Building stronger communities through service: Wautoma and Wild Rose Kiwanis lead the way

Volunteerism remains one of the great strengths of American life. Across towns and cities, adults who give their time to service organizations help strengthen communities, support neighbors in need, and sustain values that unite us. Whether it’s through church groups, local charities, or civic clubs, volunteers form the backbone of our communities. In Waushara County, two groups that embody this spirit of giving are the Wautoma Kiwanis Club and the Wild Rose Kiwanis Club—both dedicated to improving the lives of children and families while nurturing the next generation of community leaders.
When young people see adults investing their time and energy in the well-being of others, it sends a powerful message about responsibility and compassion. The members of the Wautoma Kiwanis Club, for instance, have spent more than four decades modeling those values through hands-on projects and partnerships. Founded on February 25, 1982, through the efforts of Ed Schroeder and Charles Pankratz, the Wautoma club first met at the Lake Shore Restaurant with a mission to serve youth and families. When the Wautoma Jaycees ceased operations, Kiwanis members immediately stepped in to continue the beloved annual Children’s Sandbox Fill, ensuring a cherished community tradition would live on.
Since then, their list of projects has continued to grow. Wautoma Kiwanians once played a vital role with the Community Christmas Project, which provided gifts for kids whose family could not afford one, manned the Bird Creek Park concession stand for softball tournaments, and supported organizations like Habitat for Humanity and the Hornet Booster Club through both manpower and financial aid. They’ve hosted blood drives, volleyball tournaments, and the annual Kid’s Bicycle Giveaway during August Fest—events that not only bring people together but also promote the spirit of giving. The club has also supported the Wautoma Performing Arts Center, helping secure a grand piano and providing ongoing assistance to enhance local arts opportunities, coordinated with the Wautoma School System. One of their more notable accomplishments has been gifting iPads for children with special needs.
At the same time, just up the road in Wild Rose, another group of dedicated Kiwanians has been building its own legacy of service. In the summer of 1992, Bill and Hazel Mack of Omro began knocking on doors across the Wild Rose area to promote forming a new Kiwanis Club. Within weeks, momentum grew, and on September 29, 1992, thirty charter members came together to officially form the Wild Rose Kiwanis Club, with Rev. Paul Ashbrook serving as its first president.
For more than three decades, the Wild Rose club has lived by the Kiwanis motto “Serving the Children of the World,” focusing particularly on the initiative Young Children: Priority One. In the early years of their club, members tapped into organized programs like Bringing Up Grades (BUG)—a fun way to recognize academic improvement among elementary students—and celebrated with pizza parties that reward hard work and persistence. They also once sponsored swimming lessons and offered Kids Movie Nights at the Manor, all aimed at giving children positive experiences in a safe and supportive environment. Today, the club hosts the annual Halloween Party for youth of elementary school age.

Their service doesn’t stop with youth programs. Wild Rose Kiwanians are a familiar presence around town—staffing the food stand at Wild Rose Days, hosting brat fry fundraisers, cleaning local highways, serving breakfast at the Wild Rose Car Show, and marching proudly in the Memorial Day Parade. Since 2008, their annual Culture & Arts Concert has become the club’s primary fundraiser, bringing professional entertainment to the community while supporting local causes. In recent years, they’ve added two new projects—the Care Closet and School House Threads—to provide personal hygiene items and emergency clothing for students in need.
Service organizations like these do more than carry out projects—they build bridges across generations. Through Key Club, the Kiwanis organization’s high school branch, both the Wautoma and Wild Rose clubs work side by side with students who are learning the values of leadership, teamwork, and service. Adult members can mentor students as they plan fundraisers, organize volunteer efforts, and participate in community events. This partnership gives young people confidence to lead and satisfaction in knowing they can make a difference right where they live.
When adults and youth collaborate on community projects, both generations benefit. Adults bring knowledge, organization, and experience; youth contribute creativity, energy, and new perspectives. Together, they make tangible improvements—from beautifying parks to supporting local libraries—that strengthen community ties. The Wautoma Kiwanis Club, for example, has helped fund playground equipment throughout the Wautoma School District and at community spaces like Bird Creek Park and the Wautoma Public Library. Meanwhile, the Wild Rose club’s ongoing work in schools and community spaces continues to meet local needs in practical, caring ways.
Both clubs also extend their reach beyond youth programs. They provide annual scholarships for both trade school and college, support local scouting groups, and coordinate efforts such as Salvation Army bell-ringing during the holidays. They are also proud sponsors of Blue Ribbon Kids’ Day, an annual event promoting child safety, wellness, and family engagement.
Volunteerism, at its heart, is about connection—neighbors helping neighbors and communities pulling together for the common good. The Wautoma and Wild Rose Kiwanis Clubs remind us that service is not only about giving time or money, but about nurturing hope, building relationships, and inspiring future generations. Their ongoing commitment ensures that the spirit of Kiwanis—Serving Children and Communities—remains strong in Waushara County.
Together, these two clubs show that when adults and youth unite in service, they build not only stronger communities but also a brighter, more compassionate future for all. If you would like to learn more about these two dedicated service groups, attend one of their upcoming meetings or visit their websites, as well as their informative Facebook pages.