The Fairfax Kiwanis Club received its charter in March of 1946. Two hundred and twenty people were present, including the governor of Missouri. In late 1946, the Kiwanis Club promoted the idea of building a hospital in Fairfax. Twenty people attended a meeting on November 22. By December 20, $115,000 was raised through selling stocks. By December 27, an attorney was hired, articles of incorporation and bylaws were drafted.

“So popular was the idea of building a hospital in Fairfax, that many subscribers invited solicitors to call back if more money was needed. Petty differences were forgotten, and all worked for the success of the drive.”

The following article appeared in the November 3, 1949, issue of The Fairfax Forum: Hospital Souvenir Supplement (Volume 57, Issue number 44):

COMMUNITY HOSPITAL A KIWANIS CLUB PROJECT

Through its public affairs committee, composed of L. Roy Sims, F.C. Whitford and Jack Pearce, the idea of establishing a hospital in Fairfax was first brought to the attention of the club and the people of Fairfax. While the idea originated with the club, and Kiwanians have been active in organizing the drive for funds and have given the move their undivided support, success of the movement belongs to no one organization.

Many persons, clubs and organizations have worked together in one of the most commendable pieces of community cooperation on record to bring the hospital to a reality.

However, the local Kiwanis Club feels that starting the move, and helping see it through, is an outstanding achievement in the records of service club activities.

The Fairfax Kiwanis Club is as invested in the future of our local hospital now as it was over 75 years ago. In honor of that commitment and with guidance from hospital leadership, Kiwanis Club members have a goal of raising $75,000 toward Community Hospital-Fairfax’s expansion to add orthopedic surgeries locally. This expansion includes the addition of an orthopedic surgeon, Dr. John Weitlich, to the CH-F staff, the purchase of a new sterilizer, and specialized instruments and equipment necessary to perform orthopedic surgeries at Community Hospital – Fairfax.

You are invited to help honor the 75th anniversary of Community Hospital -Fairfax and celebrate the next chapter of care in our community by supporting the Fairfax Kiwanis Club with a donation of $75.00 toward this project. (Make checks payable to: Community Healthcare Foundation.) Checks can be mailed to: Fairfax Kiwanis Club, c/o Kiwanis / CH-F Anniversary Project, P.O. Box 45, Fairfax, MO 64446.