*Honored as a World Wide Leader *A Model Club that funds charitable needs in excess of $250,000 annually *Operates Charitable Eye Clinic MD 35 District 35-I Florida USA Club number: 012666
We have just sent information to Edison College in Naples for a new Campus Club, the advisor herself contacted the Campus Club Chair. There is another new Campus Club in the works for Manatee Technical School, and also a Leo club is in the formative stages at Bayshore School. I have been receiving emails from people interested in joining the Lions and I have been directing them to clubs in there area so be prepared to get some visitors soon.
"Wow….hard to believe that our Lions’ year is coming to an end. It has been an amazing year for me and I am thankful for all of your support. Filled with milestones…24 new members, incredible thrift store sales, 12 Melvin Jones recipients, 1000+ patients in our Eye Clinic, and being elected as 2nd Vice District Governor. I am proud to be a Lion…especially a Bonita Springs Lion!!
As we move forward to a new year, let’s keep the momentum going with bringing in new members. Our goal is to meet or exceed last year’s numbers. Our new members who have joined this year have all taken part in some type of fundraising activities. That is what we need in this club….lots of working bees. I want to give a special thank you to Membership Chair Betty Harkins for making this possible. She provides thorough orientations to new members and immediately invites them to participate in some sort of activity. An active Lion is a long-term Lion!!
During the past year, we have had many successes to share. Our Farm Fresh Market, led by Lion John Elliff, soared this year and profited approximately $54,000. We thank all who assisted with this event and appreciate your dedication. Since this is a long running event, every week for 7 months, truly your commitment to Lionism is obvious. Another record breaking year was had by the Pancake Breakfast. This fundraiser was chaired by Lion Todd Goodman, who is fairly new to Lionism and offered to spearhead this project. He and his volunteers, both Lions and Leos, worked very hard each and every Saturday for 3 months to make our guests’ experience one that made them come back week after week.
Our Eye Clinic, under the leadership of Lion Evelyn Barger and Dr. Howard Freedman, has far exceeded its expectations. Over 1000 patients have been seen so far at our clinic and several minor eye surgeries have been conducted. We are moving forward with expansion of the clinic in hopes that we can offer our services to more of the community. We thank those who have given endless hours of services (Lions Ann Zinser, Steve Blad, Stella Little, Margaret Gabriel, Michelle Herrin, and many more). Without our volunteers, the Clinic would not be able to operate.
A Great Big THANK YOU to members of the 2009-2010 Board of Directors for your dedication to service. I look forward to serving with you in the future and for many years to come. I ask your support in making 2010-2011 and even greater year for all Bonita Springs Lions. Just remember, Together Everyone Achieves More. God Bless you all! "
July News
NATIONAL NEWS— Lions meet the needs of local communities and the world. Our more than 1.35 million members in 206 countries and geographic areas are different in many ways, but we share the same core belief – “Community is what we make it.” Thanks for all you do.
KEEPING UP—A good way to stay in the “know” is to visit our website at www.bonitalions.org. There are up-to-date photos and information that will keep you knowledgeable about current and upcoming activities and events.
A WALK THROUGH MEMORY LANE— * The original Thrift Store was a double wide and opened in 1976 * The present Thrift Store was built in 1978 (clothing section) * The second addition (present work room, furniture, appliances, electronics, jewelry, lamps, books, etc.) was built in 1995
CONTRIBUTIONS - The Grants Committee recommended and the Board approved over $78,000 to local charities during the Lions’ year 2010. This is only possible because of YOUR hard work and hours of dedication. Thanks to the Lion Bud Mansolilli, Chair, and his committee, Lions Martha Simon, Pat Turecek, Todd Goodman, and Fred Prusa.
