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Déjà vu Redo the 13th Annual Lions Pride Sporting Clay Shoot

08 Thursday Apr 2021

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Mark your calendars because we are 65 days away from the biggest Lions Pride fundraising event of the year. On Saturday, June 12, we are excited to host the 13th Annual Lions Pride Shoot. For those of you paying attention at home, you may have a recollection of the number thirteen, and you’d be right! In 2020, we canceled the 13th Annual Event due to the pandemic, so 2021 marks our Déjà vu Redo!

If you’re new to the idea of sporting clays, you’ll be interested to learn that this sport simulates actual hunting situations in the field. Regardless of skill level, people of all ages enjoy shooting sporting clays. It’s been estimated that more than three million people shoot sporting clays each year, either competitively or recreationally.

Our sporting clays fundraiser has become our most popular event that takes place at Milford Hills Hunt Club in Johnson Creek. Both Lions and non-Lions who enjoy the comradery, connecting with the outdoors and a day of fun while helping us make a difference in the lives of so many.

Each year the Lions Pride Shoot continues to be an exciting adventure amidst the rolling hills and deep ravines of Southeastern Wisconsin. We hope you’ll register yourself, a few friends or a full team of 5, which includes lunch, raffles, dinner and live auction.

If you’re not a seasoned shooter, don’t let that stop you from joining the event. We typically have a few folks who don’t shoot but enjoy “walking” the course to watch the activities and take in the beautiful scenery. Volunteer opportunities are also available throughout the day.

Of course, no event is successful without the support of sponsors. We’d encourage you to consider being a Station Sponsor, provide raffle prizes, auction items or door prizes. You can learn about all of the ways you can help by calling the office.

We look forward to this event year after year, but we expect the 2021 event to be even more special as we have deeply missed the smiling faces and generous hearts of our loyal supporters. To sign up or receive more information, contact the Lions Pride Office at 715-677-7000 or email us at prideoffice@lionspride.org.

We look forward to seeing you all soon!

Embodying the Spirit of St. Nicholas

03 Thursday Dec 2020

Posted by in Holidays, Lions Camp, News, Special Events

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2020 has, of course, been a year unlike any other. Previously, it had become difficult keeping track of time. We often found ourselves asking, “Is it March or August?” But now that the month of December has arrived, there is no doubt that the holiday season is upon us.

Although there is no snow on the ground, cities, have begun hanging festive lights, decorated trees have started appearing in picture windows and digital sales have taken over our newsfeeds. It has become incredibly clear that Christmas is not far ahead, but before we get to December 25, we have a few other special events to celebrate – including St. Nicholas Day, happening on Tuesday, December 6.

St. Nicholas Day is a common holiday in Europe, but, sadly, not as well known here in America, so it should come as no surprise that many of us use the names, Santa Claus and St. Nicholas interchangeably. But the truth is that these two characters have a lot of key differences between them.

Aside from the fact that St. Nicholas was an actual person who lived in the 4th Century, he also gave simple gifts to those in need. After losing his parents at a young age, he used his extensive inheritance to help the less fortunate. His signature act was leaving gold coins in people’s shoes around the city. According to legend, he encouraged practicing compassion every day and actually became the model for Santa Claus himself.

On Monday night (or really anytime in December,) consider surprising your loved one by filling his or her stocking with small, unique gifts. Stocking stuffers can include ideas like artisan soaps, candy, jewelry, toys, memo notepads, keychains and more. For an extra special surprise, you can also provide a donation to their favorite charity made in their honor.

By choosing to make a gift to Lions Pride, you can help us work to continue improving the lives of people all around Wisconsin. Your gift will help to preserve, protect and provide for Lions Camp and all other WLF statewide projects – including eyeglass recycling, adult and children’s vision screening, diabetes education and more. If there is a project that is especially important to you or your loved one, simply designate the gift, and you can rest assured knowing that you’re helping the cause. Print the certificate and add it to a stocking for an inspiring gift that also gives back.

Together, we can all embody the spirit of St. Nicholas by remembering to include compassion and charity in our daily lives. Remember, it truly is the reason behind the season.

Happy Holidays from Lions Pride!

