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Lions Pride Year in Review

26 Thursday Dec 2019

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Lions Lake Totem PoleChristmas is officially behind us. Can you believe it? With Thanksgiving falling late in November, we all had less time to prepare for the busiest season of the year, but we all managed to survive! Now, with the year quickly winding down, we hope you have some time to reflect on the past 360 days.

In 2019, we were proud to accomplish the following milestones:

  • Helped send over 1200 Wisconsin children to Lions Camp, where they were able to learn lifelong skills that will serve them well beyond their childhoods. Campers were able to participate in several outdoor activities, build lasting friendships and enjoy being kids in a fun, safe environment.
  • Collected and recycled eyeglasses to share with people in need all around the world. Each year our Eyeglass Recycling Center receives an average of 800,000 pairs of used glasses each year.
  • Screened the eyes of thousands of children from all around the state from ages 6 months to teenage. With early detection, we’re able to help preserve and protect a child’s gift of sight.
  • Provided local communities with essential diabetes education. Did you know that diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in people aged 20 to 74, as well as a significant cause of other serious health complications? Our goal is to help reduce the number of blindness cases through education, early detection and treatment.

Of course, none of these accomplishments would be possible without the continued support of our gracious donors. We would not be “Today’s help, tomorrow’s hope” without you. We are incredibly thankful to have you by our side.

As we wrap up the year, we’d ask you to consider Lions Pride in your year-end giving plans. We are excited to announce our determined efforts to reach $10 million by the Wisconsin Lions State Convention in 2021. Attaining 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. Let’s come together in support.

The Lions Pride Office will be closed for the remainder of the week. Happy Holidays to you and your family!

Lions Pride 2019 Annual Meeting

18 Thursday Jul 2019

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Screen Shot 2019-07-17 at 6.04.27 AMHappy (Lionistic) New Year! We’re not sure how it happened, but July has arrived once more. If you’re familiar with Lions Club International, you know that they finish out the organization’s fiscal year with the International Convention. Lions Pride follows a similar tradition by also hosting an important event. Our annual meeting will take place this Friday, July 20, at the Lions Pride Office. The meeting starts at 1:30 pm.

Our board members are stationed all over the state; they get together four times a year but do not usually have the chance to meet with the general public. Annual meetings are an incredible opportunity to talk with members outside of the organization about the current financial standing of Lions Pride.

The annual meeting will directly follow the third board meeting of the year. The agenda will include a discussion of the year’s activities, fundraising efforts and overall financial position. We’ll also hear a statement from LPEF President Sam Kochel and have the chance to thank our donors in person.

If you already have plans and are unable to attend, you can still request a copy of the annual report, which will be available next week. You can send your request for an electronic or printed version (please note supplies are limited) by emailing us at prideoffice@lionspride.org.

As we continue to prepare for this week’s meeting, we can’t help but look back on the previous year with fond memories. It was another year filled with success and gratitude. We feel fortunate to be able to work with such a generous group of people. Thank you for helping us carry out our mission to preserve, provide and protect for the Wisconsin Lions Camp and all WLF statewide projects. We know there are lots of outstanding organizations out there to support, and we feel so grateful that you continue to choose ours.

A Short History of Saint Nicholas Day

06 Thursday Dec 2018

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Today marks the beginning of another December holiday known as Saint Nicholas Day, aSaint Nicholas gift- giving holiday that stems from ancient Greece. Will you and your family be celebrating?

St. Nick’s Day is a big holiday in Europe but is not nearly as common here in the United States. It all started back in 4th century Greece. Nicholas’ parents died in an epidemic when he was a young boy but left him with a large sum of money. With his inheritance, he decided to use his wealth to help the sick, the needy and the suffering. His most popular act was to leaving gold coins in people’s shoes around the city. He became known across the land for his generosity. After dedicating his life of service to others, Nicholas of Myra was officiated as a bishop.

European immigrants brought their beliefs and associations around Saint Nicholas Day. The earliest records observe the holiday in big cities such as New York City in the early 1800s. Of course, the tradition has since evolved since making its way to North America. Today, children hang their stockings on the fireplace mantel and awake to small gifts of candy, games and other fun trinkets. However, there is always the chance that naughty children will wake to a sad lump of coal.

If you’ve been through a checkout line in a superstore anytime in the recent future, you know there are all sorts of stocking stuffer ideas out there. Kids of all ages will love stickers, candy, cookies, jewelry, toy cars, fruit, building blocks and bottles of nail polish. But we have an idea for another extra special gift to add to the list.

In addition to small knickknacks, consider teaching your children the value of charity by giving a donation in his or her name. Print off the certificate and add it to their stocking. Then you can explain to them how their special gift helps others. For example, with a donation to Lions Pride, they are helping children with special needs have fun at a week of summer camp, meeting new friends and building life-changing skills – an experience that he or she will treasure for a lifetime.

