The Elmira Kiwanis Club of Elmira, NY, was organized in 1918 and chartered on May 10, 1919. The club began with 98 members. Over the years, the club has held many fundraisers, including pancake breakfasts, spaghetti feeds and other events.

We help out in the community in a variety of ways, including sponsoring youth groups, highway clean-ups, raising money to benefit children and children's support groups, and providing scholarships. The club has enjoyed a rich history over the years, with its members coming from fields like accounting, civil service, education, management, and many more.

On May 4, 2019, more than 150 people from the community and around the New York District of Kiwanis helped us celebrate 100 years of community service.

For more information about us, check out our newsletter page and our activities calendar. You also can send us an message from the membership interest page.

History of Ray's Pay Day

Ray's Pay Day was started during the 1977-78 year of Mel Hagerman or around that time. Five dollars was taken from 50/50 money and a name picked as winner. The purpose was to boost attendance and also an incentive to pay dues as you could not win if your dues were not paid. At that time the cost of meal was $3 or $4 which has increased several times but the Pay Day has remained the same.

"Ray" was Ray Vater, a salesman for Elm Chevrolet and the roster also listed him as a part time magician. We don't know why the Pay Day was named for him but he may have been part of House and Reception committee.