GALT, CA (MPG) - Chili dogs, cornhole and a whole lot of laughter filled the room as the Kiwanis Club of Galt hosted a sports-themed evening for members of S.T.A.R., sponsoring one of the group’s monthly socials. S.T.A.R. is a social recreational program for adults and teens who are developmentally disabled. 

The partnership began when a parent associated with S.T.A.R. reached out to the Kiwanis Club and asked whether the service organization would be willing to sponsor a social. The club said yes, and members Denise Campion and Jocelyn Roubique stepped forward as co-chairs to bring the evening to life.

With “Sports Night” as the theme, Kiwanians transformed the space with matching decor and decided on a lineup of games designed for everyone, including giant Jenga, cornhole, a beanbag toss, beach ball volleyball and a sports trivia game created by several Galt High School students under the direction of Kiwanian Brooke Beckett.

Dinner was served by the volunteers, with Roubique and her granddaughter preparing nearly all the food. The menu featured chili dogs, chicken salad sandwiches, and ham and cheese sliders, followed by desserts.

As the evening wrapped up, every S.T.A.R. guest went home with a goodie bag, a cookie decorated with the words “All-Star” and a certificate of participation for playing the games.

“The event was so much fun,” said Kiwanis Club of Galt President Dana Edlund. “The S.T.A.R. attendees kept me laughing and smiling as we ate dinner together, played games, and enjoyed some music. They are so welcoming to our group, and they are a joy to be with. Being a Kiwanian, and especially a Galt Kiwanian, is the absolute best.”

Edlund was quick to credit Campion and Roubique for the event’s success. “They get all the credit,” Edlund said. “This turned out amazing.”

The Kiwanis Club of Galt is part of Kiwanis International, a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time. For more information about the club or upcoming service projects, contact Dana Edlund at 209-915-3786.