The Wellesley Kiwanis Club hosted a celebration at Papa Razzi restaurant this past week to thank volunteers and donors that helped two important projects flourish in 2024.

The first was the creation of the John Schuler Kiwanis scholarship, to which generous donors contributed over $83k.

The second was the success of the annual Salvation Red Kettle Campaign, which raised over $21k.

The John Schuler Kiwanis Scholarship

Kiwanis Club board members and former Wellesley Select Board members Gig Babson and Jack Morgan were on hand to present the seed money, raised from donors—a novelty check in amount of $83k to Wellesley Scholarship Foundation representatives. WSF president Lisa Collins, who also serves on the Natural Resources Commission, and WSF Trustee Niki Ofenloch, a School Committee member, accepted the donation on behalf of the Foundation.

The need-based scholarship will be awarded annually to a Wellesley High School student who has demonstrated commitment to community service during their high school years.

John Schuler, a lifelong Wellesley resident known for his service in education, government, and with charitable organizations, died last February, at the age of 92 (see formal obituary).

Morgan joked that he’d list all of Schuler’s accomplishments, but that wouldn’t be possible, “because there is a curfew here in Wellesley.”

Kiwanis, Red Kettle celebration — Gig Babson (left) and Jack Morgan present a check to fund the John Schuler Kiwanis Scholarship to Wellesley Scholarship Foundation president Lisa Collins (to direct right of Morgan) and WSF Trustee Niki Ofenloch. The Foundation “has done such a remarkable job for so many of our students for so many years. It’s like a huge community effort for which we’re very grateful for all of your help,” Babson said.

Kiwanis, Red Kettle celebration, Dwin Schuler — Dwin Schuler proudly displays Wellesley Scholarship Foundation check.

The Salvation Arm Red Kettle Campaign

Next up were accolades for the many volunteers who make the annual Red Kettle Campaign possible. Kiwanis Club president, and Select Board member Beth Sullivan Woods compared the all-volunteer crew of bell ringers made up of town employees, committee members, and elected officials; students; and citizens, young and old to those legendary stalwarts—postal workers.

“In rain, sleet, snow, hail, all those things, you guys pulled together and we raised over $21 thousand dollars. This year we raised $6,585 for the Wellesley Housing Fund. I know Maura Renzella [a Wellesley Housing Authority Commissioner] would tell you that makes a big difference in this community.”

In attendance in addition to Renzella were Health Director Lenny Izzo; Select Board chair Colette Aufranc, vice chair Marjorie Freiman, and secretary Tom Ulfelder; a table full of Roche Bros. employees, who received a big round of applause for hosting the Kettle outside the store; Salvation Army Senior Field Manager Rocklyn Clarke; and many others.

Salvation Army, Red Kettle, Wellesley — Mr. & Mrs. Swellesley ring the bell.

Shout outs went to Anderson’s Jewelers, Green’s Hardware, and Fells Market for hosting counter-kettles, which contributed greatly to the success of the drive. Thanks were given to Papa Razzi for the use of its elegant function room and for an impressive spread of antipasto, roasted eggplant parmesan sandwiches, grilled chicken sandwiches, pizzas, coffee, and desserts.

Money raised during the Red Kettle Campaign is distributed to those in need by the Wellesley Council on Aging, Wellesley Department of Health, and Wellesley Friendly Aid. Holiday-time services include providing toys for needy children, food and clothing for families, and small practical gifts for shut-ins.