This holiday season, embody the spirit of Saint Nicholas with a gift that gives back. After all, isn’t it the reason behind season?

Happy Saint Nicholas Day from Lions Pride!

 

Graduation Fun Facts

17 Thursday May 2018

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With these bouts of 80+ degree temperatures, we’re getting a first-hand experience of

accomplishment ceremony education graduation

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

what’s to come. Summer is finally on its way. It won’t be long until Lions Camp is filled with the sound of campers’ laughter (our favorite time of the year!) As for the rest of us, our calendars will be filled with weekend barbecues, wedding celebrations and, of course, graduation parties.

This weekend, thousands of students will walk across the stage and out into the world as graduates. Let’s celebrate their educational success with a fun more fun facts about graduation.

  • The first known diplomas were made of sheepskin and tied with ribbons. As paper-making became easier, they were replaced with parchment. Ribbons were eventually removed from the process altogether because the diplomas were too difficult to frame.
  • 16th Century Church Dignitaries were the first people to wear the famous commencement hat. The caps were called “mortarboards” because of their similarity to the masonry tool called the “mortarboard.” The tassel wasn’t added until the 19th
  • Everyone is familiar with the tradition of graduates throwing their caps in the air, but did you know the practice can be dangerous? In 2008, Anglia Ruskin University in England tried to ban cap-tossing after a student received stitches when a mortarboard came down on his head a few years prior, but the practice has since been reinstated. Remember, to be aware of your surroundings.

Here at Lions Pride, we’d like to wish all of our state graduates best wishes. We know that the road wasn’t always easy, but the payoff is great. We hope you have a chance to reflect on your accomplishment and know there is a bright future ahead. Congratulations!

 

“Your education is a dress rehearsal for a life that is yours to lead.” – Nora Ephron

Our Role as Santa

21 Thursday Dec 2017

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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!

Sweetest Day – Then and Now

19 Thursday Oct 2017

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Do you ever feel like some holidays were created merely to benefit the greeting card Sweetest Day Chocolateindustry? Yes, we’re talking to you, Valentine’s Day, Boss’s Day and Grandparents Day. Well, we’re here to tell you that the next holiday – Sweetest Day on Saturday, October 21, 2017 – may fall into the same category, but it truly has a delightful message.

The holiday began back in early 20th Century as Candy Day. According to Hallmark, legends say the day was established by Herbert Birch Kingston, a candy store employee who wanted to spread happiness to people who were feeling forgotten. He recruited a team, went out and began distributing candy to orphans, shut-ins and others to show them that some cared.

As time went on, celebrities started joining in on the act, and the holiday broadened to include loved ones, coworkers and friends. Today, observance of Sweetest Day is still the most popular in the Midwest due to its origination.

How should you observe the upcoming holiday? Well, you could surprise your sweetheart with a box of their favorite candy, but there other “healthier” ways to celebrate:

  1. Write a heartfelt letter (or email)

In the last decade or so, it seems that we have lost the art of letter writing. Show someone you care by crafting a heartfelt letter. Of course, you could always send an email if you’re looking for a quicker way to display your affection; but we can guarantee that a handwritten letter is bound to put a smile on your recipient’s face.

  1. Send flowers

Did you know that aside from being pretty, fresh cut flowers and plants have numerous health benefits? Flowers have the ability to give someone an instant mood boost and aid in both memory and concentration. If your loved one has been feeling stressed at work, you can provide them support with a beautiful bouquet of flowers.

  1. Donate in their honor

As you likely already know, nonprofit organizations thrive with the support of their loyal donors. After all, 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 a honorarium/memorial donation to Lions Pride, we’re happy to mail an acknowledgement card to your loved one or their family. Together, you and your sweetheart can create a legacy that will last for future generations at the Wisconsin Lions Camp and in other WLF projects.

While the holiday may have begun with candy and sweets in mind, it has truly become a day to do small things with great love. Remember, it’s the thought that counts! How do you plan to celebrate?

Happy Sweetest Day from Lions Pride!

Happy Boss’s Day to Lion Sam

12 Thursday Oct 2017

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Monday is Boss’s Day – are you ready? Many employees from around the country will Sam Kochel pro temchoose to spend their day showing appreciation to their supervisors by surprising them with goodies, cards, flowers and more. To celebrate our own Boss’s Day, we’d like to recognize our boss, Sam Kochel, with a blog post written just for him so you can learn more about our fearless leader.

Lion Sam grew up in Janesville, Wisconsin, and eventually moved to Northfield, Minnesota. He graduated from St. Olaf College with a degree in economics. Later, he served in the US Army and was stationed in both Germany and Vietnam. After his service, he returned home to attend Luther Seminary in St. Paul.

He has been a part of the Lions Organization for several years. His Lions career includes service as a Past Council Chair, WLF Board Member and active member of the Rice Lake Lions. He and his wife Carolyn have also participated in eyeglass distribution missions to Mexico and Nicaragua. Before becoming President of the LPEF Board, he served as a board member and secretary.

