Tag Archives: thank you

The Magic of Giving

20 Thursday Dec 2018

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

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Think back to your favorite Christmas memory. You were likely a small child. You can Santa is placing gift boxes under Christmas treeprobably remember your excitement as the holiday quickly approached. The days leading up to Christmas Eve, you were on your best behavior (but had good reminders from your parents and teachers.) When December 24 finally arrived, you couldn’t wait to go to sleep that night. Your mom and dad likely helped you prepare for the evening with a fresh plate of cookies and a glass of milk. You brushed your teeth and quickly went to bed, but then spent most of the night watching the clock – just waiting for an appropriate time to wake up. Then on Christmas morning, you couldn’t believe your eyes as you found a Christmas tree full of presents replaced with an empty plate. You believed in the magic of Christmas.

Sadly, things change as we grow older. Our excitement was instead replaced with stress and a To-Do list a mile long, and the spirit fades. Fortunately, the magic does reappear as we have children of our own, but our roles change – from excited child to excited parent. We also spend Christmas Eve, making preparations and not getting much shuteye because we too are eager to watch our children thrilled be opening our gifts. Then quietly smiling when they ask, “How did Santa know this is exactly what I wanted?” As parents, we come to discover a new kind of magic – the magic of giving.

But as life continues on, the cycle continues. Our children grow up, and the spirit again slightly fades.

Luckily, as supporters of Lions Pride, we have a unique role that allows us to play Santa all year long. How, you might ask? By giving special children all around the state of Wisconsin the gift of experience. This year, over 150 children were given the opportunity to spend a week in the beautiful place known as the Wisconsin Lions Camp. During their week at camp, these kids have the chance for overnight camping, canoe and hiking trips, swimming, kayaking, paddle boating, archery, crafts, sports and more. All the while, they are also developing self-confidence, interdependence, social skills and outdoor recreational skills, at no cost to their families.

This particular gift may not be beautifully wrapped under a bright, full Christmas tree, but we know in our hearts that it’s a gift that keeps on giving all year long because a child’s week at camp allows them the resources, skills and experiences that will serve them long beyond their childhoods.

Of course, none of this would be possible without you, the help of our donors, the lifeblood of our organization. We never get tired of saying thank you for your ongoing support. Although our biological children may be grown, we look forward to playing the role of Santa for countless years to come. Thank you for helping us continue 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 24, to celebrate Christmas with our families. We’d like to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas!

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Celebrating Women’s Equality Day

23 Thursday Aug 2018

Posted by in Holidays, News, Special Events

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The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the Hands InUnited States or by any state on account of sex.

Did you know that Sunday is Women’s Equality Day? On August 26, 1920, the United States passed the 19th Amendment allowing women the right to vote. It’s hard to believe that less than 100 years ago, women were not able to enjoy many of the same rights as their male counterparts. But although the amendment was passed that year, the fight for women’s rights began nearly an entire century prior.

In the late 1840s and early 1850s, women began protesting in public. They started group meetings in places like Seneca Falls, New York. Many influential women like Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton were active in the fight against slavery and their efforts would help get them included in the 14th and 15th Amendment, but they were sadly mistaken.

The women reorganized themselves as the National Woman Suffrage Association in 1869. They started a newspaper called “The Revolution” and began protesting in silent sentinels. Meanwhile local groups were popping up at the state level. Finally, after years of struggle and hardship, the United States Congress endorsed the proposed 19th Amendment.

To commemorate this historic event, let’s celebrate by honoring the inspiring women in our lives. Here are a few ideas on how to participate in Women’s Equality Day:

  1. Write a thank you letter to a woman you admire

    This one is self-explanatory but consider writing a note to an influential woman in your life. The letter doesn’t need to be long, just a few words of gratitude and appreciation can go a long way.

  1. Voice your opinion on issues and organizations that you care about

    There’s no doubt that times have certainly changed over the past 200 years but follow in the footsteps of Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton by taking a stance on an issue close to your heart. With the recent birth of social media, we all have the opportunity to talk about topics that matter. Use social media to help enact change. Don’t be afraid to speak your mind, but please remember to mindful of other opinions.