EYE CLINIC NEEDS— The Eye Clinic will be looking for volunteers to help with the clinic when it gets back into full swing in the fall. If you are interested in assisting with processing, testing or assisting the doctor, please give the Eye Clinic a call, 239-992-EYES. Thanks for all you do…
CONGRATULATIONS—Lions Catherine Lau, Al Greenwood and Todd Goodman will hold District 35-I positions during the upcoming Lion Year. Lion Catherine will be Zone Chair; Lion Al will be Tail Twister; and Lion Todd will be Membership Chair. WOW-Bonita Springs will be well represented in the new District 35-I.
YOUR THRIFT STORE NEEDS YOU— Please give of YOUR time. Even though it is summertime, the Thrift Store is as full as ever with shoppers, but not with volunteers. Giving even a few minutes of your spare time makes the work lighter on the rest of the crew. Our Lion Raymond Crowe welcomes volunteers to sort clothes, run the cash register, straighten the store and check out electrical appliances ANY day of the week.
MEMBERSHIP NEWS— Bonita Springs Lions has proudly inducted 23 new members this Lions’ year. Keep up the GRRREAT job.
KEEPING UP—A good way to stay in the “know” is to visit our website at www.bonitalions.org. There are up-to-date photos and information that will keep you knowledgeable about our current and our upcoming activities and events.
NEW OFFICER INSTALLATION— PCC Gary Nieskes will do the honors of inducting our 2010-2011 Board of Directors at the June 21st meeting. Please come to support your new board.
CONTRIBUTIONS - In the last two months, we contributed to Bonita Assistance, Operation Soldier Care from First Baptist Church, the Tri-County Challenger Baseball League, Bonita Springs Girls Little League, Bonita Middle School, Spring Creek Elementary. Thank you for giving.
EYE BANK NEEDS— During the summer, many of our eye doctors go north. Therefore we need volunteers to take their place for the summer. Please mention the need to your eye doctor and ask them to call Lion Evelyn at the Lions Eye Clinic - 498-3937.
FARM FRESH MARKET and WEDNESDAY MARKET are winding down. Thanks to all those who volunteered to make these as huge success...Special thanks to Lions John Elliff and Ron Marlow for chairing these respective fundraisers.
Most Recent Awards
AWARDS NIGHT—On April 19th, several of our fellow Lions were recognized for their services over the past year.
HELEN KELLER
SIGHT
AWARD
Fred CRANDALL
AWARD
POSITIVE
INFLUENCE
AWARD (PIA)
LION
OF THE
YEAR
Melvin Jones Award
PRESIDENT
APPRECIATION
AWARD
WINNERS...
missing Lion Marge Shivel
2010 Elections & Positions
CONGRATULATIONS— We want to extend our good wishes to all of our returning officers as well as to welcome our new ones. Thank you for your willingness to serve.
President Bob Hilliard 1st Vice President Bud Mansolilli 2nd Vice President Joe Sakmar Secretary Amy Hilliard Asst. Secretary Angela Pate Treasurer Fred Harkins Asst. Treasurer Todd Goodman 1 yr. Director John Elliff (finishing 2 yr. term) 1 yr. Director Fred Prusa (finishing 2 yr. term) 2 yr. Director Marge Shivel 2 yr. Director Steve Blad Facilities Ernie Davey Membership Betty Harkins Tail Twister Al Greenwood Lion Tamer Steve Raynor Thrift Store Ray Crowe Imm. Past Pres. Whitey Ellis
Bob Hilliard elected 2nd Vice District Governor
We are happy to announce Our own Lion Bob Hilliard has been elected 2nd Vice District Governor. Congratulations Bob!!
The passing of our friend, and fellow lion
I regret to inform you of the passing of our friend, and fellow lion of many years, George Little at just after 1:00 a.m.
Services will be held at Faith Lutheran Church, 4150 Goodlette Frank Road North, Naples, FL 34103 at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday April 28th. There will be a gathering for friends and family following the service at the church. Should you need information from the church, they can be reached at (239) 434-5811. If you are able, please make every effort to attend and wear a Lions shirt or vest.
News
