Kiwanis Club of Carefree Celebrates 40 Years of “A Night of Excellence”

The Kiwanis Club of Carefree Benefit Foundation recently celebrated its 40th annual scholarship ceremony, dubbed “A Night of Excellence,” on May 5, 2025. Held at the Cactus Shadows Fine Arts Center in Scottsdale, the event set a new record for participation and attendance. It honored 32 exceptional high school seniors as they embark on their higher education journeys.

These students, hailing from local and statewide high schools in Arizona, collectively received scholarships worth $550,000. This financial support underscores the foundation’s ongoing commitment to fostering educational advancement.

To date, the Kiwanis Club of Carefree has awarded over $4 million in scholarships. Janet Greer, the Kiwanis scholarship chair, emphasized the challenge of selecting recipients this year, stating, “The 32 extraordinary students awarded at A Night of Excellence represented one of the most diverse and competitive classes of scholarship recipients we have ever assembled.”

The ceremony included a formal presentation of scholarship awards and a keynote address from Ricky Watters, a former NFL player. Watters, known for his ten years with the San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Seattle Seahawks, captivated the audience. He is a renowned five-time Pro Bowler and a Super Bowl XXIX Champion.

In recognition of his philanthropic work with at-risk youth, Watters received the “Champion for Kids” award from the Kiwanis Club. “We were delighted to recognize a kindred spirit in Ricky Watters,” Greer remarked, highlighting his efforts to uplift vulnerable youth in communities.

The success of the scholarship program relies heavily on the support from the Kiwanis Marketplace, sponsors, volunteers, and the broader community. This foundation ensures the continued effectiveness of 18 Kiwanis Committees addressing various community needs.

Additionally, the Cave Creek Museum has been awarded a grant from the Kiwanis Club of Carefree to enhance family learning initiatives. This grant aims to blend educational goals with engaging activities tailored for younger audiences. It will improve informal learning exhibits and support popular events like Kiwanis Family Fun Days.

“The new Kiwanis Preschool Pioneers program targets both young children and their caretakers, expanding educational opportunities for the youngest learners,” stated Tamsin Wolff, a museum educator and board member. This initiative follows the success of existing programs and aims to foster lifelong learning among community members.

The Kiwanis Club’s funding ensures that children’s educational programming at the museum remains free of charge. While pre-registration is recommended for Kiwanis Family Fun Days and school tour programs, it is essential for the new Preschool Pioneers program.

Individuals interested in supporting the museum or joining the Family Learning Team are encouraged to reach out via email. The new program officially launched in May, promising a bright future for educational opportunities in the community.