The Gold Country Kiwanis sponsors events during the year to raise money for programs to benefit local children and young adults.   All proceeds from the Kiwanis Beach Party go to the annual Kiwanis Back to School program.  This is where at-need local children are walked through the K-Mart store on McKnight Way in Grass Valley and, with the help of an adult, can pick whatever school clothes they need.   Each child is also given coats, backpacks and school supplies to get them started on the right foot.

“The event is very important to the schools,” said Grass Valley Schools Supt. Jon Byerrum.   “It allows 55 kids a year who are mostly in the kindergarten to 5th grade level to come to school well-dressed and warm in the winter -- to fit into the classroom.”  Byerrum said funding for events like this have greatly diminished.   “These are difficult times for many families. The Kiwanis club came through at the exactly the right time for us.”