This past Monday night was the kickoff to our new Lions Club year. 

I am serving my third term as President and I must say that I am very excited. I last served in this role several years ago and while it a tremendous amount of work, it is also very rewarding.

I joined the Lions Club in February 2010, about a week after my father in law passed away. 

Ken was very involved with the Lions Club over the years and I felt it would be an appropriate way to further his legacy. Debbie Hughes agreed to sponsor me and that’s where my journey with the Lions began.

Because I have issues saying ‘no’ to requests for service, I quickly moved into leadership roles that would eventually lead to me being Carnival Chair and then President. 

Prior to joining the club and being an outsider looking in, I always felt they did great things for our community. 

After joining, I quickly realized the diehard commitment to Orange and the amount of work that goes into the activities that the Lions coordinate.

When I think of the Lions Club, the carnival immediately comes to mind. 

To our knowledge, we are the only Lions Club on the planet that owns and operates its own carnival rides. 

The amount of prep work and labor that goes into getting the carnival up and running is impressive. 

As we approach our 79th carnival, it amazes me how much a part of our community this event has become. I went as a kid and now my kids get to come with me and enjoy it (after they help set it up). Hopefully, they will bring their kids to it as well…many, many years down the road.

Our club is so much more than just the carnival. The funds we raise at the carnival allow us to support a number of causes and other charities. From Christmas Food Baskets for the needy to providing eyeglasses for children to supporting events within our community, our club is always ready to lend a hand. 

I truly see our members living out our motto, “We Serve”.

One challenge that most service organizations are encountering is that of declining membership. 

The dynamics of most service/social organizations have changed over the years. Our club and its operations definitely look different than when we were founded in 1937. The ability to evolve is paramount to the survival of service organizations.

I urge you to research available service organizations and consider joining to help make our community a better place. 

Many generations before us have made the commitment for us, now it is the time that we continue their legacy for our children and beyond.