  2. Get informed on local and state-level elections

    Have you ever gotten to the poll booth and felt like you didn’t recognize any names on the ballot? Of course, we’ve all been there, but it’s never too late to make a change. This November marks the 2018 midterm elections. Spend some time preparing for the polls by educating yourself on the candidates and the issues important to you. Your future self will thank you!

  3. Mentor a young girl

    Women may have made long strides in the past two centuries, but there is still a wide road ahead. Think about becoming a positive influence in the life of a young girl. Your experience and support could mean all of the difference in the world.

How do you plan to celebrate women’s rights? Tell us in the comments below.

Happy Women’s Equality Day from Lions Pride!

 

The Lions Pride 2018 Annual Meeting

19 Thursday Jul 2018

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Happy New Year! No, you’re not experiencing déjà vu, and we’re not losing our minds! If Annual Reportyou are familiar with Lions, you know that July is the official start of the Lionistic New Year. Each year, Lions Club International finishes off the year with the international convention. Lions Pride has a similar tradition by hosting the organization’s annual meeting.

The board meets four times annually to discuss financial activity, upcoming events and the organization as a whole. But this Friday, July 20, is a bit different because, after the regularly scheduled board meeting, Lions Pride will hold the annual meeting, in which everyone is invited – donors, volunteers and advocates. At this meeting, the board will have the chance to speak directly to the general public on the organization’s current standing.

During the meeting, we will be discussing the 2017-2018 activities, fundraising efforts, donors and donations as well as the overall organization standing. We’ll also hear from our President Sam Kochel and get the opportunity to thank our donors in person. And, if we’re lucky, we may even get to treat ourselves to a couple of Geri’s famous chocolate chip cookies.

If you are able to attend, please notify the Pride Staff by calling 715-677-7000. If you aren’t able to make it to tomorrow’s meeting, the annual report will be available online early next week. If you’d like to receive an electronic or paper copy (supplies are limited), you can request one by emailing us at prideoffice@lionspride.org.

As we diligently prepare for the annual meeting, we can’t help but take a trip down Memory Lane. The 2017-2018 Lionistic Year was another exceptional one filled with achievement and gratitude. We feel so lucky to have the opportunity to work with such an amazing group of people and never tire of saying “thank you.” We truly appreciate your continued support.

We’re excited about celebrating the year’s successes while brainstorming new ideas for the year ahead. We hope you’ll consider joining us. See you then!

A 2017 Thanksgiving Message from Lions Pride

23 Thursday Nov 2017

Posted by in Holidays, Lions Camp, Special Events

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Today is a day to give thanks. Thanksgiving is one of our favorites times of the year Pumpkinsbecause it allows us a chance to reflect on all of life’s blessings. In the days leading up to Thanksgiving, we had some time to think about all that we’re thankful for here at Lions Pride. In 2017, we’ve been able to help financially support the Wisconsin Lions Camp and all WLF projects, which resulted in opportunities to:

  • Send over 150 Wisconsin children to Lions Camp this summer where they were able to learn lifelong skills that will serve them well beyond their childhoods. Campers were able able to explore various outdoor activities, build lasting friendships and enjoy being kids in a fun, safe environment.
  • Collect eyeglasses that were recycled and shared with people in need from all around the world.
  • Screen 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.
  • Provide local communities with diabetes education. As you likely already know, 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 primary goal is to help reduce the number of blindness cases through education, early detection and treatment.

None of these accomplishments would be possible without the generous support of our donors. We would not be “Today’s help, tomorrow’s hope” without you. We are so thankful to have you support us in our mission. We never grow tired of saying “thank you.”

The Lions Pride office will be closed today and Friday to celebrate the holiday. We’d like to wish you and your family a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

 

The 8th Annual Friendship 100 Ride

06 Thursday Jul 2017

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Friendship 100 Riders

As you know, the Wisconsin Lions Camp gets special visitors all summer long, but in less than a week, we’ll be receiving a group of guests that won’t arrive in big, yellow buses – but rather roaring hogs!

We’re happy to announce that Open Road HD of Fond du Lac will be once again partnering with Lions Pride to hold the 8th Annual Friendship 100. The invitation-only ride was started back in 2009 and has raised over $30,000 for Lions Camp.

To participate, the riders raise a minimum donation of $100 before the event. Then together, the group takes a beautiful 100-mile ride from Fond du Lac to Rosholt. This year’s ride will be held on Wednesday, July 12.

