By CJ Vetter
KYLE - What’s better than a hot dog lunch in summer?
The Kiwanis Club, the Kyle Area Senior Zone, the Kyle Rotary Club and AMVETS partnered on July 20 to host a free hot dog lunch at the AMVETS Post 115. The collaboration was a joint effort among the groups involved as a way to grow relationships within the community.
Headed by the Kiwanis Club, the hot dog lunch was originally brought up by the larger parent group, Kiwanis International, which suggested the idea to its clubs nationwide. It encouraged its members to foster connections with other organizations in their area. Vanessa Westbrook, Treasurer for the Kyle Buda Kiwanis Club, helped organize the local event.
“They sent out an email to everyone saying that today was international hot dog day, and they encouraged us to host some kind of event,” Westbrook said. “That’s exactly what we’ve done. We hope folks just come, sit down and have a fellowship with other citizens, because all these folks are from the Kyle area.”
Alongside the organizations providing their own support, local carwash Suds Deluxe was also a corporate sponsor.
Local veterans, like Gilbert Arizmendez, volunteered to give back to the community that has served them.
“We’re really trying to help out the community as much as we can,” Arizmendez said. “I think that’s what all the clubs are trying to do. Everybody knows what’s going on and how KASZ is helping Kiwanis and Kiwanis is helping AMVETS.”
The event was hosted by multiple groups out of a desire to involve as much of the community as possible. By collaborating with each other, the groups hoped to cast a wider net for both those that could benefit from the groups and those looking to join them.
“The Kiwanis, AMVETS and Rotary Club are all very active in our community, and it is so awesome that they came by and invited us out,” said Dex Ellison, Kyle city council member. “The real MVPs are the ones out doing all the work out here, and so we appreciate them. Certainly, Kiwanis has taken lead on this and AMVETS letting them use their -facility. They’re very hospitable and great.”
The Kiwanis Club is currently organizing a backpack and school supplies scheduled for Aug. 13. Those looking for more information on how to in sign up for the drive or join the Kiwanis Club can email [email protected].
