Two Santiago Lions were recently honored for their incredible years of service to the organization.

 

Dale Pozorski was saluted for serving 40 years and his wife, Donna for 30 years.

 

Back in 1977, Dale and a few others from the area decided to form the Santiago Lions Club as a way to serve the communities they lived in. Ten years later, the charter officially accepted women into the organization and Donna and her gal pals became members in 1987, though Donna has been involved from the start.

 

Dale is the current acting president and Donna serves as the secretary. As od 2017, they have over 25 people volunteering as part of the organization.

 

The Lions Clubs throughout the county have been instrumental in allowing townships, cities, fire  and police departments and others the ability to purchase unbudgeted equipment, devices, buildings and vehicles and making numerous financial donations to worthy causes.

 

“We raise money for such causes through our pancake breakfasts, our garage sales and our gambling events,” said Donna. “Anytime we have to charge for something, the money goes towards helping communities.”

“We are helping our fellow humans,” said Dale.”Everything we do is for the public.”

 

Recently, the Lions heard of a family that was put out by a house fire and they immediately stepped in to help. All the area Lions organizations partner when they can to help people in communities of need. They also hold meat raffles to raise funds.

 

Despite the unparalleled contributions the Lions provide, their biggest need in the organization is membership.

 

“This is not a veteran’s organization and is open to all men and women of any age,” said Donna. “Some of our members help out at numerous events, some at a few and some seldom.”

 

“It’s all about comradery,” said Dale. “It’s really fun to do these kinds of things with and for people.”

 

Members are expected to pay annual dues, attend bi-monthly meetings when possible and volunteer to help at area functions. The Santiago group meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at Bailey Ray’s Roadhouse at 7 p.m.

According to the Lions International website, The first family member (head of household) pays full international dues ($43), and up to four additional family members pay only half the international dues ($21.50).

The organization also has a Leo Club for children under the age of 18.

 

The Santiago Lions also hand out annual $500 scholarships to students from Becker, Foley and Princeton.

 

Dale is a veteran of the United States Army (23 years) and worked as a scalemaster for Midway Iron in St. Cloud for 28 years.

 

Donna was employed by Fingerhut distribution in St. Cloud for 20 years and has spent the last nine years running a daycare.

 

The Pozorskis have three adult children in Danyelle (40), Dwayne (37) and Dereck (35). They live in Clear Lake and Donna is a Becker Graduate while Dale is a graduate of Foley High School. They met at a dance at Cottonwood Beach on Co. Rd. 16 by Briggs Lake.

 

“Though we are here to support our communities, our biggest need besides membership is support from people and businesses,” said Donna.

 

With that support, it’s expected the organization will see new growth and many more members will experience being honored for their many years of fruitful service.

 

Coming Aug. 5 at the ballpark, the Lions will be part of an event now called Santiago Historical Days (formerly Fun Fest) featuring a number of new events and exhibits. Look for posters and notices as the summer progresses. Donna says there will also be a wellness van there for free!