Austin Schwartz Received Burlington Kiwanis Leroy Award

The Burlington Kiwanis Club honored Austin Schwartz for his dedication to community service and local volunteerism.

Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Philanthropy

Screen-print poster illustration featuring a brass key on a wooden ledge, evoking heritage and community impact. — The Burlington Kiwanis Club presented the annual Leroy Award to Austin Schwartz, honoring his commitment to local volunteerism and community development. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Burlington Kiwanis Club has presented Austin Schwartz with the Leroy Award. This annual honor recognizes a member who demonstrates exceptional commitment to serving both the Kiwanis organization and the broader Burlington community.

Why it matters

The award highlights the importance of sustained volunteerism in maintaining a vibrant local community. Schwartz noted his desire to foster the same generosity in Burlington that he experienced while growing up, aiming to build a stronger environment for local families.

The Leroy Award was established in 2003 during the presidency of Dave Vavroch, who served the club from 2003 to 2004. The recognition honors the legacy of Leroy Pease.

The players

Austin Schwartz

He is an officer and trust administrator at First Mid Wealth Management who volunteers across numerous Burlington community organizations.

Burlington Kiwanis Club

This is a local service organization that presents the annual Leroy Award to recognize members dedicated to community service.

Dave Vavroch

He created the Leroy Award in 2003 while serving as the president of the Burlington Kiwanis Club.

The details

Austin Schwartz, who works as an officer and trust administrator at First Mid Wealth Management, balances his career with extensive volunteer commitments. His service spans organizations such as Burlington Riverfront Entertainment, the Community Foundation of Des Moines County, Scouting America, and various local sports and church groups.

Dave Vavroch created the Leroy Award in 2003.
Dave Vavroch served as Burlington Kiwanis Club president during the 2003-2004 term.

Market Landscape

This recognition follows the precedent set by the founding of the Leroy Award in 2003, which standardized how the Burlington Kiwanis Club acknowledges service. The award reinforces the organization's focus on local community impact through its membership base.

This award highlights the ongoing efforts of community leaders and the local organizations they support, such as Burlington Riverfront Entertainment and local youth sports programs. Residents may notice the impact of these volunteer-led initiatives across various community events and non-profit services.

The takeaway

Schwartz notes that he chooses volunteer roles that align with his professional background and personal interests to maximize his impact. His approach serves as a model for professionals seeking to contribute their specific skills to improve local quality of life for families.