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Lions Pride Endowment Fund of Wisconsin

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Lions Pride Endowment Fund of Wisconsin

Tag Archives: giving

Ways to Celebrate Sweetest Day

18 Thursday Oct 2018

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

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ann pennington, baking, boss's day, candy, card, cleveland, cookies, donate, emotions, flowers, giving, halloween, happiness, health, Herbert Birch Kingston, holiday, homemade, honorarium, legacy, letter, lions pride, love, make a difference day, memorial, mood boost, nonprofit, occasion, october, smile, support, sweetest day, theda bara, warmth, wisconsin lions camp

ThereHappy Sweetest Day.png are plenty of holidays to observe in October. Bosses’ Day falls on October 16, Make a Difference Day is celebrated on October 27 and, of course, Halloween shows up each year on October 31, but there is one more holiday that we want to make sure you add to your calendar – Sweetest Day on Saturday, October 20.

We know what you’re thinking, “Great, another card-giving holiday,” however, there is truly charming reason behind this occasion.

According to Hallmark, Sweetest Day was developed by a candy store employee who lived in Cleveland, Ohio by the name of Herbert Birch Kingston. In 1922, he decided to bring happiness to those who were feeling forgotten. Together with a team, Kingston brought candy and small gifts to orphans, shut-ins and others to show their care.

By the early 1930s, celebrities started getting involved in the event. Ann Pennington handed out candy to over 2200 newspaper carriers, and Theda Bara passed out candy to theater attendees and hospital patients. The original holiday expanded to include loved ones, coworkers, acquaintances and friends. Today, Sweetest Day is still most prevalent in the Great Lakes region due to its origination.

So, how should you observe this weekend’s holiday? You could send a card or surprise someone with a box of their favorite candy, but here are a few more thoughtful approaches:

  1. Bake a batch of cookies

Who doesn’t love the taste of homemade cookies? There’s nothing like the taste of a chocolate chip cookie to brighten up even the darkest day, but it turns out that baking for others can also have a positive effect on the baker. Baking, especially when done for others, can have a whole slew of psychological benefits. If you’re in a baking mood, thinking about spreading the love by preparing a plate of cookies with someone who might need a pick-me-up. (Additionally, baking is always an incredible way to warm up the house!)

  1. Write a heartfelt letter

With the increase in technology, it seems that we have lost of the art of letter writing. Show a loved one that you’ve been thinking about them with a short, heartfelt letter. You can always send an email if you’re looking to save a stamp or send your message faster, but we can bet that a handwritten note will put a smile on your recipients’ face.

  1. Send flowers

Did you know that in addition to creating a beautiful focal point, flowers have several health benefits? Flowers can promote feelings of happiness and in people all ages. They are also believed to help balance emotions and prevent mood swings. If you know someone who is in need of an instant mood boost, flowers may be the perfect gift.

  1. Donate in his or her honor

Nonprofit organizations thrive with the gifts of their loyal supporters. Funds are the lifeblood of any nonprofit as it helps them spread their message and make a difference in their communities. When celebrating Sweetest Day, consider donating to your recipient’s favorite organization in their name. When you make an honorarium/memorial donation to Lions Pride, we’ll gladly mail an acknowledgment card to your loved one or their family to let them know about the lasting legacy that you are creating for future generations at the Wisconsin Lions Camp and in other WLF projects.

Sweetest Day may have originated with candy and sweets in mind, but we believe that the message has evolved as a day to do small things for others with great love. How do you plan to celebrate the occasion?

Happy Sweetest Day fromLions Pride!

 

 

 

 

 

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Our Role as Santa

21 Thursday Dec 2017

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

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cabins, camping, celebration, child, christmas, clock, cookies, december, discover, donors, experience, gifts, giving, interdependence, joy, lions camp, lions pride, magic, milk, mission, nature, outdoor recreation, preparations, role, santa, sleep, social skills, supporters, swimming

Let’s play a game. Imagine you are six years old and it is December 21, 19XX (you fill in Magic Santathe blank), can you remember how you felt this time of year? Let’s see if our description matches your imagination: you knew that Christmas was only days away, so you were on your best behavior because Santa was watching. As December 25 crept closer and closer, you could hardly contain your excitement. Soon enough, Christmas Eve would arrive. You would put out some milk and cookies, brush your teeth and get to bed quickly – only to spend the night watching the clock. You just couldn’t wait for Christmas Day.

Sadly, as adults, the magic of Christmas seems to fade a little more each year. Santa no longer represents a symbol of joy and the celebration just becomes a season of more obligations. Fortunately, the magic does begin to reappear as we have children of our own, but then our roles change from excited child to excited parent. We also spend December 24 making preparations and barely sleeping because we are too anxious to watch our children eagerly open their gifts. We have come to discover a different kind of magic – the magic of giving. But again the cycle continues as our children grow, and the sense of wonder begins to disappear.

