The Lions website reports in 1917, Melvin Jones, a 38-year-old Chicago business leader, told members of his local business club they should reach beyond business issues and address the betterment of their communities and the world. The new group took the name of one of the invited groups, the "Association of Lions Clubs". Since then, the Lions have earned high marks for integrity and transparency. The Lions are a well-run organization with a steady vision, a clear mission, and a long history.
Lions Clubs International is the world's largest service club organization, with 1.35 million members in more than 46,000 clubs worldwide. Lions club members consist of men and women who are active in community projects in over 200 countries.
I know many people in our community who are Lions. In all cases, they are movers and shakers and very civic minded people. I find that they are involved in many other activities to better their communities. Yet, they find the time to be Lions, as well.
Becoming a Lion is usually by invitation, but they always welcome new members. I was recently invited to join the Lions by my sister Karen and her husband Larry, as they were charter members of the Tinville Lions that formed earlier this spring. The group meets at Rollies in Sauk Rapids the third Monday at 7pm. While I did not become a member, my sisters Ruth and Terri did join the Tinville Club.
Lions have a dynamic history
Lions are well known for fighting blindness – it's part of their history as well as their work today. But Lions members also perform volunteer work for many different kinds of community projects – including caring for the environment, feeding the hungry and helping seniors and the disabled.
Lions are active
Their motto is "We Serve." Lions are part of a global service network, doing whatever is necessary to help our local communities.
Lions give sight
By conducting vision screenings, equipping hospitals and clinics, distributing medicine and raising awareness of eye disease, the Lions work toward their mission of providing vision for all.
Lions serve youth
Their community projects often support local children and schools through scholarships, recreation and mentoring.
Lions award grants
Since 1968, the Lions Clubs International Foundation has awarded more than $700 million in grants to support Lions humanitarian community projects around the world. Lions members help communities following natural disasters by providing for immediate needs such as food, water, clothing and medical supplies and assisting with long-term reconstruction.
Our local Lions Clubs often donate money to purchase playground equipment, upgrade local ball parks and give regularly to local food shelves and fire departments.
I visited with some local Lions to see what they enjoy most about their service as Lions. Bobby Wipper, Palmer, has been a member of the Clear Lake Lions since 1998 and is a past president. “I enjoy giving back to my community”, he says.
Dale Pozorski of Santiago is a charter of member of Santiago Lions (formed in 1977). Dale shared these thoughts: “I enjoy helping local people in need.
We raise money by hosting parties for Halloween, Christmas and Easter, donating to Relay for Life and FFA and help people in tough situations, such as house fires.”
Dale Seavert of Becker is an active member of the Becker Lions. He joined the Lions in 1974 in New York Mills and in Becker in 1989 when he moved here. The Becker group meets the second Monday at 7pm at the Becker Community Center. For more info about the Becker Lions, contact Dale at (320) 290-5342.
Clear Lake Lions meet twice a month at Palmer Town Hall - once for a business meeting and once for a dinner meeting. Call (320) 743-8001 for more info. about the Clear Lake Lions.
Santiago Lions meet at Bailey Ray's in Santiago on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays at 7 p.m. For more info, call Donna at (763) 856-8474.
The Lions sponsor many wonderful events in our local area. Sunday, August 10th, 11am-6pm is the 35th annual Chicken and Corn Barbecue at Chet Goenner Pavillion/Clear Lake Ballpark (sponsored by the Clear Lake Lions).
Sunday, August 23rd is the annual Santiago Fun Fest at Santiago Ballpark, starting at 10am. There will be food served, a live band, bake sale, kickball tournament, Art In The Park and a car show (10am-2pm). All funds raised will go back to the community.
Visit www.lionsclubs.org for more information about becoming a Lion.