Support Lions Pride with Your Black Friday Shopping

26 Thursday Nov 2020

Posted by in Giving Tips, Special Events

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We’ve said it time and time again – 2020 is a year unlike any other. Today is a day to give thanks, but many of us are not spending the day with extended members of the family due to COVID-19 as we would have in the not-so-recent past.

Consequently, the pandemic has also changed the way we shop on Black Friday. In the past, the biggest holiday shopping of the year, started getting earlier and earlier, but this year, most sales have moved online. Yet, one more good reason to stay in tonight.

While you are busy making your list and checking it twice, you can support Lions Pride with all of your online shopping without spending any more than you anticipated. How might you ask? By using online tools like Goodshop or AmazonSmile. Learn how you can get started right away:

Goodshop

Goodshop is an online shopping portal that allows you to donate to your charity of choice with every purchase you make. Whenever you make a purchase with Goodshop, a percentage of your sale is donated to your charity of choice.

Goodshop helps you find coupons and deals with businesses all over the internet. Not only are you raising money for your favorite charity, but you are also saving money! The funds to operate Goodshop come from advertisers, so there is no cost to use.


Getting started couldn’t be easier. Just visit http://www.goodsearch.com/choosecause and search for “Lions Pride.” Next, select “Lions Pride Endowment Fund.” After your initial sign-up, you can select your favorite sites and Goodshop will alert you each time there is a new coupon or sale. Who doesn’t love simple savings?

AmazonSmile

If you prefer to get all of your shopping taken care of in one place, you are no doubt familiar with Amazon; but did you know that you can donate a percentage of your purchase price to your favorite nonprofit organization by using AmazonSmile?

Each time you shop at smile.amazon.com, Amazon donates half a percentage of your purchase price to Lions Pride. Keep in mind that you will need to start at smile.amazon.com every time you shop to support your favorite charity. When you shop, Amazon gives. Bookmark it today!

Whether you decide to use Goodshop to find the best online deals or consider yourself to be a one-stop shopper with Amazon Smile, we hope you’ll consider choosing Lions Pride as your charity of choice. You can ensure the future of Wisconsin Lions Camp and all other WLF statewide projects. Every online purchase can help us make a difference in the lives of people all around the state of Wisconsin.

As always, we appreciate your continued support. Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Shopping!

Observing International Day of Friendship in 2020

30 Thursday Jul 2020

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You are likely familiar with the phrase, “Distance makes the heart grow fonder,” right? We know that this saying is typically used to describe star-crossed lovers, but in today’s current environment, we think it also works to describe the way people are feeling about their beloved friends.

We don’t have to tell you that life has seemingly changed overnight due to COVID-19. Many people are choosing to eat in, postponing family gatherings and other significant events and avoiding contact with close friends. Although saying no to getting together may be a wise choice to stop the spread of the virus, there’s no denying that continually making these decisions have been difficult, particularly the last one. Friendship is one of life’s greatest blessings, so not being able to spend time with those we love is challenging, to say the least.  

One way to get through the foreseeable future is to start by celebrating International Friendship Day, which happens each July.  

The holiday was first created in 1958 (previously known as World Friendship Day) by the World Friendship Crusade to foster a culture of peace and friendship. Over 50 years later, in 2011, the General Assembly of the United Nations declared July 30 as International Day of Friendship. The idea behind the celebration was the message that friendship between peoples, countries, cultures and individuals can work to inspire world peace and build bridges between communities.

Now you might be wondering, how can we observe International Day of Friendship during a pandemic? Don’t worry! We have a few ideas to get you started:

  • Create a photo collage of special memories of you and your friend and then frame it to deliver an extra special gift. The happy memories will likely inspire you to plan your next adventure when life has settled down.
  • Send a small gift of flowers, chocolates, or cookies to let a friend know that you are thinking about him or her.
  • Put your creativity to work by crafting a handmade item such as a knitted scarf, homemade salsa or special care package. There’s never been a better time to try a new hobby!
  • Write a post on Facebook or your favorite social network to brag about your best friends. Your status update could include all of the reasons you enjoy being their friend or something as simple as saying, “I miss seeing you!”
  • Honor a friend with a donation to their favorite nonprofit organization. Consider donating to Lions Pride and designating your gift for the Wisconsin Lions Camp. It is, after all, the place where hundreds of friendships are made each year.
  • Try to call, text or email your friends to let you know that you’re thinking about them and feel so lucky to call them friends.

