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Community Highlights

Welcome to the Kiwanis Club of Santa Ana News page, your hub for updates, stories, and highlights from our club’s service in the community. Here, you’ll find announcements about upcoming events, recaps of our recent projects, member spotlights, and inspiring moments that reflect the heart of our mission.

Check back often to stay informed on the impact we’re making together.

Kiwanis Club of Santa Ana Earns Distinguished Club Recognition

Congratulation is in order for the current leadership at the Kiwanis Club of Santa Ana (KCSA), which has been recognized as a Distinguished Club by the Cal-Nev-Ha District of Kiwanis—an honor that celebrates clubs demonstrating exceptional commitment to service, membership engagement, and operational excellence.

The Distinguished Club Award is one of the highest recognitions a club can receive within the district, which represents Kiwanis clubs throughout California, Nevada, and Hawaii. The distinction reflects a year of dedicated service and strong leadership by club members who work tirelessly to make a positive impact in their communities.

To qualify for the award, clubs must meet rigorous criteria established by the district and Kiwanis International. These requirements include maintaining good standing, meeting charter strength, and implementing a comprehensive membership plan that supports recruitment and engagement.

In addition, Distinguished Clubs actively participate in a wide range of service initiatives that benefit children and families. This includes supporting Service Leadership Programs (SLPs), completing multiple community service projects, and participating in district and divisional events that strengthen the Kiwanis network and its mission of service.

“This recognition reflects the dedication of our members and the strong spirit of service that defines our club,” said KCSA President Ignacio Muniz. “We are proud to continue serving the Santa Ana community and creating opportunities to support youth, literacy, and local families.”

Congratulations Key Club Lt. Gov. Delanna Dinh

The Kiwanish Club of Santa Ana, along with Segerstrom High School, is proud to celebrate Delanna Dinh as the first student in Segerstrom's history to serve as Key Club Lieutenant Governor for Division 4 West, Region 3.

In her new role, she will support all students across 80 schools throughout the region.

Pictured at left with her club advisor and Segerstrom leadership, Delanna is poised to make a meaningful impact among her peers.

#sausd #studentsuccess

Strike Gold for Kids Awardees:
Making a Difference

Meet our 2025 outstanding Kiwanis Club of Santa Ana award honorees, each of whom embodies service, leadership, and a deep commitment to uplifting youth in our community.

Our Heart of Gold Award recipient, Jerry Almendarez, is recognized for his decades of dedication to expanding educational opportunities and strengthening connections between schools and families throughout Santa Ana.

The Golden Rule Award honors Daniel Kim, whose work through the Dragon Kim Foundation empowers high school students to become compassionate leaders through meaningful service projects. His dedication to inspiring young people to strengthen their communities truly reflects the spirit of the Golden Rule.

Rounding out our honorees, the Catalyst for Change Award was presented to the Anaheim Ducks Foundation. Efforts to expand youth sports access—bringing free hockey programs, equipment, and opportunities to local schools—continue to break barriers and open doors for students across our region.

These honorees represent the very best of our community and make a profound impact on the lives of young people.

REMEMBERING BELOVED KIWANIANS

We extend our deepest condolences to beloved Kiwanians Steve Cate and Les Washington, their family and friends.
They will be remembered with gratitude, respect, and appreciation for their unwavering service.

Steve served as President of the Kiwanis Club of Santa Ana from 1998–1999 and was a driving force behind the Strike Gold for Kids Fundraiser at the Santa Ana Zoo. He was also well known for his dedication to supporting Club initiatives, including securing donations from local merchants for the Club’s pancake breakfasts—always ensuring our efforts had a meaningful impact.

Steve passed away in January 2026. His commitment to Kiwanis and service to the children of Santa Ana spanned many years and left a lasting legacy.

Les Washington was a longtime member of Kiwanis who passed away in November 2025.

Les embodied the heart of Kiwanis --- service, humility and a deep commitment to the children of our community.

His decade of dedication strengthened our Club and left a lasting impact on Santa Ana. We are grateful for his leadership, his kindness, and the example he set for all of us.

May his spirit of service live on in the work we continue to do. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved one.