- January 18, 2025
-
-
Loading
Loading
Every year on the clock, the Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key would receive a shoebox full of coins from the same woman for their bell-ringing campaign.
Somehow, the late Cash Register would always be the one to receive it.
"I would get the call from Cash every year saying that the shoebox is here with bags of pennies and nickels and every coin," said President Chris Sachs. "It turned to a kind of joke."
As the Kiwanians started its annual bell ringing for Salvation Army's Red Kettle Campaign on Nov. 29, their hearts hang heavy as they remember key members who have passed away this year: Cash Register, Ed Krepela, John Wild and Jack Black.
Heading into this holiday season, Sachs said it's hard not to acknowledge that their membership has been dwindling as members pass away. But their hard work inspires him to make an impact as best as he can in their honor.
According to Sachs, Krepela spear-headed the campaign when the Salvation Army wanted to start bell-ringing on Longboat Key. Krepela laid the best foundation by partnering with the help of members from Christ Church of Longboat Key and the Rotary Club of Longboat Key.
On Dec. 10, Joe D'eugenio and Patty Buck rang the bell outside of Publix as Christ Church representatives.
"Cash was my best friend," said D'eugenio. "In the 30 or 40 shifts he would take on during the season, he would talk to everyone that would pass by. His sense of humor made the shifts so fun. I miss him very much."
Chatting with people was the best fundraising lesson Register taught D'eugenio. He continues his legacy by being as amiable as possible.
Kiwanian Michael Garey said Register was always the first one at Kiwanis pancake breakfasts, flipping pancakes for everyone. Register also bought numerous tables every year at the annual Lawn Party.
"They were both amazingly dedicated bell ringers every year for as long as I could remember," said Garey.
President Chris Sachs took over after Krepela to lead the initiative for the past five years with the same spirit. His wife Tammy finds Sachs awake late at night multiple times during December, making sure of coverage at the bell-ringing station.
"If we don't have a slot filled, that's where I will be able to find him," said Tammy at their previous meeting. "He will definitely be bell-ringing himself. He puts his whole heart into this campaign and it pays off."
For the past five years, an anonymous donor has matched every $20 bill donated for its 20-for-20 campaign. This has helped them be one of the top fundraising clubs in the previous years.
Last year, the club raised $25,000, which made it the second-highest fundraising Kiwanis Club for the Salvation Army from Tampa to Venice. The club is aiming for the top spot this year.
Sachs's favorite part about the campaign is the camaraderie they have formed with Christ Church and the Rotary Club. He said they could not fundraise as much as they do without the two other organizations.
Last year, the station had 42 bell ringers from Christ Church, completing about 95 shifts throughout the bell-ringing season. The Rotary Club provided 15 bell ringers.
The Kiwanis Club is always looking for volunteers to fill the slots for the bell-ringing station. If interested, email Sachs at [email protected].
