The Kiwanis Club of Alameda celebrated its New Year on October 1, 2025. The Kiwanis year of service always begins in October and ends the following September. Members welcomed a new president, a new secretary, and new board of directors to organize the next twelve months of service, under the theme “Hip Hip Hooray!” Tables were decorated with gold hippo and pink balloon miniature cutouts. New president Laila Grassley designated the theme to emphasize the joy and enthusiasm of Kiwanis service to the Alameda community.
Ann Ching made a special toast to President Laila: “Like the hippopotamus, we promise to bring both strength and joy. Hippos may be quiet in the water, but when they rise, they make a splash… and Laila is ready to make a splash with all of you.”
Immediate Past President Dawna Dowdell-Dos Santos reflected on her years of presidency. “In my past years I have served as your President a total of three times,” she noted. “Now looking forward to the position of Immediate Past President and after, becoming your Division Lieutenant Governor in 2026-27.”
Noting that the club’s foundation has been very successful in terms of providing scholarships and grant funding, she added that the club still “needs to grow and create more funding to support our events and operations, and to bring new speakers to our dinner meetings.” She also emphasized that “member volunteerism has been great.”
President Laila inspired the members with her remarks on her program for the new year. “I have three goals for our club this new Kiwanis year,” she stated. She outlined her plan as follows:
- Continue fundraising goals for the club and foundation through the Kiwanis of Alameda Foundation January 31, 2026 fundraiser at the O Club.
- Work toward creating a signature service project.
- Continue to thrive as a vibrant club so that members benefit, and to encourage others to become members.
Special recognition for service during the past year was roundly applauded.
New Club Secretary Cheri Hadley received an engraved plaque as Kiwanian of the Year. She has served in many positions and advanced the future of the club and Foundation.
Retiring Club Secretary Denise Gasti, who served in that position for an unprecedented 10 years, received a gold ribbon enhancement of the William Dunlap award, the highest honor of Kiwanis service in the California/Nevada/Hawai’i district. While serving as Club Secretary, Gasti supported all the presidents of her term. She also served as Past President of Alameda Kiwanis and Past Lieutenant Governor of the division.
Honored guests at the dinner included Victor Chan, immediate Past Lieutenant Governor of Division 2; Emmanuel Escobal, current Lieutenant Governor Division 2; and longtime Kiwanian Jim Sweeney, who is now 96 years young.
The William Dunlap awardees assembled at the end of the meeting.
Hip Hip Hooray for Service to Alameda!