Luckily, as supporters of Lions Pride, we are in somewhat of a unique position. All supporters of Lions Pride get to play the part of Santa all year round. How? By giving children from all over the state of Wisconsin the gift of experience. In 2017, over 150 special children were given the opportunity to have the week of their lives out in the woods with kids just like them. They were able to sleep in cabins, roast marshmallows, learn archery, swim laps in Lions Lake and enjoy everything nature has to offer. Of course, they were also able to develop self-confidence, interdependence, social skills and outdoor recreational skills – all at no cost to their families.

The gift may not be beautifully wrapped under a bright, full tree, but we know in our hearts that it’s a gift that keeps on giving all year long. And none of these accomplishments would be possible without the help of you. Our donors are the lifeblood of our organization and we never tire of saying thank you for your support. Although our biological children may be grown, we look forward to playing Santa for many years to come. Thank you for helping us carry out our mission to preserve, provide and protect Lions Camp and all other WLF statewide projects.

The Lions Pride office will be closed the week of December 25, to celebrate Christmas with our families. Wishing you and yours a very merry Christmas!

Celebrate the Season of Giving with St. Nick

07 Thursday Dec 2017

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

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candy, charity, christmas, coal, compassion, december, diabetes education, eyeglass recycling, gifts, giving, greece, holiday, jewelry, lions pride, project, reason, saint nicholas, season, shoes, stockings, toys, vision screening

While we may not have any white, fluffy snow on the ground (as ofStockings Were Hung writing), there is no question that the holiday season has arrived. Yesterday was the celebration of St. Nicholas. Although the holiday is a popular one in Europe, the day isn’t widely celebrated here in the United States, and we think it’s time to change that!

The story of St. Nick goes back to 4th century Greece. Nicholas of Myra officiated as a bishop after dedicating his life to giving to others. Sadly, his parents died in an epidemic when he was young. With his extensive inheritance, Nicholas decided to use his wealth to help the less fortunate. His signature act was leaving gold coins in people’s shoes around the city. Today, children leave out stockings or shoes on the eve of St. Nicholas and awake to find them filled with small gifts and trinkets. Of course, there is always the possibility that those who have been naughty will find nothing more than a lump of coal.

We may have missed the official holiday, but that doesn’t mean we can’t still celebrate the true meaning behind the season – focusing on giving more than receiving. Sometime in December, consider surprising your loved one by filling his or her stocking with fun, little gifts. There are endless possibilities for stocking stuffers – candy, jewelry, small toys, soap, notebooks, key chains and more. You can also include other intangible gifts such as a donation to their favorite charity 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 donation can help 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 a stocking for a powerful 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. After all, isn’t that the reason behind the season?

Happy Holidays from Lions Pride!

 

Lions Work to Help the Victims of Hurricane Harvey

31 Thursday Aug 2017

Posted by lionspridewi in Giving Tips, Special Events

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blankets, catastrope, category 4, damage, donation, emergency, food, giving, grant, harris county, houston, hurricane harvey, insurance information institute, lions pride, lives, local, louisiana, rainfall, texas, water

We are days away from a holiday weekend, but not everyone will be celebrating happily. As you already know Hurricane Harvey first reached the Houston metropolis last Friday, but residents in both Texas and Louisiana are still feeling its wrath nearly a week later.

Harvey is the first Category 4 hurricane to hit the continental United States since Hurricane Charley in 2004. The tropical storm made is second appearance yesterday morning, and the weather conditions do not seem to be improving as of writing.

Several parts of Houston set a record for rainfall in a single storm; the top reading showing 51.88 inches (as of Tuesday afternoon.) A resident meteorologist reported that 25 to 30 percent of Harris County is under water. At this point, local officials have confirmed 30 flood-related deaths.

The Insurance Information Institute has stated to Fox Business that damages could end up matching the $15 billion caused by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. In a recent statement made by Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, the city’s focus “will continue to be on rescue” and not damage assessment.

Lions Clubs International Foundation has responded with an emergency catastrophe grant of $100,000. The grant will allow Lions in the area to provide life-saving supplies of food, water, blankets and other necessities. Please consider donating to the Lions Club International Foundation to help further their efforts on helping communities in need. We never know when or where disaster will strike, but LCIF emergency and major catastrophe grants enable local Lions to respond at a moment’s notice.

