KIWANIS OF THE COLORADO RIVER

Serving Children of the World

Kids need adults who care. That’s why people join Kiwanis clubs. Kiwanians are just people - like-minded volunteers who want to make a difference. Friends. Neighbors. Anyone who loves serving together to change children’s lives.  We are part of a global network of clubs and members who partner with each other and with organizations whose missions align with ours. All around the world — and in communities like ours — Kiwanis International is serving the kids who need us most.

Kiwanis of the Colorado River has been helping kids in the Tri-State area for 50 years. Here are some of the things we do:

Cornfest

Cornfest is one of the area's largest community events, bringing neighbors together for a weekend of family fun, entertainment, and local pride. Enjoy live music every night featuring talented performers, along with a full lineup of activities for all ages.

Event highlights include approximately 50 craft and retail vendors, a variety of delicious food trucks, game booths hosted local organizations as fundraisers, a Kids Zone with bounce houses and games, an axe-throwing event, a petting zoo, and a teen zone. Cornfest is also home to "The Haunt," one of the area's most popular haunted attractions. And, of course, we can't forget about the CORN!

Making a Difference in Our Community

Cornfest welcomes more than 15,000 guests and raises over $50,000 to support local youth groups and community organizations. In addition, more than $30,000 was raised for the Kiwanis Club, helping fund programs and initiatives that benefit local children throughout the year.

These efforts include providing more than $25,000 in scholarships for graduating seniors pursuing higher education, as well as supporting school clubs, youth programs, our B.E.D. Project and other community projects that make a lasting impact.

The B.E.D. Project

A good night's sleep is essential for a child's physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Through The B.E.D. Project, we provide complete beds—including a bed frame, mattress, and bedding—to children ages 3 to 17 who do not have a bed of their own.

Our mission is to ensure that every child has a safe, comfortable place to sleep, helping them wake up rested, healthy, and ready to succeed. Beds are provided to families and guardians in need throughout our community.  Because Everyone Deserves a Bed

Poker Runs

Fun for the whole family. Twice per year, the Kiwanis of the Colorado River sponsors a non-competitive Poker Run through the beautiful Arizona desert in the Colorado River area. The ride course is roughly 50 miles. Riders of all abilities and off-road vehicle types are welcome. Adults play games along the course and can win up to $1,000. Kids can participate in a scavenger hunt along the course and get cool prizes!

This is a fundraiser for Kiwanis of the Colorado River. Prizes are donated local businesses, dealerships, and organizations.

Buddy Benches

Kiwanis of the Colorado River proudly builds and donates Buddy Benches to local schools. A Buddy Bench is a special place on the playground where children can sit when they are feeling lonely, left out, or simply looking for a friend to talk to or play with. The bench serves as a visual signal to other students, encouraging kindness, inclusion, and friendship. Through this program, we help create a more welcoming school environment where every child feels seen, valued, and connected.

Kiwanis Youth Programs

Kiwanis Service Leadership Programs (SLPs) are leadership and character-building organizations hosted in schools and community agencies, with support and sponsorship from local Kiwanis clubs. These programs help young people develop leadership skills, build confidence, and learn the value of serving their communities.

The Kiwanis of the Colorado River proudly supports Key Club International for high school students and Builders Club for middle school students. Through these programs, students participate in leadership development opportunities, community service projects, camps, field trips, and other educational activities designed to help them grow as leaders.

In return, these outstanding young volunteers assist our Kiwanis club supporting community events and service projects throughout the year. Together, we are developing the next generation of community-minded leaders while making a positive impact in our schools and neighborhoods.

Past projects

50 Years of Serving the Children of the Colorado River

For more than 50 years, Kiwanis of the Colorado River has been dedicated to improving the lives of children and families throughout our community. Through countless volunteer hours, fundraising efforts, and community partnerships, we have proudly supported programs and projects that make a lasting difference.

Over the years, our club has hosted Dinner Auctions, Trunk-Or-Treat Events, Easter Egg Hunts, Youth Fishing Der’s, Golf Tournaments, and Car Races. We have organized Angel Tree programs, provided Thanksgiving dinners to families in need, cleaned local highways, and rung bells for the Salvation Army. We are also proud to have played a role in building the community Splash Pad, creating a place where families can gather and children can enjoy safe, outdoor fun.

As our community continues to grow and change, so does our commitment to serving it. While our projects and programs may evolve over time, one thing will never change—our dedication to serving the children of the Colorado River community and helping them build brighter futures.