The VW Harvest is a car show and Volkswagen enthusiasts event to judge cars, swap/sell parts, and have fun. Our club inherited running the concession stand from the Kiwanis Club of Cedar Park beginning in 2019. The VW Harvest organizers provide the supplies for hot dogs, chips, and water. We are able to supplement items from our own funds. Everything is given on a donation basis and we’re able to keep all proceeds. This is one of our largest, most successful, and growing fundraisers. Funds raised support our club projects and sponsored Key Clubs.
This year’s VW Harvest is on Sunday, October 26, 2024 – 7:00 am – 3:00 pm.
Location: Brushy Creek Amphitheatre Parking Lot – 1001 Co Rd 137, Hutto, TX 78634
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Naomi has an MBA in Healthcare from the Texas State University and works as a healthcare executive. Recently, she took off time from corporate life to explore opportunities that would allow a healthy, yet impactful work/life balance. Volunteering and connecting with her community felt like a wonderful way to start that transition.
Naomi grew up between L.A. County and Washington, D.C., but moved to Austin in 2010. She enjoys spending her free time with her pets, gardening, and attending city events.
Howard is thrilled to join the Kiwanis Club of Silicon Hills. He had been a member of the Thousand Oaks (CA) Chapter before relocating from Southern California to Austin in 2021. He recently retired from working in a business development sales role at strategy consulting organization, Frost & Sullivan, in its healthcare practice. Previously, for 20+ Howard was an organizer of large industry trade show events in manufacturing, technology, beverages and packaging.
Howard has been married to Paula for more than 35 years, and they have two grown sons, Daniel and Jeremy. Paula owns her own career and college advising company. Daniel lives in Austin and does business development for Resort Pass (day passes for hotel spas and pools) and is the owner of Pickleball Playmakers (lessons and group events). Jeremy is a wealth manager for J. P. Morgan in New York.
Howard and Paula are passionate about traveling and have truly enjoyed living in Austin, especially by going to live music events and theater shows.
Howard looks forward to volunteering with Kiwanis members, to help benefit kids and build an even stronger club.
Mike Harreld is a dynamic experienced Financial Business Advisor across various industries, including education, retail, investment banking, manufacturing, pensions, telephone, natural gas, electricity, and IT.
He was born in Kentucky, worked for Southern Companies in Atlanta, and moved to Austin in the fall of 2023. He first joined a Kiwanis Club in Atlanta in 1989, and upon moving to Austin wanted to get back involved with a community organization.
Mike has proven track record with entities of all sizes, from local organizations to General Dynamics, helping companies achieve financial goals. He had an extensive career as EVP CFO for Southern Company, a Fortune 200 company, with roles as CFO, Controller, mentor, risk manager, strategist, project director, and people and culture manager. He’s demonstrated expertise as a problem solver in business controls and procedures, mergers and acquisitions, energy solutions, start-ups, shut-downs, IPOs, sales of businesses, and board management. Electric Utility Expert in generation, supply chain, transmission, distribution, finance, HR, accounting, investor relations, IT, and regulatory affairs.
Chelsie Higdon has been a part of the Kiwanis Family going on nine years now and is honored to continue that journey with the Kiwanis Club of Silicon Hills.
A previous CKI member, Chelsie has held a variety of roles since 2016 ending her journey as an International Trustee and being inducted into CKI Hall of Fame, this love for our SLPs continued as she served as Assistant District Admin for the Carolinas District for two years prior to her move to Austin, TX. From there she joined our club became part of the Board of Directors and was recently elected President-Elect for our club for the 25-26 year where she also decided to continue her love for CKI by being appointed as an ADA for the Texas Oklahoma District of CKI as well.
Outside of her Kiwanis family journey, Chelsie is a Senior IT Project Manager at the General Land Office here in Austin, and also a provisional member for the Junior League of Austin continuing her love for serving others. She’s engaged to one of our other members Brandon Phifer with plans to be married this October back home in NC. She enjoys traveling with her partner especially to national parks where they’ve visited 23/63 at this time, loves going to local concerts, and comedy shows here in Austin and loves to cuddle with their cat Evelyn when at home. Overall, She looks forward to her upcoming presidential term for the club and helping the club continue to reach its potential.
Brandon Phifer started his Kiwanis Journey about 6 years ago when joining CKI due to his fiancé Chelsie Higdon getting him involved as a club member. Since then he’s continued that journey beside her and recently joined the Kiwanis Club of Silicon Hills board of directors.
