Foundation Eagles above par

There are service leaders among us whose altruism soars above that of the rest of the Kiwanis flock. Such humanitarian spirit can be found, for example, in Elmer Austermann of the Bridgeton, Missouri, Kiwanis club and his wife, Bernyce, and Past International President Brian Cunat of the McHenry, Illinois, Kiwanis club and his wife, Miki, of the Richmond-Spring Grove, Illinois, Kiwanis club.

By pledging more than $1 million each to the Kiwanis International Foundation’s endowment campaign, the couples are the first inductees into its Elite Eagle recognition society.

In a ceremony at the 2007 International Convention, 2006-07 Kiwanis International Foundation President Ed Callis (far right) presents the foundation’s first Elite Eagle sculpture to Elmer and Bernyce Austermann. Also presented with Elite Eagle recognition in San Antonio were Past International President Brian Cunat and his wife, Miki.

“We initiated the Elite Eagle program because we had no other specific recognition for those who give at the $1 million level,” notes Foundation Executive Director John Sloan, “and we wanted to encourage others to become donors at this level. Eagles in the wild don’t flock together; you find them one or two at a time. They are regal birds, take care of their families, and represent a fabulous model for our donors.

“The Austermanns and Cunats are our first true Kiwanis Elite Eagles, and we hope to find many more.”

The couples received the foundation’s first Elite Eagle sculptures during a ceremony at the 2007 Kiwanis International Convention in San Antonio, Texas. In recognizing them, foundation President Ed Callis said they “exemplify the ideals of Kiwanis, set new standards of generosity and compassion, and affix their legacies at the pinnacle of the Kiwanis donor family.”

For more information about the Elite Eagle society, e-mail the foundation or call 317-217-6155.