The Vermilion Kiwanis Club is stirring up community spirit with two back-to-back events this November: their 3rd Annual Chili Cook-Off fundraiser and a Free Thanksgiving Meal Giveaway in partnership with the Vermilion Fire Department.
The Chili Cook-Off takes place Saturday, November 15, 2025, from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Vermilion-on-the-Lake Clubhouse, 3780 Edgewater Blvd. Admission is $20, which includes food, dessert, and drinks. Guests can sample and vote for their favorite chili entries from local organizations, including the fire department, police, and area businesses.
“It’s bragging rights as much as anything,” said Amie Martin, president of the Kiwanis Club of Vermilion. “The food’s donated, so the proceeds go right back into helping the community.”
Free Thanksgiving Meals for Local Families
Just days later, the club will shift from chili to turkey with its Free Thanksgiving Meal Giveaway on Thursday, November 20, 2025, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Vermilion Fire Department, 1041 Douglas Street. Each uncooked meal kit includes all the essentials for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner and feeds four to eight people. Meals are available to Vermilion residents on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.
Last year’s event at the Ritter Public Library drew a long line of families. “We had people lined up, and everyone was so kind and grateful. It showed us how great the need is,” said Martin. Because the library cannot distribute raw or frozen food, the event moved to the Fire Department this year to expand capacity.
“It’s a perfect partnership,” said Jacqui Adkins, Vice President of the Vermilion Kiwanis Club. “We’re all working toward the same goal, making sure no family goes without a Thanksgiving meal.”
Serving Vermilion Year-Round
Reestablished in 2020, the Vermilion Kiwanis Club carries forward the international organization’s 100-year mission of serving children and strengthening communities. Locally, the group supports programs such as the Kiwanis Closet, which provides clothing to families after emergencies, the Back to School Extravaganza, Safety Town helmet donations, and field trip scholarships for local classrooms.
The club’s leadership includes President Amie Martin, Vice President Jacqui Adkins, Secretary Kristen Cortright, Treasurer Susan Wells, and Treasurer-Elect Jamy Brice-Hyde, each playing an active role in guiding local projects and community outreach.
The club also continues to support the Showse Park revitalization project through funding and volunteer efforts. Its signature project, Navigate Your Way Through Reading, will include a Little Free Library at Showse Park in partnership with the Brownhelm Historical Association. More will be coming soon as part of this literacy initiative, which encourages community reading and outdoor engagement.
“We don’t just want to give money to things,” said Martin. “We want to do things so kids can do things, like offering free community events such as our putt-putt day and the back-to-school pool party, and creating more opportunities where kids can take part in fun activities at no cost.”
How to Get Involved
The Kiwanis Club meets at the Ritter Public Library on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. Membership dues are $145 per year, with flexible payment options. Anyone interested in volunteering or joining can connect through the club’s Facebook page or by attending a meeting.
“We’re small but growing,” said Adkins. “If you care about the community, there’s a place for you with us.”
A QR code and business card for the Vermilion Kiwanis Club are included below. Residents in need, or anyone wishing to volunteer, can use them to reach the club directly for assistance or information.
Kiwanis Club of Vermilion: Year in Review
October 2024 – Inducted new members, supported Main Street Vermilion and Fire Department fundraisers, donated to the Essentials Pantry, provided Pull-Ups to Vermilion Elementary School, and purchased school clothes for children at Road to Hope.
November 2024 – Hosted the 2nd Annual Chili Cookout Fundraiser, donating $2,700 to Showse Park revitalization.
December 2024 – Distributed 20 Christmas meal boxes, partnered with local businesses to provide gifts for children at Road to Hope, and stocked the Sailorway Middle School food pantry.
January 2025 – Donated $1,000 each to Sailorway Middle and Vermilion High Schools to assist with field trip expenses and supported the Showse Palooza Fundraiser.
February 2025 – Served hot chocolate at Ice-A-Fair and participated in Chocolate Fest at Ritter Library.
March 2025 – Supported North Ridgeville Kiwanis and launched a club foundation.
April 2025 – Donated 22 Easter baskets for children at Road to Hope and stocked the Ritter Library food pantry.
May 2025 – Held a food drive at City Shred Day, supported Firelands and Vermilion Safety Town, and hosted a “Kickoff to Summer” Putt-Putt event.
June 2025 – Sold out their Purse Bingo Fundraiser and inducted two new members.
August 2025 – Hosted a Back to School Extravaganza at Trinity Lutheran Church and a Pool Party at the Vermilion Community Pool. Started a Children’s Community Activities Committee.
September 2025 – Launched the Navigate Your Way Through Reading literacy project and partnered with the Fire Department to provide meal boxes for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter.
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