The Grand Junction Kiwanis Club held its annual installation and "Passing of the Torch" event Thursday afternoon at the Two Rivers Convention Center.

Kiwanis is a worldwide service organization that has 600,000 members in more than 80 countries.

The main focus of the club is to provide services to children, but it also offers clubs for adults, Circle K college clubs and Key Clubs for high school students.

The Kiwanis Club also provides Aktion Clubs for people with disabilities.

According to members, the club provides a great opportunity to learn the value of community service, teamwork and leadership.

The Grand Junction branch met Thursday to welcome new officers and board members for the upcoming year.

One of the highlights of the event was to honor the outgoing president, Vicki Bell, and welcome the new club president, Beverly Troester.

"I am excited, we have a strong tradition of presidents and services in the area, and I'm looking forward to carrying on the torch. What attracted me to this club is what they do with children because I love children and I'm glad to be a part of this wonderful organization," said Troester.

On top of passing the torch to the new club president, additional officers and board members were welcomed and given their new titles as well.

The new president elect is Rita Crumpton and the new vice president of the club is Lynn Thompson.

If you're interested in joining the Grand Junction Kiwanis Club, you can find more information by visiting http://www.kiwanis-gj.org.