After arriving, the riders will enjoy lunch at the recreation center, followed by a tour to experience the day in the life of a Wisconsin Lions Camper before making the trek home.

Year after year, we look forward to the Friendship 100. A unique part of our job is that we work with both Lions and non-Lions to support WLF projects, and there is nothing that we love more than taking part in activities that support the cause.

To all of the participating riders, we’d like to extend a special message for your continued support. Because of your generosity over the last eight years, you have guaranteed several camper spots in perpetuity, and we cannot say thank you enough for your support. See you soon!

The 10th Annual Lions Pride Shoot Preparations

08 Thursday Jun 2017

Posted by in Fundraising, News, Special Events

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If you’ve been keeping up with us at any point in the last decade, you know that early9th Annual Shootsummer is an especially busy time of the year for our staff. On the second Saturday of June for the past ten years, we’ve traveled to Milford Hills in Johnson Creek for the annual Lions Pride Sporting Clays Shoot.

Despite the fact that it is a one-day event, the staff has spent months preparing – registering shooters, enlisting sponsors, collecting door prizes and auction items, coordinating the day’s activities with the Milford Hills staff and recruiting volunteers. Now that the final week is upon us and all of our participants are signed up, we can work on the last details of creating signage and finalizing all of our station games and activities.

At the beginning of the year, we knew that this event would be different from past years without Dewey, but the fact has become ever clear throughout all of our preparations. It’s been impossible not to think of him as we continue to assemble the various elements of his favorite fundraising event. The Pride Shoot was his favorite fundraising event and something that he looked forward to year after year. This year’s event will be dedicated to his memory, and we know that he will be with us in spirit on Saturday.

Although we still have a lot to accomplish before the weekend, we know that everything will get done – it always does! We’d like to thank all of our donors, sponsors and volunteers in advance for all of your support. It truly takes an army to create and implement a successful event, and the Pride Shoot would not be what it is without all of your help.

Now, if you’ll excuse us, we need to get back to work!

See you on Saturday,
Lions Pride Staff

Honor Flight to Washington DC

25 Thursday May 2017

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Memorial Day may only Memorial Day Cemetarybe four days away, but a group of our state’s heroes has gotten a head start on the celebration.

Ninety Wisconsin veterans received the opportunity to fly to Washington DC on Sunday, May 19, with the Stars and Stripes Honor Flight. This flight was the second of three scheduled for the spring of 2017.

The group left Mitchell Airport early at 7 am to fill in a full day of site seeing. Upon arrival, our veterans visited the WWII Memorial, the Korean War Memorial, the Iwo Jima/Marine Corps Memorial and the Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Wall. The group also got to witness the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

The heroes arrived back in Milwaukee at 9 pm that evening and were graciously welcomed home by family, friends and community members.

Although many of us may celebrate the holiday with a classic barbecue with loved ones, it’s important to remember the true meaning of the holiday.

As reminded by the SSHF, “Memorial Day isn’t a ‘thank you for your service day’ for our living veterans or active duty military. It’s a day to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom and were denied the privilege of growing old.” Read the entire excerpt here.

It’s so easy to lose sight of the origin of Memorial Day, appreciating those who sacrificed themselves for our country and freedom. Consider spending some time on Monday, to visit a cemetery and saying “thank you” to our nation’s greatest heroes.

The Lions Pride Office will be closed on Monday, May 29 in observance of the holiday. We’d like to wish you and your family a safe and happy Memorial Day!

3 Ways to Express Your Gratitude This Mother’s Day

11 Thursday May 2017

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

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We hope that we’re not the first ones to Happy Mothers Daytell you that Mother’s Day is only 48 hours away. While this may seem to be another obvious greeting card holiday, don’t fall for the deception! Mother’s Day is a holiday that honors motherhood and takes many forms all over the globe. In America form of Mother’s Day was created in 1908 by Anna Jarvis, and became an official US holiday in 1914. (She later tried to denounce the commercialization of the holiday and spent much of her lifetime trying to remove the holiday from the calendar, but that’s a story for another day!)

There’s no question in our minds that parenthood, and motherhood, in particular, is one of the most challenging jobs that comes with its own share of sacrifices. Mother’s Day is a wonderful holiday that gives us all an opportunity to show the moms in our lives how much they mean to us.