We know that we may not be able to see our friends as often as we like given the coronavirus pandemic, but that doesn’t mean we can’t tell them how we feel. How will you celebrate your friends today?

Happy International Day of Friendship from Lions Pride!

Creative Ways to Celebrate Dad

18 Thursday Jun 2020

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undefinedWe’re hoping that we’re not the ones to tell you that Father’s Day is only 48 hours away. We know it’s hard to watch another special holiday come and go while we slowly make our way through the pandemic, but it is possible to celebrate dear ole dad while maintaining social distance.

We all know that gratitude comes in the form of gifts, but gifts don’t necessarily need to include the standard card and new tie. This Father’s Day think about giving a more creative present to the dads in your life. We have a few ideas to get you started:

  • Volunteer to take on a few of his usual tasks: It’s no secret that we all have responsibilities that we don’t much care for, especially when spring turns to summer. Whether it’s mowing the lawn, cleaning the gutters or edging the sidewalks, take one or all of those duties to give him a chance to put his feet up and relax.
  • Create a rain-slip for an event of his choice. If you’re like many of us, you probably remember making homemade “certificates” for items like a free hug or one hour of silence. You can replicate that same idea in the age of COVID-19 by thinking an activity that he loves but can’t necessarily celebrate given the nature of the situation. It may be a boat fishing trip, a trip to the movie theater or just an afternoon together. 
  • Giving a gift that keeps on giving: We bet that Dad has a special cause that he can’t help but support any chance he gets. Help that organization carry on in their mission by giving a donating in his honor. If your dad is a Lions Pride supporter, consider giving an honorarium donation to help us continue preserving, providing and protecting for the Wisconsin Lions Camp and all WLF statewide projects. Click her for a memorial/honorarium form.

We know that many of us feel that the pandemic may never end, but don’t forget that we’re all in this together and it shall pass. Hang in there! And, from all of us at Lions Pride, Happy Father’s Day!

Cancelled Lions Pride Shoot

10 Wednesday Jun 2020

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If you’ve been following Lions Pride for any time in the last decade, you know that June is typically a big month for us. For the past twelve years, we’ve hosted the Lions Pride Sporting Clays Fundraiser at Milford Hills Hunt Club. Sadly, this year, we felt no choice but to cancel the 13th annual event due to the COVID-19 pandemic and continuation of social distancing.

Participants and supporters are sometimes surprised to learn that although the fundraiser is a one-day event, it takes months of preparation to pull it off. Several tiny details are involved in organizing a successful full-day fundraiser. Usual tasks include participant registration, sponsorship requests, door prize and auction item collection, volunteer recruitment and coordination with the hunting club staff. Since canceling the event, we must admit that we feel a bit lost in our ways.

We are disappointed that we will not be able to move forward with this year’s event in more ways than one. We always enjoy spending the day with supporters and volunteers, many of whom remember that this particular event was our late chairman Dewey Carl’s favorite the time of the year. He, of course, came up with the idea for the fundraiser after participating in a similar event. At that time, we would have never guessed that it would become an annual tradition.

We know that we are not alone in our feelings of sadness and disappointment. Many individuals, organizations, and businesses worldwide have felt the pandemic impacts of postponing or canceling large events. Still, that doesn’t make the affliction any less tolerable. The Lions Pride Shoot has become the most well-known and popular event, as both Lions and non-Lions participate and contribute to our single greatest fundraiser. Undoubtedly, we will be feeling the effects of its cancellation for the remainder of 2020. If you are able to donate at this time, we would be incredibly grateful for your support. Click here to make a donation today.

We already plan to hold the sporting clays fundraiser next year. Please mark your calendars for Saturday, June 12, 2021. We will need sponsors, shooters and volunteers. The Lions Pride Board and Staff will miss seeing everyone this weekend, but fully acknowledge that public safety surpasses tradition. Continue keeping up with the CDC guidelines and stay safe. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Showing Your Non-Profit the Love

13 Thursday Feb 2020

Posted by in Giving Tips, Holidays, Lions Camp, News, Special Events

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Lions Pride LoveValentine’s Day is right around the corner! If you’re a romantic at heart, you’ve likely already started developing a plan to spoil your sweetie. Whether you choose to surprise them with a dozen roses, a huge box of chocolate or a cheesy stuffed animal, you know there are dozens of ways to show appreciation for your significant other. In addition to showing affection to your partner, we hope you’ll also use Valentine’s Day as an opportunity to show love to your favorite non-profit.

