We will be holding the Kiwanis Friends' Ball on August 22, 2025. Please see the attached flyer and note the change in location to New Smyrna Beach. This will be our 23rd Kiwanis Friends' Ball.
 
The Kiwanis Friends' Ball is held each year to honor our Friends with intellectual and developmental challenges. For many of our Friends it may be the only party to which they are invited. Without a doubt, it is the most heartwarming event for us that we host. A good time is truly had by all - guests as well as volunteers.
 
It is designed to provide a Formal party for those with disabilities so they can have their own special night out. We offer our Friends a night of love, fun, dancing and inclusion. Dressed to the nines, our Friends will dance their hearts out to a playlist from our DJ.  Please remember that Friends require a chaperone with them when they attend. Chaperones please be on hand before 9 PM to escort our guests home.
 
Since 2001, the Ball has been held at ERAU and we appreciated their long-term support, but we've now changed the venue to the Babe James Center in New Smyrna Beach.  Volunteers are comprised of Kiwanis members, their families, as well as non-members. So, even if you are not a Kiwanis member, you are welcome to volunteer.
 
Kiwanis applauds the many organizations such as ARC and WORD who provide services all year to our Friends.

A Brief History

• 1980 - Gene Gabriel of ARC spoke to the Kiwanis Club in Port Orange and indicated that ARC Friends did not have any social activities.
• 1980 - The Kiwanis Club of Ormond Beach answered the call and created a Prom for our Friends with disabilities through 1988.
• 1989 - The Kiwanis Club of Southeast Volusia (our club) took over responsibility for the Ball.
• 2001 - Previous Balls were held at local hotels.  In 2001 the Ball was moved to ERAU where it is still held today.
• 2019 - We hosted 300+ Friends for another fun Ball.
• 2020 – Due to the coronavirus restrictions, we had to postpone the Ball.
• 2021 – Due to the coronavirus restrictions, we had to postpone the Ball.
• 2022 - Due to the coronavirus restrictions, we had to postpone the Ball
• 2023 - Yay! We are pleased to announce we have scheduled the Friends' Ball for Friday, May 5, 2023.
• We have since held Kiwanis Balls in 2024 and plan on this one in 2025!
  

 
Member Involvement:

• Fred Heise provided the initial leadership for SEV Kiwanis running the Ball.
• Tom Lindzon provided leadership for many years.
• Brittany Rider is now the Chairperson for the event.
• Many Kiwanis club members, their families, and non-members volunteer at the Ball, serving food and beverages, and escorting our Friends to their seats when help is needed.