Lion Sam had big shoes to fill after the recent passing of our chairman and founder, Dewey Carl. He has done an incredible job leading our Board of Directors forward so we can continue carrying out Dewey’s vision – to preserve, protect and provide for Lions Camp and all WLF projects. Lion Sam is always inspiring us to look for new way to support our cause. Read more about the Lions Pride story here.

We’d like to wish a “Happy Boss’s Day” to Lion Sam and all of the phenomenal leaders out there. Thanks for all that you do!

The 2017 C1 District Convention

05 Thursday Oct 2017

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Convention Season is upon us! If you’re a seasoned Lion or Lioness, you know thatLions Club International October kicks off a series of district conventions before the holiday break; next week, we’ll be headed to Dale’s Weston Lanes to meet with area Lions and spread the message of Pride at the 27-C1 District Convention.

The convention will begin Friday night at 7 pm with a live auction and seafood buffet. All clubs are asked to participate by donating an item or two. All proceeds will benefit WLF projects, including Lions Camp. The big question is, who will take home the famous putter this year?

Attending members will get their legs moving bright and early on Saturday morning with a Strides Run/Walk, taking place from 7 am to 11:30 am. The Strides events promote diabetes awareness and the importance of healthy exercise for people with and at risk of diabetes.

The remainder of the day will be dedicated to educational seminars for Lions to come together to learn, connect and share their passion for the LCI community. You’re not going to want to miss this event – especially if you are a new member. There’s no better way to learn about Lions than by attending one or more district conventions.

If you’re planning on attending the C1 Convention, be on the lookout for our Executive Director Geri Schlender and President Sam Kochel. We will have a table display set up in the Exhibition Hall if you’re interested in learning more about the impact of Lions Pride.

We’re looking forward to a weekend filled with camaraderie and education. Why are you excited to attend the C1 Convention? We’d love to hear in the comments below.

Happy Convention Season from Lions Pride!

2017 Council of Governors Orientation Weekend

01 Thursday Jun 2017

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June has arrived! The trees are blooming, the birds WI Lions Campare singing and winter feels like nothing more than a cold, distant memory.

While we may only be halfway through the year of 2017, the 2016-2016 Lionistic Year is coming to a close; that means it’s time for our current Council of Governors to start handing the reigns to our the DGEs. Saturday marks the first full weekend of the summer at Lions Camp. The DGEs will be gearing up for their new roles at this weekend’s orientation.

The fun starts on Friday afternoon at 4 pm with initial Council Chair Training presented by CC Shawn Redington, IPID Karla Harris and PID Mark Hintzmann. Immediately following, the elected officials will receive a camp tour and meal from the WLF Directors. The night ends with WLF orientation history and current project overview.

On Saturday, the District Governor Elects will learn about the training at the International Convention and receive more information about the several projects happening within Wisconsin Lions. They will hear from Lions Club International Foundation, the Global Members Team, Wisconsin Lions Eyebank and, of course, Lions Pride.

The day will then wrap up with the council meeting schedule, locations, format and committee action items. The next two days are going to move quickly for the incoming Governors and will begin to prepare them for the year ahead.

Lions Pride is looking forward to seeing all of the District Governor Elects this weekend, and sharing our message about Pride. We’d like to wish all of the new DGEs a nice weekend; we know you are going to be great in your new roles!

Lions Pride Presents Check to WLF

30 Thursday Mar 2017

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Thousands of people throughout Wisconsin haveSam Kochel pro tem supported the Lions free service programs by participating in local fundraisers and activities, but over the course of the last two decades, expenses for Lions Camp and all WLF statewide projects have risen dramatically. Lions Pride was created to counteract these increasing costs by working to preserve, protect and provide for the future of Lions Camp and all WLF projects. Read the entire story here.

Each year Lions Pride makes two disbursements of funds to the Wisconsin Lions Foundation from the Lions Pride Endowment Fund based on the interest. The amounts are based on market values and ultimately determined by the LPEF Board of Directors.

Last week, we were happy to deliver our first gift of 2017. Our president pro tem, PCC Sam Kochel, presented a check for $40,000 to WLF President, Tom Mueller, at the March 25th WLF board meeting.

We are proud to report that all WLF projects received funds with this donation. The lions share was designated for Lions Camp, and the remainder went to the eyeglass recycling center, the hearing project, children & adult vision screening and diabetes education.

With this single donation, Lions Pride is providing 48 kids a week at Lions Camp this summer. Wow! We could not do it without our generous donors.

We will be making the second disbursement of additional funds in September. Consider donating to Lions Pride to help us create a sustainable future for the Lions Camp and all WLF statewide projects. If there is a project that holds a special place in your heart, be sure to designate it! All designated donations are guaranteed to go towards the project of choice.

We can’t thank our donors enough for their continued support.