By Key Club International Trustee Allan An 

Can you believe it? Key Club is almost 100 years old! On March 23, we’ll celebrate our 99th anniversary, and we couldn’t be more excited.  

It’s amazing to think about all the incredible things that Key Club has accomplished over nearly a century of service! From organizing countless service projects to providing leadership opportunities for students, Key Club has truly made a positive impact in communities all over the world. And now we have an exciting opportunity to continue that legacy. 

To celebrate Key Club’s upcoming 99th anniversary on March 23, we invite all Key Clubs to participate in our birthday fundraising initiative by raising US$99 for the Youth Opportunities Fund (YOF). This fund supports service projects in schools and communities, and by raising US$99, your club can make a meaningful contribution to this important cause. 

But that’s not all! In addition to contributing to a worthy cause, clubs that raise US$99 will also receive a banner patch, recognition on the Key Club website and the chance to win a Key Club birthday party at the 2024 Key Club International convention in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.  Submit donations to kiwanis.org/yofgiving by June 1. 

I know that fundraising can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. In fact, it can be a lot of fun! I’ve compiled a list of some creative fundraising ideas to help get you started: 

  • Host a talent show. A talent show could be a fun way to bring your community together — and to raise funds for YOF by charging an admission fee. You can also have judges for the event and award prizes to the top performers. 
  • Organize a car wash or a bake sale. You can hold your event in a school or community parking lot and charge a fee for every car wash or baked good purchased. Make sure to follow school/community guidelines and take proper safety measures. 
  • Partner with local restaurants. Ask restaurants to donate a portion of their profits on a certain day or time period to your Key Club. Promote the partnership at school and in the community, and encourage members to invite friends and families to dine at the restaurant. 
  • Create a donation box. Place the box in a high-traffic area like a school entrance or a local business and encourage people to donate. Explain that the donations will go to YOF and what YOF does. 
  • Start a crowdfunding campaign. You can start a campaign on a platform like GoFundMe or Kickstarter and share it on social media. You can also offer incentives to donors, like a personalized thank-you note or a shoutout on social media. 

These are just a few ideas to get your fundraising started. Brainstorm with your fellow Key Club members for ideas that work best in your school and community. Have fun, be creative and don’t forget to use catchy slogans — such as “Don’t turn away, give today!” or “Do your part with a caring heart.”  

Join us in making a difference and marking the beginning of the countdown to our 100th anniversary in 2025!