Clubhouse

Service luncheon a real gem

What began as a suggestion to recognize contributions of service clubs in Boise, Idaho, recently evolved into the inaugural Mayor’s Service Organization Luncheon, drawing more than 260 persons representing some 30 service groups, including a strong contingent from the Kiwanis family.

The brainchild of Syd Tate and Jack Merrigan of the Boise, Gem State Kiwanis club, the event also was attended by representatives from the Assistance League, Columbian Club, Junior League, Zonta Club, Lions, Optimists, and several governmental units. In addition to the Gem State club, other Kiwanis-family members included the Eagle, Meridian, Daybreakers-Meridian, Capital City, and Boise-Golden K Kiwanis clubs, and the Capital High School Key Club.

“This event is designed to spotlight the valuable contributions of many local organizations to the Boise quality of life and to encourage individuals to pitch in,” Mayor David Bieter told the gathering. “Community service organizations are the safety net for providing services that government often can’t.”