Kiwanis Club of Gainesville celebrates 87 years at luncheon

GAINESVILLE, Texas — The Kiwanis Club of Gainesville hosted its annual Past-Presidents Luncheon on Tuesday, celebrating 87 years of community leadership and service in Cooke County. The luncheon brought together current members and former club presidents to mark nearly nine decades of volunteer work and civic engagement in the Gainesville area. Robin Meyers of the Denton Noon Kiwanis Club served as guest speaker, sharing insights on leadership, service and strengthening club chapters across North Texas. The event honored Patrick McCage with a Lifetime Membership award, recognizing his sustained dedication and contributions to the Kiwanis mission over the years. Established in 1939, the Gainesville chapter is one of the longest-running civic organizations in Cooke County. Kiwanis International focuses on improving the health, education and leadership development of children worldwide, and the Gainesville club directs those efforts locally through reading programs, youth leadership clubs, scholarships, community events and partnerships with organizations including Head Start. The Past-Presidents Luncheon is an annual tradition that connects the club's history with its ongoing mission. Former presidents spanning decades of service attended the gathering, which also served as a rallying point for current members looking ahead to 2026 projects. The Kiwanis Club of Gainesville holds regular weekly meetings and welcomes new members interested in community service. For information about joining or attending a meeting, contact the club through its official Facebook page.