OUR HISTORY:
CKI began in 1936 as a Kiwanis club service project to provide an opportunity for capable, ambitious, and worthy young men to acquire a college education by assisting them, where necessary, with their financial problems, by means of a scholarship fund, if available, or securing part-time employment. Soon after the concept of CKI was recognized and accepted, the element of community service was introduced, thus creating an appealing outlet for collegians around the globe. TIMELINE:
1936: Circle K concept presented at the collegiate level at Washington State University.
1947: First CKI club chartered at Carthage College, Illinois.
1949: CKI becomes an international organization with the chartering of a club at the University of Western Ontario.
1953: Kenneth B. Creasy of Ohio Wesleyan University is elected as President of CKI.
1955: CKI Constitution and Bylaws adopted.
1957: Texas-Oklahoma becomes the first district of CKI.
1971: Females welcomed into CKI.
1982: CKI membership surpasses 14,500 members.
1999: CKI leadership dedicates 1999 as the Year of Service.
2000: Members of CKI surpass the US$420,000 mark in the effort to eliminate iodine deficiency disorders.
2005: CKI marks its 50th anniversary.
2007: CKI announces its international fundraiser, Saving Lives: The Six Cents Initiative, which focuses on getting clean water to children who need it most.
