Giving back to the community has been the prime narrative for one local civic organization.

The Kiwanis Club of Elizabethton was able to look back at years of service Friday evening during their 90th anniversary celebration held inside the First Christian Church Fellowship Hall in downtown Elizabethton.

While other activities took place during the night, Kiwanians used the event as a way to recognize one of their most active members.

Carrying over a tradition started by his father in 1964, Tim Broyles was recognized as the 2018 George F. Hixson Fellow by his fellow club members.

According to the organization, gifts to the Kiwanis Children’s Fund sustain the work of the Kiwanis organization worldwide. Since 1996, 26 members of the Elizabethton club have been recognized for their service through donations of $1,000 per member.

Five current members of the club who were named fellows; Harold Lane, Richard Barker, Jim Wilson, Bill Fryar and Kelly Geagley, went through a selection process and elected Broyles as the 2018 fellow.

Broyles’ father, Clyde, served as president in 1964 and his son, Mitch, also currently serves with the Club.

During his time with the organization, Broyles has helped in a variety of events, including the duties as the head chef for the group’s annual chili dinner. The event is used as a way to raise funds for various children’s organizations within the community.

“It’s an honor, I wasn’t expecting this,” Broyles said with a smile following the presentation of accolades from Fryar.

Friday’s event was led by President-Elect Kelly Geagley, due to President Tyler Fleming missing due to illness. Both Fryar and Geagley commended Fleming for his work in the community.

And the success from the group’s work has been recognized at a statewide level.

Frank RobertS, Lt. Governor for Division 7 of Clubs, commended the work of the Elizabethton group and their longevity during the event.

Attendees were greeted with dinner provided by J’s Corner as Elizabethton and Unaka Key Club students helped serve the food and other refreshments. The Elizabethton High School Men’s Choral Ensemble, under the direction of Deborah Gouge, also provided musical entertainment, which followed David Arney’s piano performance.

To learn more about Elizabethton Kiwanis Club, visit elizabethtonkiwanisclub.org or the group’s Facebook page.