If the walls of Clermont’s Arts and Recreation Center could talk, they’d still be buzzing about the celebration.
One hundred years ago, the Kiwanis Club of Clermont marked its charter with a celebration remembered as “the finest event ever held in Clermont”. Fast forward a century—the Kiwanis Club of Clermont once again outdid itself with a spectacular 100th Anniversary Celebration honoring a century of service to the children of the community.
Nearly 300 Kiwanians, friends, and community supporters filled the beautifully decorated main hall, creating an atmosphere that was equal parts pride, nostalgia, and pure fun. The evening celebrated the club’s past, present, and future—100 years of rolling up sleeves and making a difference where it matters most.
SOME HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EVENING:
Special remarks were shared by Florida Kiwanis leadership, including Tommy Mills, 2025–2026 Florida Kiwanis Governor, and Jeremy Riehl, Past Governor, recognizing the Clermont club’s extraordinary legacy and continued impact.
The night opened on a patriotic note as Congressman Daniel Webster led the Pledge of Allegiance. From there, Tim Moses kept the energy high as Master of Ceremonies, delivering opening remarks, an invocation, and plenty of entertaining moments that kept the audience smiling throughout the evening.
Adding to the lively celebration, the Corey Marshall Band took the stage with an energetic performance spanning decades of musical genres. Each song brought back memories—and in more than a few cases, tempted guests onto the dance floor.
Guests enjoyed a delicious dinner catered by Premier Catering, followed by a birthday cake and dessert bar that made celebrating 100 years especially sweet.
One of the most meaningful moments of the night came with a look back at the club’s rich history, presented by Dr. Nancy H. Cummings, EdD. Dr. Cummings shared stories that reminded guests just how deeply rooted Kiwanis is in Clermont.
She and her counsin, current president of the Kiwanis Club, Chuck Seaver, both come from 4 generations of Kiwanis leadership—a powerful example of service passed down through the years.
The club’s first president, W.N. McKinney, was remembered, along with early efforts such as supporting the FREE school lunch program, and other activities highlighting Kiwanis’ long-standing commitment to caring for children.
Photographer Derek Sanchez captured the joy, laughter, and memorable moments of the evening—images that will now become part of the Kiwanis Club of Clermont’s history for generations to come.
Chuck Seaver, who has served as club president currently for the past 5 years, summed up the evening perfectly: “It’s difficult to summarize 100 years’ worth of service and gratitude for community support into one celebration, but our hearts were full tonight as we celebrated yesterday, today, and what’s to come tomorrow.”
The celebration also brought together civic leaders and organizations from across South Lake County, all eager to honor the legacy of the Kiwanis Club of Clermont.
For 100 years, the Kiwanis Club of Clermont has proven that giving back can be meaningful and fun. As part of Kiwanis International—a global organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and families—the Clermont club continues to lead with heart, creativity, and hands-on action.
After a century of service, one thing is certain: Kiwanis Club of Clermont isn’t slowing down. The cake may be gone, but the mission lives on—and the next 100 years are already off to a great start.