Brandon is a Content Moderator Contractor working for YouTube under Accenture keeping the platform safe for children which is aligned with what Kiwanis is all about keeping children safe. In addition to his job, Brandon is an Eagle Scout, an avid gamer, and has always loved serving others. He looks forward to the upcoming term supporting his fiancé as she steps up to be President for the club Oct 1st continuing his director role making a larger impact in the community.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, members of our club participated in a safe, socially-distant activity to continue to serve the community. Funds from the club’s service account were used to purchase tote bags, hand sanitizer, masks, and sterile gloves in bulk and distributed to members for assembly as safety kits. Completed kits were given to Williamson & Burnet County Opportunities to Work Meals on Wheels Program for distribution to seniors throughout the community.
Over the course of two weekends, members of the club gathered to construct and install new sensory boards for the Mary Bailey Head Start Center in Georgetown.
We’re an organization of volunteers serving the community and children of greater Austin, Texas.
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First tailgate and watch party of the 2025 football season! Find us at the Southeast corner of MLK Jr. Blvd & San Jacinto Blvd every home game 3hrs before kickoff 🏈🤘 #hookem#texastailgate#kiwanis... See MoreSee Less
Our very own @chelschoselife was recognized as distinguished at the Circle K International convention for her work as an Assistant District Administrator for the @texas.oklahoma.kiwanis Committee on @txokcki! ... See MoreSee Less
Last Updated: September 11, 2025 by John Cano
2025 Texas Tailgates
2025 Texas Tailgate Volunteer
Last Updated: September 11, 2025 by John Cano
2025 VW Harvest
Last Updated: February 25, 2025 by John Cano Leave a Comment
New Member Profile: Naomi Schwinghamer
Naomi has an MBA in Healthcare from the Texas State University and works as a healthcare executive. Recently, she took off time from corporate life to explore opportunities that would allow a healthy, yet impactful work/life balance. Volunteering and connecting with her community felt like a wonderful way to start that transition.
Naomi grew up between L.A. County and Washington, D.C., but moved to Austin in 2010. She enjoys spending her free time with her pets, gardening, and attending city events.
Last Updated: February 25, 2025 by John Cano Leave a Comment
New Member Profile: Howard Friedman
Howard is thrilled to join the Kiwanis Club of Silicon Hills. He had been a member of the Thousand Oaks (CA) Chapter before relocating from Southern California to Austin in 2021. He recently retired from working in a business development sales role at strategy consulting organization, Frost & Sullivan, in its healthcare practice. Previously, for 20+ Howard was an organizer of large industry trade show events in manufacturing, technology, beverages and packaging.
Howard has been married to Paula for more than 35 years, and they have two grown sons, Daniel and Jeremy. Paula owns her own career and college advising company. Daniel lives in Austin and does business development for Resort Pass (day passes for hotel spas and pools) and is the owner of Pickleball Playmakers (lessons and group events). Jeremy is a wealth manager for J. P. Morgan in New York.
Howard and Paula are passionate about traveling and have truly enjoyed living in Austin, especially by going to live music events and theater shows.
Howard looks forward to volunteering with Kiwanis members, to help benefit kids and build an even stronger club.
Last Updated: February 27, 2025 by John Cano Leave a Comment
New Member Profile: Mike Harreld
Mike Harreld is a dynamic experienced Financial Business Advisor across various industries, including education, retail, investment banking, manufacturing, pensions, telephone, natural gas, electricity, and IT.
He was born in Kentucky, worked for Southern Companies in Atlanta, and moved to Austin in the fall of 2023. He first joined a Kiwanis Club in Atlanta in 1989, and upon moving to Austin wanted to get back involved with a community organization.
Mike has proven track record with entities of all sizes, from local organizations to General Dynamics, helping companies achieve financial goals. He had an extensive career as EVP CFO for Southern Company, a Fortune 200 company, with roles as CFO, Controller, mentor, risk manager, strategist, project director, and people and culture manager. He’s demonstrated expertise as a problem solver in business controls and procedures, mergers and acquisitions, energy solutions, start-ups, shut-downs, IPOs, sales of businesses, and board management. Electric Utility Expert in generation, supply chain, transmission, distribution, finance, HR, accounting, investor relations, IT, and regulatory affairs.
