Occupation: Housewife; retired human resources executive, director of organizational development
Year joined Kiwanis: 2002
Current Kiwanis position: Kiwanis International Foundation US$37 million endowment campaign co-chairwoman, Illinois-Eastern Iowa District YCPO chairwoman, international relations committee member of Nishinomiya, Japan, Kiwanis club
Previous Kiwanis positions: Distinguished club president, district Kiwanis doll chairwoman, district Sweet Water Project chairwoman, Kiwanis International first lady
Other community activities/accomplishments: “I participated and held many positions in the past; however, currently due to my extensive traveling, I only participate in Kiwanis projects and volunteer at the local hospital thrift store.”
Your motivation? The poem You Never Know—author unknown:
Why join Kiwanis? “When my husband, Brian, was the Kiwanis International President, I saw so many wonderful Kiwanis projects done by dedicated and caring Kiwanis-family members. Yes, I caught many dreams from Kiwanis. Kiwanis helped me to believe in myself—to dream. Now it is my turn to serve others.”
Favorite inspirational quote: “If you don’t know what your passion is, realize that one reason for your existence on Earth is to find it. Pay attention to what makes you feel energized, connected, stimulated—what gives you your juice. Do what you love, give it back in the form of service, and you will do more than succeed. You will triumph.”—Oprah Winfrey
“I grew up in a family environment where everyone was interested in community service,” says Miki Cunat. “My father was a Rotarian and always involved with youth and community projects in my hometown in Japan.”
So when her husband, Brian, became 2001-02 Kiwanis International President, Miki found herself in a somewhat familiar role. She took being first lady seriously and dedicated herself to youth and community service and is proud of her accomplishments on club, community, and International levels:
- For her club, Miki helped double the roster in one year. Kiwanis International recognized her and 11 fellow Kiwanians as distinguished members that year, leading to distinguished honors for the club too.
- Within the McHenry community, she helped start a new Key Club and created a food drive, dubbed Turkey Truck.
- Globally, Miki led the Kiwanis doll project to new heights, introducing it to the Japan District, where hands-on projects were just taking hold. She coordinated bringing a severely burned Nigerian girl to Indiana for reconstructive surgery. She also has been instrumental in raising funds for the Sweet Water Project in Vietnam, which built a hospital, nursery school, and clean water well.
- She and her husband, Brian, have pledged a gift of more than $1 million to the Kiwanis International Foundation, ensuring their legacy of helping children continues for years to come.
Miki’s motivation
You Never Know
(Anonymous)
You never know when someone
May catch a dream from you.
You never know when a little word
Or something you may do
May open up the windows
Of a mind that seeks the light
The way you live may not matter at all,
But you never know, it might.
And just in case it could be
That another’s life, through you,
Might possibly change for the better
With a broader and brighter view,
It seems it might be worth a try
At pointing the way to the right
Of course, it may not matter at all,
But then again, it might.
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