If you’re a proud Lions Pride supporter, we have a couple of ideas for you to share the love:

Support us on Facebook

You probably already know that social networks like Facebook are exceptional promotional tools that non-profit organizations use to keeping supporters up-to-date on current happenings, but did you know that you can also help them reach new potential donors? By sharing our updates, tagging us in status updates, and introducing us to your friends, you can help us earn more followers, encourage more donations and further our message.

One feature that you might not be already familiar with is the “Support Nonprofit” option within the status update. By clicking on the three-dotted icon within the status update box, you will see several more options come available when you create a post. By clicking “Support Nonprofit” and finding “Lions Pride Endowment Fund of WI,” you can help us raise funds to support our mission. This option seems especially popular around birthdays.

Facebook Status Update

Facebook Status Update Extended

No matter how you choose to use Facebook to promote Lions Pride, we appreciate you keeping us top of mind. Find and LIKE Lions Pride on Facebook.

Volunteer to Volunteer

One of the best gifts you can give to Lions Pride is the gift of your time. If you’re familiar with our organization, you know that our Lions Pride Annual Sporting Clays Fundraiser is our biggest event of the year. Although it is a one-day event, it takes us months to get our preparations in order and volunteers help us make the event a success. The 13th Annual Lions Pride Shoot will take place on Saturday, June 13, at Milford Hills Hunt Club in Johnson Creek. If you would like to get involved before the event, please contact us today. We could always use a helping hand.

Make a donation

Lastly, one of the most obvious ways to share your love is to make a special donation in the name of a friend or loved one. With your dedication, we can reach our goal of $10 million by the Wisconsin Lions State Convention in 2021. Obtaining this goal will provide more than $300,000 in perpetuity to the Wisconsin Lions Foundation, promoting the Wisconsin Lions Camp and all statewide WLF projects.

We are always on the hunt to show our appreciation for Lions Pride supporters, and we can’t think of a better way to spend Cupid’s Birthday. We’ve said it once and we’ve said it again, but we never tire of thanking you for your continued support. We would not be “today’s help, tomorrow’s hope” without the gracious hearts of our donors.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Celebrating National Camp Week

06 Thursday Feb 2020

Posted by in Conventions, Giving Tips, Lions Camp, News, Special Events

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Photo Credit to Wisconsin Lions Camp

As we write this post, the thermometer reads 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Although the temperature is far from balmy, we can’t stop thinking about afternoon swimming, vibrant sunsets and gooey s’mores. We know that it may be a bit too early to think about camping in this part of the country, but that isn’t going to stop us from commemorating National Camp Week.

During the second week of February, the American Camp Association hosts the ACA National Conference and has put National Camp Week on the calendar. The ACA is a community of camp professionals who come together to exchange knowledge and expertise to ensure the quality of camp programming. The organization wholeheartedly believes that the camp experience is essential to every child’s growth and development.

Don’t be surprised if that sentiment sounds familiar. Lion Ray Hempel had similar feelings when founding the Wisconsin Lions Camp back in 1956. He personally believed that attending camp would give special children the resources, skills and experiences that would last them far beyond their childhoods. That’s why the American Camp Association and Wisconsin Lions Camp are a seamless fit.

We may not be traveling to San Diego to attend this year’s conference, but we too are anxiously awaiting the arrival of the 2020 camping season. Each year, approximately 1,300 special campers with vision, hearing, intellectual disabilities or autism and Type 1 and 2 Diabetes visit Rosholt for a safe and memorable experience at the Wisconsin Lions Camp.

Each camper has the opportunity for a comprehensive outdoor program, which includes (but is certainly not limited to) participating in overnight camping, learning about protecting the environment, canoeing, hiking, swimming, sailing and kayaking. The overarching goals of Lions Camp are to assist each camper in developing self-confidence, interdependence, social skills, outdoor recreational skills and environmental awareness. But above all, we want them to have fun and come back again.

Last year, we were proud to help send 150 children to the Wisconsin Lions Camp with the help of our generous supporters. Will you help us send them again in 2020? Consider donating to Lions Pride Endowment Fund, to help us carry on the beloved summer tradition in perpetuity. We cannot thank you enough for your continued support.