As you celebrate Labor Day weekend, the Lions Pride staff and board ask you to keep all of the families affected by this catastrophe in your thoughts and prayers. Many Texas and Louisiana lives will be changed after this event and will be in need of much support.

Stick to Your New Year’s Resolution in 2016

31 Thursday Dec 2015

Posted by lionspridewi in Giving Tips, Holidays, News, Special Events

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2016, accountability, automate, change, exercise, family, friend, giving, goals, health, holiday, improvements, january, lions pride, new year, resolutions, small, statistics, write

Today marks the 365th day Happy New Yearof the year. You know what the means – it’s time to turn over a new leaf and find ways to improve yourself in the year ahead. Yes, we are talking about New Year’s Resolutions.

Approximately 40 to 45 percent of American adults make one of more resolutions each year, but how many of those actually stick by what they say? A study has found that:

  • Past the first week, 75 percent of resolution-makers are still going strong.
  • Past two weeks, the number drops slightly to 71 percent.
  • After one month, resolutions kept drops again to 64 percent.
  • Finally, after six months, only 46 percent of the original resolutions are maintained.

In other words, only half of all resolutions made in January continue until the end of June. Simply stating that you hope to improve isn’t enough to make the change. In 2016, keep your resolution by following these tips:

  1. Write down your goals

    Those who write down their goals on a piece of paper are much more likely to succeed versus those who do not. Why? Because writing down your goal forces you to brainstorm an action plan and motivate you to take action. Learn more about the advantages of committing your goals to writing.

  2. Make one change at a time

    The New Year inspires us all to want to make big changes. Self-improvement is always great; however, deciding to change too many bad habits at once can be overwhelming. If you resolve to stop smoking, start exercising and eat healthier, you are putting a lot of pressure on yourself. Instead, decide to focus on one resolution and work up to the others.

  3. Tell a friend or family

    Talking to friends about your goals is an excellent way to build accountability. If you are working to spend more time with family in 2016, tell your family! There’s no doubt that they will hold you responsible for keeping your resolution. If possible, find a friend who shares your resolution and motivate one another. (Don’t worry; we’re not expecting you to share with all of your Facebook friends.)

  4. Take small steps

    Resolutions are always challenging, but they are even more difficult when all you have is a large and seemingly impossible goal. Saying, “This year, I want to give more to my favorite charity” could mean writing a large check next December or it could mean making small donations throughout the year. Yes, you will accomplish the same objective, but which one are you more likely to notice?

    Did you know that giving to Lions Pride is simpler than you can imagine? Many Pride supporters choose to simplify their giving by automating their monthly gift. Find out how you can automate your donation.

Remember that all improvements start with a decision to make a change. Make 2016 the year that you change your life for the better. We know you can do it!

There’s no question that 2015 was a spectacular year, but we’re ready to see what the New Year has in store for us. The Lions Pride office will be closed for the remainder of the week. Have a safe and enjoyable New Year’s Eve. See in 2016!

 

Merry Christmas From Lions Pride

24 Thursday Dec 2015

Posted by lionspridewi in Holidays, Lions Camp

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appreciation, gifts, giving, lions camp, lions pride, merry christmas, presents, reindeer, santa, thank you

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there; 

The children were nestled all snug in their beds;
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap, 

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash. 

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow,
Gave a luster of midday to objects below,
When what to my wondering eyes did appear,
But a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer, 

With a little old driver so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment he must be St. Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name: 

“Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! on, Cupid! on, Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!” 

As leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky;
So up to the housetop the coursers they flew
With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too— 

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound. 

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;
A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.

His eyes—how they twinkled! his dimples, how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard on his chin was as white as the snow; 

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke, it encircled his head like a wreath;
He had a broad face and a little round belly
That shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly. 

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread; 

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose; 

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight—
Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

Lions Pride with Santa Hat

As a child, do you remember the magic you used to feel on Christmas Eve? The excitement you felt as you left out cookies and milk and got ready for bed? Then spending the night watching the clock because you just couldn’t wait for the morning?

Sadly, as adults, the magic of the season seems to disappear a little more each year. Santa no longer represents a symbol of joy and Christmas celebrations just seem like another family get-together. Fortunately, that magic does reappear as we have children of our own. Suddenly, our role changes from excited child to excited parent. We spend the night also making preparations and we, too, await Christmas morning so we can watch our kids eagerly open their gifts. We experience a different kind of magic – the magic of giving.

At Lions Pride, we feel so lucky to be in a special kind of role. Although our kids may be grown, we still get to play the role of Santa throughout the year. Each summer, we are able to give special children the gift of experience at Wisconsin Lions Camp. In 2015, over 140 children were given the opportunity to have the week of their lives out in the woods – camping, roasting marshmallows, swimming and enjoying everything nature had to offer. None of this would be possible without the help of you, our donors and supporters.

