The upcoming 24th Annual Alameda Kiwanis Foundation Fundraiser on Saturday, January 31, from 5 to 9 p.m., at the Al DeWitt Officers Club, 641 West Redline Avenue, will offer a delicious change of pace this year. Instead of a chili cookoff, the fundraiser will feature a full Back Forty barbecue dinner, complete with meats and side dishes, and vegetarian options as well.
The popular annual event, which raises funds for grants to community organizations, will also host a music trivia competition among tables of participants, a Bingo contest for gift card prizes, a raffle and live auction, DJ music, and of course, the famous Silent Auction with donated merchandise baskets and merchant gift vouchers.
The goal every year is to surpass the $20,000 mark—all of which will be awarded to Alameda nonprofits that benefit children, youth, and families. Bring a friend, a colleague, or your family for a great evening packed with surprises.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the 2026 Annual Alameda Kiwanis Foundation Fundraiser website.
Last year’s fundraiser was a huge success
The Kiwanis Club of Alameda’s annual chili cookoff fundraiser on February 1, 2025, raised $20,000 for Alameda nonprofits. More than 180 guests enjoyed chili tastings, the Silent Auction and Live Auction items, the three-meat barbecue catered by Back Forty, western dancing by Dance 10, a raffle for a diamond necklace donated by Seelenbacher Jewelers, and an iPad, donated anonymously.
The Live Auction was particularly successful, with Jeramie and Andrew Andehueson firing up the bids. Attendees enjoyed dancing to the music of The Lost Cats band.
Winners of the Chili Cookoff were determined by votes from the chili tastings. Park Street Tavern (Chris’s Chili) took first place, followed by William Han (No Bean Chili) in second place, and Kelly Lux of State Farm (Jake’s Chili) in third place. It was tough to choose between the seven chili contestants’ delicious recipes.
The Silent Auction items sold out. Many attendees commented on how many more auction items were presented compared to past years and the variety of businesses that contributed—restaurants, cafés, sports bars, dance studios, fitness studios, local artists, and corporate groups such as Bowlero Bowling Lanes, Big 5 Sporting Goods, Corica Golf Park, Pet Food Express, the Oakland Zoo, and Raley’s Nob Hill Foods all donated. Businesses such as the Alameda Theater, Kelly Lux State Farm, and the Park Street Tavern are frequent community donors.
Other small businesses, such as La Bonne Vie, the Tutu School, and the Sewing Room saw the need to step up to help Alameda, and at the same time, encourage everyone to “Buy Local.” Our in-kind sponsors were Park Street Tavern (table linens), Black Stallion Winery (red and white wines), Faction Brewing (beer), and Starbucks (coffee service).
As always, the Alameda Kiwanis Club offers a big thank you to all of our merchants, community members, and Kiwanians who generously donate baskets and gift certificates for our annual fundraiser.
