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Celebrating Motorcyclists

09 Thursday Jul 2020

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On humid days like today, it’s difficult to enjoy the sunshine without a breeze. Unfortunately, Mother Nature doesn’t always cooperate with our plans, so sometimes you need to make your own. If you have to ask yourself how then we would guess that you don’t often find yourself on the back of a bike!

July 10, 2020 is National Motorcycle Day, an unofficial holiday dedicated to celebrating the spirit of adventure and freedom. From what we could find, the creators of the event (Sentry Insurance) thought the second week of July was the perfect time to continue the celebration of Independence Day one week later.

If you consider yourself to be a fan of Lions Pride, you probably already know that motorcyclists have a special place in our hearts.

For the past ten years, we’ve helped host the Friendship 100, an invitation-only motorcycle ride. Riders raise a minimum of $100 to participate, then the group takes a beautiful 100-mile ride from Fond du Lac to Rosholt.

Upon arrival, the riders enjoy a seated lunch, followed by a tour to experience life as a camper at Wisconsin Lions Camp.

Last year’s event was held on July 25, 2019. We were incredibly grateful to have received combined donations of $8270, nearly 50% more than their original goal. To date, the participating rides have donated almost $45,000.

Year after year, we look forward to seeing the friendly faces of our Friendship 100 Riders, but like many other summer events, we’ve had to postpone due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Of course, we are disappointed that our 11th annual ride will not continue as usual, but we hope to host it later this fall. Perhaps the ride will coincide with the extravagant autumn colors.

To all of our Friendship 100 Riders, we’d like to send you a virtual message since we cannot see you this month as we’d like. We cannot tell you how much your generous support means to our organization. We are so appreciative of your giving hearts and hope to see you soon!

Supporting Nurses and Other Healthcare Workers

30 Thursday Apr 2020

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Next Wednesday, May 6, is the start of Nurses Week. Now, you may be asking yourself, shouldn’t this type of celebration start at the beginning of the week? It’s, of course, customary to commemorate these types of events on a Sunday or Monday, but this celebration is a bit different. Each year, Nurses Week takes place from May 6 to May 12, regardless of the day of the week, so the final day always lands on May 12, the birth date of Florence Nightingale, who is known as the Founder of Modern Nursing.

As the number of coronavirus cases continue to spread across the United States and impact the everyday lives of residents all over the world, we can’t think of a more appropriate time to recognize nurses putting their lives on the line to save others.

In the last month, Google released a video reporting that now more than ever before, people are looking for ways to help nurses and others involved in the medical community. To help answer this question, we have a few ideas to actively support our nursing community during this uncertain time:

  1. Donate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

The need for Personal Protective Equipment grows as we discover new COVID-19 cases. Sadly, we are seeing that many facilities are ill-equipped with the gear necessary to protect our nurses and healthcare workers from catching and spreading the virus. A group of doctors started a grassroots organization to determine which facilities are in most desperate need. Remember that supplies save lives. Visit their site to see if you can help.

  1. Send a Thank You Card

If you ever received extraordinary care from a nurse at a hospital or healthcare facility, we encourage you to let them know – even if it was years ago. Although many nurses might say that they were just doing their jobs, we, as patients, know that tender care can make all the difference in the world during times of ill health. Consider sending a thank you card or handwritten note expressing your gratitude. During this pandemic, nurses are working overtime and making a number of sacrifices in their personal lives to get through the present situation, so we would be willing to be a little appreciation would help boost their morale.

  1. Stay home (if you can)

It’s been 37 days since Wisconsin issued the “Safer at Home” order, and we know that many of us are coming down with cabin fever (ourselves included). Still, it’s critical to remember the origin behind stay-at-home orders. Right now, we need to ensure that hospitals can effectively manage the number of COVID cases. Although we all miss seeing our family and friends, we encourage you to continue limiting non-essential trips to keep our healthcare workers ahead of the virus.

We don’t know where we’d be at a time like this without the dedication of our hard-working nurses. To the nurses who wear their hearts on their sleeves, run nonstop throughout long, 12-hour shifts, and continuously put others before themselves, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Please stay safe out there!

