Leaders of civic organizations across Chilton County gathered Thursday to talk about how they could better serve the community.

The Clanton Kiwanis Club hosted 17 local philanthropists during its regular meeting at Clanton First United Methodist Church.

Represented were the United Way, Rotary Club of Chilton County, Retired Educators, Chilton Medical Center Pink Ladies, Jemison High School Key Club, Alabama Power Energizers, Clanton Lions Club, Clanton Evening Lions Club and American Legion Post 343.

Kiwanis member Bill Davis summarized the focus of the meeting by reciting a famous quote: “It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.” The idea of the event was to get groups thinking about how they could work together to benefit Chilton County.

One idea presented was to lessen indigent care at CMC by promoting Medicaid and ALLKids health care programs.

CMC CEO Ted Chapin told the assembly that the hospital is not reimbursed for the care it provides to an average of 61 children per month, equaling about $35,000 in losses.

“It’s a problem,” he said.

Those present seemed to agree that meetings of civic leaders should be held regularly, perhaps twice a year.