Here to serve
Reid Allen Jr.’s “rosy” perspective
Coming of age during hard times can be an inspiration to serve. Take Reid Allen Jr. He grew up during the Great Depression, and he’s been driven ever since by gratitude for what he has—and by a desire to help others.
“I was eight years old when the stock market crashed,” he says. “I remember my dad tying a string around a coffee bean and dipping it into our cups to make coffee. Because of that, I feel we’re here to serve because we’ve been blessed, and we should give back.”
A member of the Rosefloat of Pasadena, California, Kiwanis Club, Allen was encouraged to become a Kiwanian by that chance to help others. He had noticed that many philanthropic organizations did little more than write checks; he joined Kiwanis because it was an “organization of love and consideration” that provided hands-on service.
For Allen, that service has led to a distinguished history as a Kiwanian. For instance, he eventually served as governor of the California-Nevada-Hawaii District. His dedication also includes gifts to the Kiwanis International Foundation. He is a member of the Heritage Society, which honors people who have made a planned gift. At his district’s 2011 convention, he was also recognized as a member of Founders Circle, which honors those whose gifts total US$25,000 or more.
Being inspired—and inspiring
Allen’s fellow members continue to be an inspiration. “For example, there’s a guy who has been active in my club for 65 years,” he says. “But he’s never been president or in a leadership role. For him, it’s the service.”
Allen himself serves his community by helping local youth and student leaders. He was a Key Club advisor for 15 years and now advises the Pasadena City College CKI Club. His impact is also global, thanks to initiatives such as The Eliminate Project: Kiwanis eliminating maternal and neonatal tetanus.
“Without our support, how are people who serve children going to function financially?” he asks. “How can they set up a hospital? How can they send supplies? They need the cooperation of every Kiwanis member.”
Proud parade volunteer
One activity that keeps Allen engaged is the Tournament of Roses Parade. Each year, his club—along with hundreds of Kiwanis-family members from all over the nation—prepares and decorates a Kiwanis float.
Allen’s involvement in the Tournament of Roses Parade has spanned more than 60 years. In 1986, he also helped organize the Kiwanis International float’s annual appearance. Now retired from the tournament committee, Allen still serves as an honorary director and keeps in contact with several volunteers he’s met through the parade.
“I’ve spent a lot of time and money and sacrificed a lot because I love to help others,” he says. “I care about people, and the spirit of Kiwanis is caring about others—kids, senior adults, adults with disabilities. I get a good night’s sleep and get right back to it again.”
Join Reid Allen Jr. in giving
The Kiwanis International Foundation is supported solely by voluntary contributions from Kiwanis-family clubs, members and other friends of the foundation who help shape a better future for children. Gifts of all sizes are deeply appreciated. Support the Kiwanis International Foundation today.
