When Meals on Wheels was at risk of losing funding, Ed Lippincott convinced his fellow Kiwanis board members to add Meals on Wheels as a sponsored program.

JENNIE McKEON @JennieMnwfdn

FORT WALTON BEACH — Ed Lippincott went to his first Kiwanis meeting in 2001.

“I was looking for a way to spend my retired time in service to others,” he said. “My brother-in-law invited me and it sounded like a place I wanted to join.”

After that first meeting in Fort Walton Beach, Lippincott knew he had found the right group of people and the right organization to join. Lippincott not only joined, but became a member of the board of directors in in 2003 and chairman of different programs such as the Pancake Breakfast, which helps raise money for programming. He was even given the President’s Pride award in 2004.

One of the programs he finds most gratifying is the Meals on Wheels, which is run by Elder Services. When Meals on Wheels was at risk of losing funding, Lippincott convinced his fellow Kiwanis board members to add Meals on Wheels as a sponsored program.

“Right off the bat, I became involved with the Meals on Wheels,” he said. “Every Tuesday morning I go out for the delivery program. When people come up to the door, they are very happy. For some folks, it’s the only way they get meals. It’s a great benefit to the community.”

Outside of Kiwanis, Lippincott has been a set builder for Stage Crafters Community Theatre and is still active with the Fort Walton Beach Bonsai Society. He’s also a certified Red Cross volunteer and a member of the Okaloosa County Community Emergency Response Team.

In his 17 years — and counting — with Kiwanis, Lippincott has had a perfect attendance record. And at 77-years-old, the Air Force veteran continues to do as much as he physically can, including the annual clean-up day at Garniers Beach Park. He said he also loves working with schools’ Key Clubs, especially the ethusiastic students at Silver Sands.

“My goal is to continue my role in the Kiwanis Club to the best of my ability, plan programs, attend weekly meetings and enjoy the camaraderie,” he said. “This group makes a difference, not just locally but on a worldwide basis.”