In 1983, the Kiwanis Children’s Fund established the George F. Hixson Fellowship. Named for Kiwanis International’s first president (ironically, from Rochester NY), Hixson Fellowships are awarded to donors who give $1,000 or more to the Children’s Fund. It’s a way of recognizing people who have contributed significantly to Kiwanis’ history of generosity.
During the Genesee & Finger Lakes Divisions’ joint Governor’s recent visit, the NY District Governor, Joel Harris, along with the Genesee Division Lt. Governor, Crystal Benjamin-Bafford, presented Heather Henderson with a Hixson. This honor was made possible through a donation from her home club of Greece NY.
Heather’s most recent commitments:
• President, Kiwanis Club of Rochester, NY
• Secretary & Past President, Kiwanis Club of Greece, NY
• Chair, Past Lt. Governor’s Council, Genesee Division
• 21-23 NY District Partnerships Chair
• Campaign Chair to elect Lucien Giancursio for 23-24 NY District Governor
• 20-21 Super Distinguished Past Lt. Governor, Genesee Division
Heather was exactly the right person to lead the Genesee Division during COVID when she was Lt. Governor. She worked tirelessly to keep the Division and the clubs on track during that difficult time. Heather pivoted and encouraged club members to keep them going by holding Division Meetings on Zoom. She amped up her newsletter and email production to keep people informed and involved.
Probably the most important accomplishment is the critical work Heather has done to grow and develop the Rochester and Greece Clubs. These clubs and individual work is really where Heather shines. She sees the needs and she takes the steps to fill them. When the Rochester Club was struggling, Heather stepped in and made sure that this now 107 year old club was rebuilt and continued to thrive. She changed meeting locations, she brought in new programs, she brought in new members. When both Greece and Rochester needed email accounts and websites, Heather made them happen. All while holding officer positions in both Clubs, working on Gov-Elect’s campaign, and increasing partnership opportunities in the Division and the District. By the way, Heather has a day job as well, wearing many hats at Bartolomeo & Perotto Funeral Home.
Notes provided from her Greece Club:
- Outside of her Presidential and Secretary duties, Heather goes above and beyond to give to the people of Kiwanis as well as to the Children of our Community.
- Meeting with many Children’s Charitable Organizations to see how we can help better the lives of many children.
- Heather makes herself familiar with all the Schools in our Community which was vital for our Greece Club to start The K-Kids Program
- Heather tirelessly sees to her members as well as building relationships for future membership.
- Her strength is meeting with people one on one to build them up to meet their capabilities.
- To sum it all up, HEATHER CARES: for people, children and KIWANIS.
Quote from Greece Club President, Karen Mager: “It’s all little things that Heather does that brings strength to our Greece Club. Being early to all the meetings, having done all the research for each organization she brings to the Club, making each CEO welcome to show we care & want to help, she’s the backbone to every Fundraiser we have, and she makes all our work very easy because she lays down the foundation of everything we do.”
Heather came to us from Georgia, bringing her passion and mission to educate folks about what powerful impact Kiwanis has on youth and the community as a whole. She has been a shining light to so many people in all levels of Kiwanis and we are so pleased to be able to honor her with the Hixson Award.
Provided Information and Photo