Sending you warm, summer thoughts during National Camp Week!

Thoughtful Father’s Day Gift Ideas

13 Thursday Jun 2019

Posted by in Giving Tips, Holidays, Lions Camp, Special Events

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baby sitting on man s shoulder

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He showed you how to ride your first back, taught you how to change a tire and how to take pride in your work. Of course, he did more than teach you essential life skills, he also provided for his family and gave endless amounts of support as you transformed from a young child to a responsible adult. This Sunday, June 16, is Father’s Day. How will you honor dear ole dad?

Without giving it much thought, you know that there are a few gifts that have become Father’s Day staples; gifts like power tools, ties and wild socks (that will likely take up permanent residence in his drawer.) Rather than relying on one of the traditional presents, consider giving dad an out-of-the-box gift that we know he’ll love:

  • A helping hand: Unfortunately, adulthood typically includes responsibilities that we aren’t always pleasant. For dad, it may be mowing the grass or cleaning up the basement. Help lighten the load by offering to pitch in. You know what they say, “Many hands make for light work,” and we can bet that he’ll love the company.
  • A day together: Do you recall the last time you spent quality time with your father? If you have to think too hard, that means it’s been too long! Allow dad to spend Sunday with the activity of his choice. He might want to get out on the lake, hit the back nine or just soak in the sun for a lazy afternoon together. We know that life can get busy, so keep in mind that a raincheck is always an option.
  • A gift that gives back: If there is an organization close to dad’s heart, think about giving a donation in his honor. As you likely already know, nonprofits wouldn’t get very far without the help of their supporters, as donations as the lifeblood of the organization. It’s not too late to make an honorarium donation to Lions Pride. Your donation will help us continue to preserve, provide and protect the Wisconsin Lions Camp and all WLF statewide projects. Learn more about memorial/honorarium donations.

Remember, the best presents in life don’t come wrapped in ribbons and bows.  Show your appreciation for dad with a gift from the heart.

Happy Father’s Day from Lions Pride!

Shining Light on Autism Spectrum Disorder

11 Thursday Apr 2019

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text on shelf

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Did you know that autism is now prevalent in one in every 59 children in America? Over the course of the past 50 years, its occurrence has grown by nearly 35 times. To help bring knowledge to the growing and greatly misunderstood disorder, April has been marked as National Autism Awareness Month.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Autism is a complex, cognitive disorder that impacts a person’s ability to communicate and engage with others. It can be present right away at birth but can also form early on in a child’s life (typically within three years.) At this time, there is no one known cause to the disability.

As its name states, Autism is a broad spectrum disorder. It’s essential for us to note that no two people will have an exact set of symptoms, but there are common characteristics, which include:

  • Trouble interacting with other people
  • Difficulties expressing empathy
  • A dislike of physical contact
  • Adverse to sudden changes in their environment
  • Struggle with speech

Autism is a lifelong disability, but thankfully, it is treatable. Studies have shown that early detection can change the lives of both the individual and family. You can learn more about development milestones by visiting the CDC’s “Learn the Signs. Act Early” site.

Since ASD has become much more common, chances are you know someone who is impacted by the disability. Fortunately, with more occurrences comes more opportunities to serve. Today, there are thousands of resources available to help families manage autism. In fact, the Wisconsin Lions Camp, debuted a new program for children with autism. Campers have an opportunity for a comprehensive program designed to help a child in the development of self-confidence, interdependence, social skills, outdoor recreational skills and environmental awareness. Thanks to the generous support of donors, summer camp participation is free of charge. Your gift to Lions Pride, designated for Lions Camp will have a lasting impact on future generations of children.

The Wisconsin Lions Camp is holding a New Camper Open House on Sunday, May 12, 2019, from 9 am to 3 pm. The program was designed to introduce new or potential campers to camp before the summer season. Attendees can try camp activities, enjoy lunch and take tours of the building (weather permitting.) If you know a special child who might enjoy a fun-filled week at camp, consider submitting a registration form today.

As we continue to make our way through the month of April, we encourage you to learn more about Autism Spectrum Disorder. The more knowledge we have, the more we can pass on to others. Together, we can help create a more empathetic and supportive environment for people with autism.