The Westerville Lions Club has had its sights set on helping the community for more than 80 years.
The club was founded in 1928, making it the oldest civic organization in Westerville.
L.I.O.N.S. stands for Liberty, Intelligence, Our Nation’s Safety. Lions Clubs are internationally known for providing eye care for those in need, whether glasses, medical exams, service dogs or simply support. The Westerville Lions provide all of the above.
“We provide service in the community and try to help out where there’s a need,” says club President Elizabeth Dusenbury.
In 2012 alone, the local Lions collected almost 4,000 pairs of glasses for the needy from their collection boxes, all of which will go to children and adults who cannot afford eye exams or glasses.
The club is also known for its fundraisers, among which are the annual Pancake Breakfast, held in March, and the annual Chicken Barbecue slated for June 7. The money raised goes toward a scholarship fund for local high school students – one from each of Westerville’s three high schools – and also supports organizations such as the Westerville Area Resource Ministry, Pilot Dogs Inc., the Ohio State School for the Blind and Honor Flight Columbus.
Membership dues are $75 per year and members are expected to attend as many meetings and events as they can, though the club is understanding of members’ busy schedules.
“We want (members) to participate as much as (they) can,” Dusenbury says.
Each meetings includes fellowship time, a guest speaker and a business meeting about club activities. Anyone interested in joining the club is invited to attend a meeting or visit its website.
Allison Dalrymple is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at gbishop@cityscenemediagroup.com.
Westerville Lions Club
Meetings: 6:30-8:30 p.m. first and third Thursday each month, September-May
Location: American Legion Post 171, 393 E. College Ave.
Website: www.westervillelions.org
