The Cupertino Courier

Community

Cupertino Kiwanis Club honors Kristin Gragnola

By Erin Hussey

When the Cupertino Kiwanis Club was created in 1955, it was with a mission to help build a better quality of life for Cupertino, the state of California and the nation, one child and one community at a time. This year, club member Kristin Gragnola was honored as the Kiwanian of the Year for her hard work and dedication to this mission.

"People thought she was more deserving of it than anyone else," club secretary Doug Larson said. Winner of the annual award is chosen by a vote of the membership. "A lot of it has to do with total participation, and she has participated in more than projects than anyone else."

Her community involvement during the year included chairing the club's efforts in cooking, serving and cleaning for the senior center volunteer appreciation lunch, and actively participating in a turkey drive for the holidays and making Easter baskets for Cupertino Community Services. She also filled in as Key Club adviser at her alma mater, Monta Vista High School.

A Kiwanian for the past four years, Gragnola says her favorite project remains the Special Games Day. Kiwanis clubs throughout California host a day of sports competition for special needs youngsters and adults. The event is usually held in the spring at De Anza College; this past year more than 800 people participated.

"I love Special Games Day," Gragnola said, "to see the happy faces on those kids when they get a pat on the back for doing their best."

In addition to life as a Kiwanian, Gragnola, a stay-at-home mom, is busy raising four children. With one in college, two in high school and one in elementary school, she runs from field trips to athletic events to helping with homework.

"Once it gets on my calendar, it usually can happen," Gragnola said, referring to how she manages to fit everything in.

Gragnola said her community services adds to her own life as much as the lives of those she helps. Without it, she added, "I don't think it would be as full, in all the good ways. You get such a good feeling when you are doing things for other people, and I hope my kids will learn to do the same thing."

Fellow Kiwanians describe Gragnola as very family-oriented, always willing to help out, warm and with a good sense of humor.

For more information on the Cupertino Kiwanis Club, visit www.cupertinokiwanis.homestead.com.