This amazing program was started on July 4, 2012 by retired General Keith Glenn with the assistance of his wife, Joyce. The couple also was assisted by a few very dedicated volunteers to accomplish two major goals, which are still paramount today:
- Depict pride in our great nation and our proud heritage
- Raise funds to support and improve the lives of at-risk children in Savannah/Chatham County
In the beginning, the Show Our Colors Program had slightly more than 100 supporters. At that time, it was the smallest fundraiser for Kiwanis. By the end of 2017, it had reached about 350 supporters, including The Marshes. In November 2018, Keith and Joyce made plans to move from the area. Bill and Chris agreed to take the reins of the Program with the hopes of building upon what Keith had started. We were fortunate to have key volunteers who gave us a great deal of support and dedication and helped us through the transition. We owe a special acknowledgement to Tom Sharp, Phil Van Ess, Jim Smart, Melissa Emery, and Bruce Schneidewind. By the end of 2019, there were about 500 supporters, including The Marshes, Marshview Landing, and Moon River Landing.
In March 2020, we established a new concept to include a base for the flags. Kiwanis volunteers gathered during the Pandemic to build 800 bases, hoping that amount might last for another two years. At the same time, we increased our advertising and added Modena Island. To our absolute surprise, all 800 bases were committed by the end of the July 4 holiday. With Veterans Day approaching, our volunteers have built another 500 bases in anticipation of our growing support as well as our expansion into South Harbor and soon after into Thrive.
Because of the excitement of the new bases and increased publicity, we needed to extend our staff. Walt Van Brunt will be coordinating more than 30 volunteers setting flags. These flag setters will be setting flags and bases for the four major patriotic holidays -- Veterans Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, and Independence Day.
On September 17, 2020 at the Kiwanis Club of Skidaway meeting, we awarded $65,000 to 10 of the agencies that support the at-risk children in Savannah/Chatham County. At that meeting, then President-Elect Jim Overtonsaid, “We couldn’t have done it without the support and active contributions of so many people in our greater community”.
The future of the Kiwanis Club of Skidaway looks bright and exciting. Come help us continue to expand our horizons. As Bobby Gillham, past President of Kiwanis commented, “We are always looking for new members to join in fellowship, interact with distinguished speakers, and help us raise funds for our future generation. Please come to a breakfast meeting and consider joining Kiwanis!”
You can contact Bill or Chris (
cbaiken@aol.com or 912-598-9123) to become a supporter for only $50/year for four holidays. We do all the work, and you reap the benefits as well as helping our at-risk children. (Please make checks payable to Kiwanis Club of Skidaway.)
To learn more about Kiwanis, interact with distinguished speakers, attend a meeting, and/or consider becoming a member, please call David Fox (912-598-1837).
Kiwanis Club volunteers pose by flag bases they worked to make during the pandemic.
Bill Sickels and Chris Aiken Sickels pose with Flags in base crafted by Kiwanis volunteers.
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