North Las Vegas Kiwanis Club to host car show

Special to ViewSeveral of Jim Rogers? American-made convertibles sit on display. A benefit dedicated to funding future North Las Vegas Kiwanis Club projects will take place at 6 p.m. Saturday at the Sunbelt Auto Collection Museum. Advertisement

Sometimes, there is no ulterior motive, no "what's in it for me?"

That's what North Las Vegas Kiwanis Club president Mathew Satenstein would most like the general public to understand about the nonprofit volunteer organization he has been involved with for more than half of his life.

"Some people are only interested in giving back to the community, in making it better for everyone," he said. "That is the primary focus of Kiwanis. There is no hidden agenda of what members can claim for themselves."

Longtime member and former president Sam Lybarger said that the group, which has been active in the North Las Vegas area for the past five years, is a part of a larger nationwide membership that dedicates time, money and talents to the overall betterment of the community.

"We have projects that our members dedicate themselves to, whether that is stuffing backpacks, painting graffiti or helping homeless teens get into a permanent housing situation, that is our goal," Lybarger said. "To help. The satisfaction that comes from knowing you have made a difference tends to serve as its own reward."

A benefit dedicated to funding future Kiwanis projects, including the award of three $500 annual scholarships for teenage club members, will take place at 6 p.m. Saturday at the Jim Rogers' Sunbelt Auto Collection Museum, 1420 Gragson Ave.

The museum features more than 200 restored American-made convertibles and classic cars including Cadillac, Chrysler, Dodge, Lincoln, Chevy and Buick.

According to Satenstein, the property also features foreign sports cars, classic Corvettes and Model T automobiles.

Lybarger said that the group funds all of its activities through donations and fundraisers.

"We're hoping to bring in at least $1,500 from this one," he said. "That's enough for a few scholarships, which aren't based on grades, but more on the student's service to the community."

The event will include a raffle, a silent auction, a full-course meal and an open bar. Tickets are $35 per person and can be purchased by visiting www.nlvkiwanis.com or by calling Lybarger at 499-8819.

The club meets at 6 p.m. each Wednesday at the T.G.I. Friday's restaurant inside Aliante Station, 7300 Aliante Parkway.

Meetings are by invitation only.

"That basically means that if you're interested in attending, call one of the people listed on the Web site and let us know, and you can come as our guest," Lybarger said. "We are always looking for good people."

Contact North Las Vegas and Downtown View reporter Amanda Llewellyn at allewellyn@viewnews.com or 380-4535.