We’ve said it once and we’ll say it again, thank you for all that you do support the Lions Pride Endowment Fund! We could never accomplish our mission to preserve, protect and provide for Lions Camp and all WLF statewide projects without you.

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

 

The History of the 12 Days of Christmas

12 Thursday Dec 2013

Posted by lionspridewi in Holidays

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christmas, giving, holidays, lions pride

Today is 12-12, hence the subject of today’s Blog, the 12 Days of Christmas.

12 Days of Christmas

Photo credit to babble.com

As we all know, the Christmas season has gone through some drastic changes over the last decade. This year, stores were selling Christmas decorations before Halloween, we began hearing the sounds of Christmas on the radio in early November, began shopping on Thanksgiving Day and as far as most of us are concerned it will be all over on December 26th.  So during this two month timeframe, when do the 12 days of Christmas arrive?

Surprisingly, 12 days of Christmas begin on December 25 and have very little to do with jewelry, farm animals, musicians and stable hands. There is actually a quite deeper meaning.

Many believe that the song “12 Days of Christmas” was created as early as the 16th Century. In England, from 1558 to 1829, Roman Catholics were not permitted to practice their faith openly so they created a code to worship in secret. The following lyrics were translated:

The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus.

Two turtle doves were the old and new testaments.

Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love.

The four calling birds symbolized the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

The five golden rings stood for the Torah or the first five books of the Old Testament.

The six geese of laying represented the six days of creation.

The seven swans-a-swimming stood for the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit.

The eight maids-a-milking symbolized the eight beatitudes.

The nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

gentleness and self-control.

The ten lords-a-leaping stood for the Ten Commandments.

The eleven pipers piping represented the eleven faithful disciples.

The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of the Apostle’s Creed.

By celebrating the 12 days of Christmas from Christmas Day to January 6, we are able to reflect on the true reason for the season.

This year, let’s all set a goal to keep the spirit of Christmas alive in more than just December. Let’s remember to count

our blessings and share the peace and love of the season with others throughout 2014.

Remember, for those on your list that are hard to buy for, make a donation in their honor to Lions Pride, before December 19th, we will send a personalized Christmas Card to notify them of your gift.  Click here to make your online donation and just enter the recipient’s address in the comments box or mail in your donation and include a note with their address.

How will you keep the spirit of Christmas alive in 2014?  Tell us in the comments below or share with us on Facebook with #LPEF.

Source: http://urbanlegends.about.com/od/christmaslore/a/12_days_of_christmas_meaning.htm

The Season of Giving

05 Thursday Dec 2013

Posted by lionspridewi in Giving Tips, Holidays

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giving, holiday, lions pride

Christmas HonorariumIt is December, which means the season of giving is officially upon us.

Carlos Ruiz Zafon, Spanish novelist, has said, “Presents are made for the pleasure of who gives them, not the merits of who receives them.”

Do you have anyone on your Christmas list that is difficult to buy for or say they don’t need or want a gift? The perfect alternative is a donation to Lions Pride. Your family and friends will be more aware of our cause and perhaps will consider giving their own donation. This is a great indirect way to let your family, friends and business associates know about Lions Pride.

Christmas Donation CardMake a donation to Lions Pride in their name and we will send a personalized Christmas Card to notify them of your gift. If the donation is received on-line or in our office December 19th, they will receive the card before Christmas. Click here to make your online donation and just enter the recipient’s address in the comments box or mail in your donation and include a note with their address.

Also, as this year draws to a close, surrounded by family and friends, reflecting on your blessings, if you haven’t already considered it, this may be the time to start thinking about planned giving.

Planned giving occurs when gifts are made using other property that has increased in value such as: gifts by will, Charitable Remainder Annuity Trust (CRAT), Charitable Remainder Unitrust (CRUT), Charitable Lead Trust, life insurance plans and retirement plans.

By planning your giving, you can avoid potential tax issues to your heirs down the road. For instance, if you have both a life insurance policy and an individual retirement account (IRA,) you may want to consider gifting your IRA to the Lions Pride Endowment Fund of WI, and your life insurance to your heirs. The IRA would be tax-free to Lions Pride, but taxable to your heirs.

Consult with your personal financial planner and when considering your plan we hope you consider including the Lions Pride Endowment Fund of WI, Inc. Remember, in supporting the Lions Pride Endowment Fund you are ensuring and preserving the legacy for the Wisconsin Lions Foundation and the Lions Camp.

To learn more about planned giving, please visit our informational webpage and be sure to contact us with any questions you may have along the way.

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