Kiwanis Club of Atlanta

Children across metro Atlanta are living better, fuller lives because of the generosity and service of the Kiwanis Club of Atlanta community.

This week, Helene Prokesch of Lekotek of Georgia shared how Kiwanis support has helped children with disabilities and their families through technology-based play therapy programs that create joy, confidence and connection.

We invite our members and community to help continue that impact by supporting the 2026 Annual Fund Campaign.

Our goal is to raise $150,000 to support nonprofit organizations that enrich the lives of children throughout metro Atlanta. Every gift matters, and contributions of $1,000 or more can make a transformative difference.

Please join us in helping Kiwanis continue to Learn, Serve, Connect and Support.

Give today at kiwanisatlanta.org or email [email protected] for pledge information.

Together, we can change lives.

The Kiwanis Club of Atlanta was privileged to welcome Ronald L. Johnson as the speaker for our Memorial Day luncheon.

Dr. Johnson spoke about the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country and reminded all of us of the true meaning of Memorial Day.

A retired U.S. Army Major General with 32 years of military service, Dr. Johnson now serves as Chief of Staff and Senior Vice President for Strategic Initiatives at Georgia Tech.

President Russell Wagner presented Dr. Johnson with the Kiwanis Golden Ruler and then revealed the inside lining of his custom sports coat — all Georgia Tech, of course.

Thank you, Dr. Johnson, for your service, leadership and inspiring words.

A legacy of leadership. A lifetime of service. A well-deserved honor.

The Kiwanis Club of Atlanta is proud to celebrate former Club President Reynolds Couch, who was presented the Governor’s Leadership Medallion by current President Russell Wagner.

For more than 45 years, Reynolds has dedicated his time, talent and treasure to this club, serving as president, board member, vice president and foundation chair, while also supporting more than 30 organizations championed by our club. His most meaningful impact can be seen through his unwavering commitment to Camp Kiwanis and the children served by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta.

A respected leader in Atlanta’s commercial real estate community, Reynolds could have stepped away years ago. Instead, he chose continued service, investing in the mission of Kiwanis and in the lives of children across metro Atlanta.

The Governor’s Leadership Medallion recognizes Kiwanians who go above and beyond to strengthen their club, division and district while advancing the mission of Kiwanis International. Reynolds embodies that standard in every sense.

Thank you, Reynolds, for a lifetime of leadership and an enduring commitment to service. 👏

🎉 Welcome to Kiwanis Club of Atlanta! 🎉

We are thrilled to welcome our newest members: Charlie Benedict (left), Brian Lamkin, Erich Ritter, and Emma R. Smith, who is also chairing our Under 40 Initiative. We’re grateful to President Russell Wagner for leading another great meeting and helping grow our club.

With our motto Learn. Serve. Connect., we’re proud to be Georgia’s first Kiwanis Club and uniquely focused on serving at-risk children. We meet every Tuesday for lunch and fellowship and stay busy year-round with meaningful volunteer initiatives.

Our members are what make this club special and we’re excited to have these new leaders join us! 💙🙌

Learn. Serve. Connect. — in action.

This election cycle, the Kiwanis Club of Atlanta chose a different path: bringing together leaders from both sides of the aisle for a thoughtful, civil conversation about the future of our state.

We welcomed Republican business leader Clark Dean and Democratic candidate Mike Thurmond — both running for Governor of Georgia — to discuss the challenges, opportunities, and greatest needs facing Georgians ahead of the May primary. Moderated by Karyn Greer of WSB-TV, the discussion modeled exactly what respectful civic engagement can look like in a polarized moment.

We are bursting with pride! Our very own Past President and longtime leader, Kathy Ginn Colbenson, was honored yesterday with the Rev. Robert Ross Johnson Humanitarian of the Year Award by the Rotary Club of Buckhead.

The Kiwanis Club of Atlanta was well-represented for the celebration of a woman who has dedicated her life to children, families and mental health advocacy. It was a moving afternoon filled with heartfelt tributes from community icons like Ann Cramer, Thomas Watson, and Senator Nan Grogan Orrock — who even presented a Senate Resolution recognizing Kathy’s decades of service.

Kathy’s leadership at CHRIS 180 and within our club has always been defined by her "village" mentality. While she was quick to credit her support system, we know that her vision and resilience are what truly make her a powerhouse for good.

Kathy, thank you for your heart, your hustle, and for showing us all what it means to be a Kiwanian.

Last Day to Register!!! Deadline January 16th at 4pm.

Join us Tuesday, January 20th as we welcome Mayor Andre Dickens as he shares "The State of the City" with our club. We will be at The Loudermilk Center in the Main Ballroom downstairs.

Andre Dickens is the 61st Mayor of Atlanta, bringing a lifelong commitment to the city and a dynamic vision to drive its progress as a global city of opportunity. A native Atlantan and product of Atlanta Public Schools, Mayor Dickens is focused on expanding opportunities, equity, and prosperity for all residents.

As Chief Executive Officer, Mayor Dickens oversees the largest budget in Atlanta’s history, managing billions of dollars in general, enterprise, trust and pension funds. Under his leadership, the City of Atlanta achieved a historic upgrade to a AAA bond rating, the highest in the city’s history. Well known for his goals of being a model employer, each of the city’s nearly 10,000 employees received pay increases annually and a $17.50/hr minimum wage.

Mayor Dickens has implemented major advancements in public safety, economic development, and community support since taking office in 2022. With a vision of One Safe City, Mayor Dickens has championed initiatives to reduce crime, such as establishing the Nightlife Division to improve safety in higher crime nightlife areas. His approach also includes community-focused programs that led to a 21% reduction in homicides in 2023, with trends indicating further reductions in 2024. Through his Light Up the Night initiative, Atlanta’s street lighting network expanded with 30,000 energy-efficient LED lights installed over three years, significantly improving visibility and safety across neighborhoods. The Mayor’s Office of Violence Reduction has been instrumental in gang prevention, conflict resolution, domestic violence reduction, and more. Additionally, Mayor Dickens launched programs like the Midnight Basketball League and Year of the Youth, which provide Atlanta’s youth with positive outlets and skill-building opportunities, correlating directly with the city’s reduced crime rates.

In economic development and housing, Mayor Dickens has advanced Atlanta’s affordability and inclusivity through a $58.7 million housing bond to create and preserve affordable housing, targeting homelessness and housing instability. He set an ambitious goal of establishing 20,000 affordable housing units by 2030, including innovative projects like The Melody, which uses repurposed shipping containers to offer sustainable housing for the unhoused. The city has also established a historic $60 million Homeless Opportunity Bond, the single largest investment addressing homelessness in Atlanta’s history. These initiatives reflect his commitment to creating stable and accessible housing for all Atlanta residents.

Email Kim at [email protected] before 4pm today to register.