Often, this gratitude comes in the form of gifts, but gifts don’t necessarily need to include the typical card and flowers. This Mother’s Day, think about giving a more creative present to the moms in your life with a few ideas:

  • Giving your time: Rather than giving a physical present, say, “I love you” with the gift of your time. In this day and age, it’s easy for time to get away with us. Spend Sunday doing the activity of her choice like going to church, seeing a movie or just spending the afternoon catching up. We are confident that mothers will agree that there’s nothing better than spending precious time together.
  • Taking on her usual duties: In life, we all have responsibilities that we don’t much care for. Whether it’s scrubbing toilets, washing dishes or eliminating loads of laundry, take one or all of those duties to give her a chance to put her feet up and relax. After all, how often does that actually happen at home?
  • Giving a gift that keeps on giving: It’s very likely that Mom has a special cause that she cares about. Help that organization carry on in their mission by giving a gift in her honor. If your mom 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.

Remember that the best gifts in life don’t always come packed with ribbons and bows. This Mother’s Day, say “thank you” to the most important moms in your life with a present that she won’t soon forget. How do you plan to express your gratitude?

From all of us at Lions Pride, Happy Mother’s Day!

Make Your Own Luck by Paying It Forward

16 Thursday Mar 2017

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As you know, tomorrow, (St. Patrick’s Day) Garbage Pickupis known as the luckiest day of the year. You
may celebrate the occasion with a green ensemble, a corned beef dinner and a lottery ticket, but where does that leave you today and the rest of the year?

Here at Lions Pride, we are firm believers in the power of making your own luck. The theory of Karma is a fundamental belief in Buddhism, and the law of moral causation.

Simply speaking, karma teaches us that we are accountable for our actions, so the trick is always to be looking for ideas to help others. Consider setting a goal to perform a random act of kindness each day to keep paying it forward:

Here are seven ideas to get you started:

  1. Experience a friendly customer service associate? Be sure to stop and tell their manager.
  2. Pay it backward by buying coffee for the person behind you in line at the coffee shop.
  3. Start spring cleanup early by picking up garbage along the highway or in your neighborhood park.
  4. Compliment the first three people you see today.
  5. Donate to a cause you care about.
  6. Leave a generous tip for a kind server. You can bet that will make their day!
  7. Send ‘Thank You’ cards to your area police officers and firefighters expressing your appreciation for their service.

If you’re not crazy about these ideas, read through 43 more at randomactsofkindess.org. We’re almost certain that you’ll find one that suits your fancy and your good deed will inspire others to repay the favor.

Who needs the luck of the Irish when you can make your own? Don’t forget that what goes around comes around. Remember that you reap what you sow!

Lions Pride Current Happenings

07 Thursday Jul 2016

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Friendship Ride 100We hope you had a nice 4th of July weekend. Although many of us assume that the week after a holiday is usually pretty laid back that is not the case here at Lions Pride.

Our Executive Director, Geri Schlender, just returned from the Lions International Convention in Fukuoka, Japan, and is fighting jet lag with some good old-fashioned hard work! She is currently in the process of preparing for two large events taking place next week.

Next Wednesday, Lions Camp will be packed with shiny, rip-roaring motorcycles, as our friends from Fond du Lac will hit the open road and travel 100 miles to Rosholt. Upon their arrival, participants will be able to experience Lions Camp in its peak season with a tour of the entire camp and a picnic lunch. This year’s invitation-only ride is sponsored again by Open Road Harley-Davidson, and will mark the 7th 100-mile trip.

We’ll then have one day to rest before hosting the Lions Pride Annual Meeting. On Friday, July 15, at 1:30 pm, board members, donors and supporters will join us to discuss the 2015-2016 year. We’ll have the chance to look back on our activities, fundraising efforts and financial position before entering a new year.

Although it’s going to be a busy week, we wouldn’t want to change a thing. We love seeing both new and familiar faces back in Rosholt and are excited to have the opportunity to express our appreciation in-person. After all, we just never tire of saying, “thank you”! Without your support, we would be unable to fulfill our mission to preserve, protect and provide for Lions Camp and all WLF statewide projects.

Stay tuned for more updates.