Dear Key Club Officers, Advisors, and Members:

The members and clubs of the Florida District have proven again and again that caring is our way of life. Last year our 11,000 members raised over $100,000 to virtually eliminate Iodine Deficiency Disorders from Mexico. If every Key Club member contributed only fifty hours of service during the year, over half a million volunteer hours of service were given to our homes, schools, and communities. We have made a difference in the lives of many, many people.

But there is still much to be done. The 1996-1997 District Board began a partnership with the Florida Network of Youth and Family Services, Inc., a statewide agency representing forty youth shelters and social service agencies. Last year’s District Partnership with the Network raised awareness of the 1-800-RUNAWAY hotline, raised over $13,000 to ensure the continuation of the hotline, and witnessed clubs throughout the District working closely with the member agencies of the Florida Network to better the lives of children and youth in need. Because I believe so strongly in the importance of our work with the Florida Network, I have named our partnership this year’s Governor’s Project, and I encourage all the Key Clubs in the District to expand their service to their communities through working with the local agency of the Florida Network.

This year’s District Board has also selected Organ Donor Awareness as a District Project. Every day, at least ten people die waiting for a suitable organ donor. We can help by raising awareness of organ donation and distributing organ donor cards in our communities. Key Club International offers us many possible projects this year. Even though the Florida District has raised far more than our original goals for the elimination of IDD, if IDD is to be eliminated by the year 2000, we need to continue our fund raising. Key Club International’s new Advocacy and Major Emphasis Programs offer us even more projects to serve our homes, schools, and communities.

With these challenges for the upcoming year, I hope you find this Club Directory a beneficial resource and guide. Here you may find valuable information about projects, awards, and programs throughout the year, as well as a detailed record of the tradition-filled history of the Florida District. By sharing this information with members of your club, school, and community, you will be able to accomplish your goals and the goals of the District. Have a great year!

In friendship and service,

Derek Pettigrew