Without social gatherings, what’s a Society Editor to do?

Society means all of us, collectively. The word derives from the Latin societas, from socius ‘companion.’ Here in Downey we share the same space and territory, and have certain cultural expectations in common.

So many good people in Downey in so many organizations work tirelessly to better the quality of life for all. And it’s been my pleasant task as Society Editor to invite the Patriot’s readers to come along when I report these stories.

This spring we should have had the Assisteens Ball, the Arc Walk for Independence, a Kiwanis casino night, and Rancho Foundation’s black tie Amistad Gala, all held in the expectation of having a good time while raising essential funds for local causes.

As Society Editor, these festivities are my beat. But I have felt like Cinderella at the stroke of midnight, except in my case, the coach turned to a pumpkin before I ever got to the Ball.

Because of the coronavirus, this spring we have new party rules. No parties.

The Arc has staged an early morning neighborhood walk in late March every year for 25 years. High school bands cheer everyone on. Starting at the Stonewood Mall, the one-mile or three-mile strollers end with a triumphant breakfast for all back at Acapulco Restaurant, and an awesome amount of money is raised for clients with intellectual and developmental disabilities. But this year a virtual “spirit walk” was a last minute replacement, that had the organizers scrambling to repurpose their day.

The Greek Church Food Festival has postponed its weekend of musica, dancing and roast lamb platters, from June to Sept.  12-13. The Downey Rose Float Association put off its charity auction scheduled at Joseph’s Bar and Grill. Those fresh flower petal-pasting days and nights in December hang in the balance. 

Gangs Out Of Downey postponed its signature fund-raising event, the GOOD luncheon. So many at-risk youth need their help to resist the lure of the gang.

Composed of local citizens, the Downey Unified School District, the Downey Police Department, the Downey Family YMCA, and churches and faith-based groups, GOOD was the brainchild of Downey businessman Phil Precici.

“Having fun doing good” has been an informal slogan of the Rotary Club of Downey ever since Rick Lively suggested it when he was president in 1989. A convivial time spent with good friends, food shared and sparkling entertainment, can raise enough to finance an entire year of philanthropy for service-oriented clubs like Rotary, Kiwanis, and the Assistance League.

One binding aspect is how these social events cut across the generations.  While some charge a high admission fee, others cost little more than the price of a luncheon to attend. Patrons come in all shapes and ages. So many of these outings are designed to be enjoyed by family generations.

How have Downey’s service-oriented clubs coped with the new restrictions on gatherings?

This week we’ll talk with the presidents of the two Kiwanis clubs. Kiwanis is a group of community business and professional men and women, leaders dedicated to improving the lives of children, one community at a time. Local chapters coordinate youth leadership activities and programs in support of Kiwanis International’s ideals.

“Our club will have a Zoom meeting tomorrow,” said Rose Schneeberger.  “Our last face to face meeting was March 12, and we are hoping to have at least 20 members joining the meeting.” 

Rose is the president of Downey’s noontime Kiwanis Club that meets weekly at the Rio Hondo Event Center.

“We have two members that are nurses,” said Rose. “Not one of our members has gotten sick. I am aware, though, of Rotary’s Pastor Alex’s death. Very sad.”

“Our club postponed the annual Casino Night,” said Rose, “our fundraiser that was set for April 24. We postponed the event to August 28 and we would love it if you can attend.” It’s already on my calendar. 

“We cancelled this year’s scholarship banquet” continued Rose, “scheduled for May 3.” This Kiwanis Club gives a remarkable amount in Downey to high school students who want to continue their education. 

“But I can confirm,” said Rose, “that the Downey Kiwanis Foundation will still be giving this year $110,000 in scholarships to Downey area high schools students so their bright future won’t be interrupted.”

“In fact,” said Rose, “right now Ed and I and a group of club members are in the process of reviewing scholarship applications. Last year we awarded over $65,000 in scholarships. We will notify the scholarship recipients by phone or email. The only thing that is not happening this year is the Scholarship Banquet, which we had scheduled for May 3 at the Embassy Suites. “

“Our club is very connected to Key Club, the service club for teenagers,” said Rose, “and KIWIN’s. Both of these groups are at the high-school level.  Normally these youth groups join our meetings several times a year. We hope to invite them to join our Zoom meetings.  Key Club and KIWIN’S are always ready to do volunteer work in Downey and I am sure they will be to help those in need.

“One positive outcome of this pandemic,” said Rose, “is that our members, especially the older ones, have been forced to use technology. For example, we had the club’s annual elections electronically. We have also found that Zoom meetings are not as bad as they sound.

“Our Board of directors will meet tomorrow via Zoom and we will discuss ideas to support groups in need in our community.”

“As the Lt. Governor for Division 13,” said Rose, “the California-Nevada-Hawaii District of Kiwanis International, I have been busy holding Zoom meetings with the District Governor and the 10 Kiwanis Clubs in my division.”

“My husband Ed, who is also a Kiwanian, and I have been practicing social distancing,” said Rose, “on order both from the State of California and Kiwanis International. Our only outside activity is walking 3 miles around our neighborhood five days a week. Ed does a lot of reading and I try to keep up with my Kiwanis work.”

Claude Bilodeau is the president of the Downey Los Amigos Kiwanis, the morning club that meets for breakfast at Cafe ‘n Stuff. 

“We have had two virtual meetings,” said Claude,  “through Zoom. The first one was attended by 23 of our members and the second one by 31. Our first meeting was basically to check in with each other and discussion.”

“Two members, Roy Beard and Vijay Patel, are also part of the Emergency Preparedness Committee for the City of Downey as well as CERT.  Roy also works through the Red Cross,” said Claude. “Several other members are part of the City Council, Fire Department, Police Department and Chamber of Commerce. They are vitally involved.”

“We have had to cancel two big events because of Covid-19,” said Claude.  “One was Pathfinders, and that was a huge disappointment. It has been a Kiwanis tradition for many years to sponsor a weekend retreat in the mountains, to build leadership skills. Students from four area high schools are chosen. It’s a fun event and it was hard to cancel. We are going to attempt to reschedule it.”

“Our other spring event,” said Claude, “was our traditional Breakfast with the Easter Bunny. Cancelling that was also a disappointment because meeting with the little ones is always a highlight for us.”

“Due to Covid-19” said Claude, “we have reevaluated where we would best serve the community.  Our membership is participating in Meal Train for the hospital staff. We are also in touch with the Parks and Recreation Department and plan to assist in meal delivery to families in Downey and also assist DUSD with the meal program for the students.”

“Given the circumstances, though,” said Claude, “we had no choice but to do all we could to protect our members and community.”

“Personally,” said Claude, “my family and I are abiding by the stay at home order. I am the only one that goes out for essential work, groceries and other necessities. I always make sure to have my mask on and lots of hand washing and hand sanitizer.” 

“As a longtime Downey resident, I am grateful for those on the front lines of this, working hard to keep us all safe. I’ve been really happy to see the Kiwanis community be able to come together in these difficult times to help our neighbors in need.”

In medieval and Renaissance Europe, the great patrons of charities were the Church, the king, the nobility. The Medici of today are corporations and foundations.

But the great benefactors are also the individuals in a community when they act collectively. The modern-day social fund-raiser is the way to solicit the donations that add up to a major source of funding for a variety of local   needs.

Next time we’ll report how some other volunteer Downey groups are meeting this crisis.