Julie Sleeper to lead Rancho Bernardo Kiwanis
By Elizabeth Marie Himchak
More fun for members and additional community service activities are among the new Rancho Bernardo Kiwanis Club president’s goals.
Julie Sleeper begins her year-long term on Oct. 1. The club — officially known as Kiwanis Club of Los Rancheros — has more than 50 members who participate in a variety of service activities.
“My favorite would be decorating the Ronald McDonald House for Christmas,” Sleeper said. “It is a big task and we have over 200 volunteers over the three days. The transformation is incredible and we have added a visit from Santa and photo opportunity.”
While a Kiwanian since 2005, Sleeper’s involvement with the international organization goes back to her teenage years when she was involved with Key Club in high school, one of three youth groups the RB club sponsors. The others are Builders Club and Kiwins.
Sleeper said her goals for the coming year are “increasing the number of hands-on service projects (for which) we are looking to the community for ideas, and having more fun. Increasing membership is always on every president’s list, and I will be helping create a joint service project with our eight sponsored leadership youth programs.”
When installed into office on Sunday, Sleeper told her fellow members that by joining the youth in community service, they can “help them to develop a moral and social conscience.”
Sleeper said she has “always been fulfilled by helping others and the community,” one reason she was drawn to the organization. “I love that (Kiwanians) are involved from very small projects with the children in the community all the way to our international projects that are impacting the world’s children.”
Prior to becoming president, Sleeper was chairwoman of the club’s pancake breakfast and Ronald McDonald House decorating activities, plus she worked on multiple committees and was assistant to the Division 100 secretary for three years.
The New Orleans native moved to Rancho Bernardo’s Westwood neighborhood in 1988. She and her husband, John, have five adult children and three grandchildren. Her company, Sleeper Office Solutions, provides administrative and bookkeeping services. She is also a licensed agent working with Shea Realty.
The club holds a weekly breakfast meeting at 7 a.m. on Wednesdays in the Country Club of Rancho Bernardo, 12280 Greens East Road. Annual dues are $150. To learn more, go to
or contact Sleeper at 858-945-1979 or
.
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