Last Updated: February 27, 2025 by John Cano Leave a Comment
New Member Profile: Chelsie Higdon
Chelsie Higdon has been a part of the Kiwanis Family going on nine years now and is honored to continue that journey with the Kiwanis Club of Silicon Hills.
A previous CKI member, Chelsie has held a variety of roles since 2016 ending her journey as an International Trustee and being inducted into CKI Hall of Fame, this love for our SLPs continued as she served as Assistant District Admin for the Carolinas District for two years prior to her move to Austin, TX. From there she joined our club became part of the Board of Directors and was recently elected President-Elect for our club for the 25-26 year where she also decided to continue her love for CKI by being appointed as an ADA for the Texas Oklahoma District of CKI as well.
Outside of her Kiwanis family journey, Chelsie is a Senior IT Project Manager at the General Land Office here in Austin, and also a provisional member for the Junior League of Austin continuing her love for serving others. She’s engaged to one of our other members Brandon Phifer with plans to be married this October back home in NC. She enjoys traveling with her partner especially to national parks where they’ve visited 23/63 at this time, loves going to local concerts, and comedy shows here in Austin and loves to cuddle with their cat Evelyn when at home. Overall, She looks forward to her upcoming presidential term for the club and helping the club continue to reach its potential.
Last Updated: June 9, 2025 by John Cano Leave a Comment
New Member Profile: Brandon Phifer
Brandon Phifer started his Kiwanis Journey about 6 years ago when joining CKI due to his fiancé Chelsie Higdon getting him involved as a club member. Since then he’s continued that journey beside her and recently joined the Kiwanis Club of Silicon Hills board of directors.
Brandon is a Content Moderator Contractor working for YouTube under Accenture keeping the platform safe for children which is aligned with what Kiwanis is all about keeping children safe. In addition to his job, Brandon is an Eagle Scout, an avid gamer, and has always loved serving others. He looks forward to the upcoming term supporting his fiancé as she steps up to be President for the club Oct 1st continuing his director role making a larger impact in the community.
Last Updated: February 25, 2025 by John Cano Leave a Comment
More Playground Improvements at Mary Bailey Head Start Center
Since 2020, our club has worked with the Mary Bailey Head Start Center in Georgetown on a couple of occasions to improve the grounds.
Read MoreLast Updated: February 25, 2025 by John Cano Leave a Comment
Senior Safety Kits
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, members of our club participated in a safe, socially-distant activity to continue to serve the community. Funds from the club’s service account were used to purchase tote bags, hand sanitizer, masks, and sterile gloves in bulk and distributed to members for assembly as safety kits. Completed kits were given to Williamson & Burnet County Opportunities to Work Meals on Wheels Program for distribution to seniors throughout the community.
Last Updated: February 25, 2025 by John Cano Leave a Comment
Playground Improvements for Mary Bailey Head Start Center
Over the course of two weekends, members of the club gathered to construct and install new sensory boards for the Mary Bailey Head Start Center in Georgetown.
Read MoreUpcoming events
Texas vs UTEP Tailgate - 3:15pm
Fundraising Committee Meeting
EOY Prep
Texas vs Sam Houston Tailgate - 7pm
Winn Montessori: Campus Advisory Council Meeting
Kiwanis End of Year Celebration
Approval of Club Budget Due
Updated Club Roster Due
Monthly Kiwanis Meeting
VW Harvest Concessions
Winn Montessori: Campus Advisory Council Meeting
Texas vs Vanderbilt Tailgate - 12pm
RMHC Brunch (Service)
Monthly Kiwanis Meeting
Texas vs Arkansas Tailgate
Winn Montessori: Campus Advisory Council Meeting
Texas vs A&M Tailgate - 6:30pm
Annual Club Report Due
Monthly Kiwanis Meeting
Club News
We’re an organization of volunteers serving the community and children of greater Austin, Texas.
First tailgate and watch party of the 2025 football season! Find us at the Southeast corner of MLK Jr. Blvd & San Jacinto Blvd every home game 3hrs before kickoff 🏈🤘
#hookem #texastailgate #kiwanis ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Our very own @chelschoselife was recognized as distinguished at the Circle K International convention for her work as an Assistant District Administrator for the @texas.oklahoma.kiwanis Committee on @txokcki! ... See MoreSee Less
2 CommentsComment on Facebook
Two members from our club were present for the Kiwanis and Circle K International convention this week in Pittsburgh, PA!
#kiwaniscon25 ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook