“Wespeak For Them” is a local special needs awareness and support group founded 12 years ago by Kandi Alexander. The group, located in South Lake County, share ideas, solutions and, best of all friendships! Kandi is also a member of The Kiwanis Club of Clermont and recently had the idea of pulling her resources to help and support both groups
The Kiwanis Club of Clermont has been lighting up displays around Center Lake since 1997. Kandi said she thought that Wespeak families could sponsor lights for the 2021 Kiwanis project and add a sense of community pride and service.
Wespeak families and Puzzle Ranch (a local ranch in Lake county, dedicated to children and adults with Autism and other developmental disabilities) donated a total of $420.00 to the Light Up Center Lake Project, all within a day of posting the information in their online support group.
Kandi said, “I am so excited to see our families donate to the project so our unique and awesome kids with VIP abilities were given a great chance to participate in the community effort during the Christmas season by giving back”. She added, “The Wespeak families are excited to see their group’s name displayed as a sponsor of “Light Up Center Lake”.
Kiwanis Club of Clermont Member Del Brandt, chairman of the Center Lake Light Up Committee, was delighted with the donation which he said is dedicated to many children’s programs in the area. The Club’s President Chuck Seaver adds, “Light Up Center Lake is a Kiwanis Club of Clermont sponsored event that not only provides a touch of holiday spirit to the community but also an event that helps support children and community projects throughout the year”. (It’s never too early or too late to invest in the children of the south Lake).
Kandi announced that she is excited to head up a new Kiwanis Club of Clermont committee focusing on special needs specific to the organizations and families in Lake County/south Lake County. The Wespeak founder concludes, “The last 12 years of trusted partnerships and friendships will bring greater awareness and support for all in our area”.
Seaver notes, “I am excited for the direction this new committee brings.”
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KIWANIS CLUB OF CLERMONT – LIGHT UP CENTER LAKE:
The program was started in 1996 by club member Tom Thomas. Tom designed and created most of the displays that adorn the Center Lake shoreline still today. The displays are lit in conjunction with the City of Clermont’s annual Light Up Clermont event and will remain on display through January 3, 2022.
Community businesses and individuals sponsor the displays at an annual cost of $200.00 per sponsorship. Those funds are utilized throughout the year to support community and educational projects.
The Kiwanis Club of Clermont meets weekly on Tuesdays at 11:30 am at Green Valley Country Club, 14601 Green Valley Blvd., Groveland and on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 5:30 pm at IHop Restaurant, 2589 South US-27, Clermont.
Seaver thanked the City of Clermont and all the sponsors for making this annual event a success.
