What We Do

Illinois-Eastern Iowa District Kiwanis Neuroscience Research Foundation

Our Kiwanis district raises funds for Kiwanis Neuroscience Research Fund. Founded in 1952, the Illinois-Eastern Iowa District Kiwanis Neuroscience Research Foundation (I-I District KNRF) is the I-I District’s Finest Project that receives funds from Kiwanis family clubs in the I-I District and provides grants to doctors conducting research to find cures or improvements to quality of life of children and patients afflicted with diseases of the nervous system.  The nine (9) world-class doctors that receive grants from I-I District KNRF are researching topics ranging from Autism and Alzheimer’s to Spina Bifida and Parkinson’s Disease. 
Our accomplishments include:

• Linking folic acid and preventing spina bifida
• Treating children with hydrocephalus
• Discovering the link between genetics & leukemia, birthing the field of genetic oncology
• Discovering proteins that affect brain development
• Creating a standard for measuring tremors

Local Club Events

Key Club Sponsorship

Our Kiwanis club supports Key Club service projects, facilitate the Key Club meetings, provide mentorships and provide college scholarships for the Key Club students. Projects include a blood drive and winter clothing distribution. We are currently sponsoring the following Kiwanis Key club:
Peoria Heights High School Key Club at Peoria Heights HS, CUSD #325

St. Thomas Food Pantry

Our club has been able to donate food to the pantry, which distributes food to families in Peoria Heights.

Cycle Into Spring

Cycle into Spring is our free community event. 2024 marked the inaugural event in Tower Park and it was huge success. The event is to help kids get their bikes safely tuned up for summer. Bicycle techs from Bushwacker, Trek, and Three Sisters Park were on hand to tune up bikes. The Peoria Heights Police Department was on site to register bikes. Fun was had on the obstacle course, bike decorating, and coloring stations. The Kiwanis Club gave away 100 bike helmets to local children and we gave away brand new kids bicycles. We are looking forward to hosting this event for a third year on Sunday April 26th, 2026!

Peanutty Purpose Porter

Organized by the Kiwanis club of Peoria Heights, the limited release Penautty Purpose Porter is brewed by Peoria Heights based Bust’d Brewing. It is distributed solely at fine Peoria Heights area bars and restaurants. The funds raised go directly to support the St. Thomas Food Pantry here in Peoria Heights. A mission that supports only Peoria Heights families.

The peanut flavor is a nod to the peanut fundraisers Kiwanis is known for the world over. Celebrate this holiday season with a friendly nod to other do-gooders out there.

Find Peanutty Purpose Porter it in these fine establishments through the holidays: Bust’d Brewing, W.E. Sullivan’s Irish Pub and Fare, Pour Bros. Craft Taproom Peoria Heights, The Publik House and The 33 Room!

Peoria Heights Bar Stool Open

The Bar Stool Open is the club’s signature fundraising event. We involve local businesses and the community by hosting a putt putt course with one hole in 9 local businesses. Teams of four are encouraged to dress up in costumes. We raffle donated prizes, have a 50/50 drawing, and of course prizes for best costumes and best scores!

B.U.G. Program at Peoria Heights Grade School

Bring Up Grades or BUG is a program designed to provide recognition to students who raise their grades into an acceptable range and maintain or continue to raise them from one grading period to the next. Recognition includes being placed on the school’s BUG Honor Roll; and entries to win one of two bicycles.

Are you ready to join us? Contact us or apply for Kiwanis club membership here