Wilton Kiwanis Annual Citrus sale

KIWANIS LAUNCHES 21st
CHARITY CITRUS SALE   by Ray Moskow

“Everyone
who participates in the 21st Annual Wilton Kiwanis Charity Citrus
sale is a winner,” states Club President Nancy Pantoliano. “We are all winners
because this sale offers Wilton area residents the opportunity to enjoy the
best tasting and freshest Florida fruit; multiple partners secure funds to help
support their own charitable efforts; and 100% of the net proceeds are distributed
by Kiwanis to dozens of local not-for-profit causes.” Further, donations from
generous supporters enable Kiwanis to contribute a healthy supply of the fresh
fruit to local food pantries and shelters.

The Kiwanis
Annual Citrus sale has long been a favorite seasonal tradition as local folks
purchase personal supplies of exceptionally fresh oranges, grapefruit and
tangerines for personal consumption. In addition, numerous businesses buy
quantities for their employees, clients and customers, and many organizations
buy fruit to distribute as part of their charitable missions.  This may be the most thoughtful way of
sharing a little bit of Spring after our long, snowy Winter.   

The Products:  Tree
ripened pink grapefruits, Valencia oranges and honey tangerines are handpicked
and packed in Vero Beach, Florida for the Kiwanis order, and shipped in a
refrigerated truck directly to Wilton for immediate distribution.  Over the years the fruit has exceeded our very
high quality standards for flavor and freshness, which Kiwanis stands behind for
customer satisfaction. There are 8 choices of packaging combinations ranging in
price from $25 to $45. Customers average purchase quantity has grown over the
years because if the fruit is maintained at a cool temperature (45-60 degrees),
it will remain fresh for several months.

Who Benefits from the
Proceeds?  100% of the Citrus Sale net
proceeds are distributed to local area charitable causes at the direction of
the Kiwanis Board of Directors. Over the years, financial support has been
provided to such established non-profit organizations as Visiting Nurse and
Hospice, The Volunteer Ambulance Corps, Domestic Violence Crisis Center, Child
Guidance Center, Wilton Youth Council, Norwalk Emergency Shelter, Trackside
Teen Center, Bridgeport Rescue Mission and many more. Kiwanis looks primarily
to assist those in need, those discomforted, and those suffering. Additional
contributions support important civic and community needs, maintaining the
Kiwanis Club as a respected Town Citizen. 
In recent years, Kiwanis has partnered with a number of established
charitable organizations to share proceeds from fruit sales.  This year, for example, the Youth Groups from
three Wilton Churches will be selling the fruit in order to provide hands-on
relief assistance to needy people in Washington, D.C., Grace Community Church
is raising funds for the Bridgeport Rescue Mission, and the Wilton High School Wrestling
Boosters are selling fruit to offset purchases of needed equipment for the
program.

How Does One Order, Take Delivery
and Help in the Drive?

·        
Log
on to www.wiltonkiwanis.org and place an order before March
5th. (Credit Card or PayPal)

·        
Mail
printed order form with cc info or check to Wilton Kiwanis Foundation, P.O. Box
204, Wilton. Order Forms are available in person at Bankwell, Peoples United
Banks, the Wilton Library, Stop and Shop, the Wilton Family Y, or printed from www.wiltonkiwanis.org

·        
Questions
via email to citrus@wiltonkiwanis.org, or jeff.turner@coldwellbankermoves.com

·        
Delivery
of 6 or more cases can be requested, and additional fruit will be available for
sale during the pickup days.

·        
Pickup
orders at the ECS Transportation location, 390 Danbury Road, directly across
from the High School on Friday, March 14th 12:00pm to 5:00pm; Saturday,
March 15th 9:00am to 5:00pm;  and
Sunday, March 16th 12:00pm to 5:00pm

What Motivates Kiwanis to Do This
Work?  The
Club stands on three mission pillars: 
community service, altruism, and camaraderie, and the Kiwanis
International mission of “Serving the Children of the World.”  Currently 95 men and women members of all
ages actively serve by helping conduct community events, raise needed funds,
and provide hands-on service to the community at large.  Wilton Kiwanis has a long tradition of
serving the community since its founding in 1951. Early and substantial Club
projects included the Kiwanis donation of land to establish the Wilton Family Y
and Little League baseball fields, the purchase of Wilton’s first ambulance,
the creation of Merwyn Meadows, the Historical Records room at the Wilton library,
and the Visiting Nurse & Hospice Pediatric Center.  Sixty three years of Wilton history are
dotted with hundreds of Kiwanis projects, causes, functions and
contributions.  Selling citrus to
community conscious residents  and
sharing the profits widely is simply one way the Club affirms its citizenship
and reaches out to help those less fortunate or in need. Wilton Kiwanis is one
the largest of nearly 200 Kiwanis chapters in New England, and supports Kiwanis
International projects such as the recent defeat of Iodine Deficiency Disorder,
and the current Eliminate Maternal Tetanus project.  Members work together on a wide range of
service projects, meet weekly for lunch and camaraderie, hear guest speakers on
current and interesting topics, and plan upcoming service activities.  The Club is always seeking new Members who
share the desire to improve and serve the community.  For membership information, please contact Melissa
Mednick at mmednick@mybankwell.com.