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Brubaker To Run for Governor-Elect of Carolinas District of Kiwanis International

Dr. Mary Jo Brubaker, a trustee of Divisions 1, 2 and 3 of the Carolinas District, joined the Kiwanis Club of Banner Elk several years ago, and she is running for governor-elect of Carolinas District of Kiwanis International during the next election cycle.

The election takes place on Aug. 15 in Pinehurst.

In keeping with Kiwanis International’s mission to serve children and her background as a career educator, Brubaker said that her evolving platform for running for district governor will include ways to improve the quality of life of children in North Carolina and South Carolina most likely through literacy.

Service projects of the Banner Elk organization include Reading is Fundamental (RIF), a book distribution project for all of Avery County Schools elementary schools, Grandfather Academy and Crossnore School; Trunk or Treat; Woolly Worm Festival Mini Grants; Kiwanis One-Day Projects, past annual projects include purchasing playground equipment for toddlers at Wildcat Lake, hospital baskets for kids and Grandfather Home Centennial Cross landscaping; Christmas food drives; Fourth of July Celebration at Tate-Evans Park; sponsorship of local scouts; and more.

A more recent project by the Kiwanis Club of Banner Elk was assisting the Town of Banner Elk and the Banner Elk Chamber with the Fourth of July celebration in the park. Earlier this year, Brubaker said the club also donated 4,905 books recently to local schools as part of the aforementioned RIF project.

In addition to service projects, the Kiwanis Club of Banner Elk also gives out grants to local schools, organizations working for the greater good, such as the Feeding Avery Families, Reaching Avery Ministries, or “wherever we see a need,” Brubaker said.

This past year, Kiwanis Club of Banner Elk contributed $45,000 in “grants and givebacks” to the community, and Brubaker added that annually, this amount has ranged from $35,000 to $45,000 in her nine years with the local organization.

“Being apart of the community and giving back is what we are all about,” Brubaker said.

The local group is “very proactive” and meets each Tuesday at noon in the Lees McRae University private dining room.

To join or for more information about Kiwanis Club of Banner Elk, click here.