Hear the Dayton Noon Lions Roar
The Dayton Noon Lions Club are the guests at the Dayton Chamber of Commerce June Luncheon
Betty Williamson speaks at the Dayton Chamber Luncheon as Mike George listens on. She was the first President of the Dayton Noon Lions Club in 1988, just a year after women were allowed in the organization.
This week over 1.4 million people representing 212 nations and territories and around 50,000 Lions Clubs across the globe celebrated the 105th Anniversary of Lions Clubs International by inviting new members into their ranks.
The Dayton Noon Lions Club got in on the celebration as they were the monthly guests at the Dayton Chamber of Commerce Luncheon on that special day, Tuesday, June 17.
The Dayton Noon Lions have been making quite a name for themselves recently, fulfilling the motto of Lions Clubs International, “We Serve,” on the home front.
Known for its annual all-you-can-eat pancake supper and its partnership with the Dayton Chamber in the “Flags Over Dayton” program, the club continues to expand its efforts locally.
One of the biggest missions of the Lions is ensuring that local students in need of eyeglasses receive them. Over the years, they have provided glasses and eye exams to hundreds of children in the Dayton area.
Currently, they are working to raise funds to purchase new equipment to perform eye exams in the community regularly. Those machines run from $6,500-$9,000 each.
“Once we have the equipment, we’ll begin a campaign to scan the eyes of all of our children in daycares and schools everywhere in the area. Think about that,” said President Mike George.
They are currently trying to partner with local donors and businesses to raise funds for that equipment.
Another mission for the Lions is the Texas Lions Camp in Kerrville, TX. The Summer camp is dedicated to serving the children of Texas with physical disabilities, Down Syndrome, cancer, and Type 1 diabetes.
They offer children an opportunity to experience new activities and develop lifelong friends. It is open to children ages 7-18 years of age, and the application process begins in January of each year. To be a part of this program, contact your local Lions Club or visit www.lionscamp.com.
The club has participated in a clean-up of Dayton in recent months and will be part of the annual Taste of Dayton event Thursday, June 9, from 4-7 pm. They will provide eye exams for children and serve food in partnership with McDonald’s.
The club has also been recognized recently with several honors.
The club was named the District 2-S2 Club of the year and received the Zone I-1 “Just Ask Award” for the most new members over fiscal year 2021-22 and became the largest club in the zone. George was also honored with the International President’s Leadership Award.
George made the pitch to those in attendance at the chamber luncheon to join the organization and help their mission to serve the community.
“How would you like to be part of this kind of program? How would you like to be involved in doing what we do,” George said, “we are accepting applications because we serve, but together we can serve even more.”
George said that the $35 signup fee has been waived for new members through June 30.
Anyone interested in joining the Dayton Noon Lions Club or helping fund the purchase of eye equipment can contact George at 936-334-4717. The group meets on the first and third Wednesday of each month at Noon at Texas Kountry Kitchen and on the second Thursday after the first Wednesday at 7 pm at Texas Steak & Seafood.
Lions Clubs International is the largest service organization in the world.