Coronavirus remain a bit of a mystery to the medical community, but experts continue to learn more and more about coronavirus each day. Here at Lions Pride, we’d like to remind you to stay up to date with the latest information by visiting the CDC Website

Celebrating Wisconsin Farmers

10 Thursday Oct 2019

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“Small family farmers are the only things that can save us because they take care of the land. Future Farmers of America are going to be our heroes…” -Willie Nelson

When’s the last time you really thought about where your food comes from? If you are a regular grocery shopper, it can be easy to forget about the farmers behind the produce. After all, you’re likely busy scouring prices trying to get in and get out as quickly as possible. The focus is a little more front and center when you and your significant other are strolling through a farmers’ market on a sunny, Saturday morning.

Farmers are the backbone of America. They rise before the sun, willingly participate in back-breaking labor and battle every unpredictable obstacle that could be tossed a person’s way. It’s hard to imagine what life would be like without dedicated farmers.

Saturday, October 12, is National Farmers Day; an unofficial holiday created for some of the hardest working individuals. Let’s get a head start by highlighting agriculture in our own state, courtesy of the State of Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection:

  • Although Wisconsin is commonly known as the Dairy State, we produce more than just milk and cheese. Our state ranks first nationally for snap beans (for production,) cranberries, ginseng, mink pelts, dry whey for humans, milk goats and corn (for silage.)
  • There are nearly 65,000 farms located on 14.3 million acres in the state.
  • Approximately 62 percent of the nation’s cranberry crop comes from Wisconsin.
  • The dairy industry annually contributes over $45.6 billion to Wisconsin’s economy on its own.
  • Nearly 1200 licensed cheesemakers produce over 600 types, styles and varieties of cheese.
  • Wisconsin is listed as #12 among all states in the nation for the value of agricultural exports.

It should come as no surprise to learn that 2019 has been a particularly difficult year for farmers across America. Between excessive flooding, international tariffs and low prices, many family farms are left making extremely difficult choices. Some have decided not to plant any crops, while others have had to let go of businesses that have been part of their family for generations. Small family farms need our support more than ever before.

As you begin to wrap up your week, keep these farmers in your thoughts. If you see a farmer out and about while running your errands this weekend, be sure to say, “thanks!”

On behalf of the Lions Pride Staff and Board, we’d like to do a special shout-out to our Wisconsin Family Farmers. We appreciate your hard work and dedication to the agricultural industry. We don’t know where we’d be without your passion.

Happy National Farmers Day!

 

Wisconsin Lions Camp Summer 2019

30 Thursday May 2019

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Lions Lake

Photo Credit to Wisconsin Lions Camp

It’s time to start packing your bags because kickoff to camp begins now! The summer staff has now reported for duty, and we are only 10 days away from the start of the 2019 camping season. Each year, nearly 1300 special campers with vision, hearing, intellectual disabilities and Type 1 and Type II Diabetes travel to Rosholt, Wisconsin, for a week of camaraderie, adventure and fun.

See the 2019 schedule below:

Block One

June 9 – June 14                     Adults who are Blind or Visually Impaired

June 16 – June 21                   Children with Type 1 & 11 Diabetes

June 23 – June 28                   Children with Type 1 & 11 Diabetes

June 30 – July 5                       Children with Intellectual Disabilities or Educational Autism

July 7 – July 12                        Children with Intellectual Disabilities or Educational Autism

July 14 – July 20                      No campers at camp; staff transition week

July 18 – July 19                      All staff teambuilding & training

Block Two

July 21 – July 26                      Children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

July 28 – August 2                   Children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

August 4 – August 9                Children who are Blind or Visually Impaired

August 11 – August 15            Adults 18-25 with Intellectual Disabilities or Educational Autism (by invitation only)

August 19 – August 23            Adults who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

The Wisconsin Lions Camp is accredited by the American Camp Association. The property is 440 acres in size and includes a 45-acre private lake, which is the center of several camping activities. During the summer months, Lions Camp employs approximately 48 counselors, so the camp can maintain a staff to camper ratio of 1:6.

The goals of Lions Camp are to assist each camper in development of self-confidence, interdependence, social skills, outdoor recreational skills and environmental awareness, but most importantly, to provide the space for the child to have a fun, safe and memorable experience. Wisconsin Lions Camp is proud to give special children the resources, skills and knowledge that will serve them long beyond their childhoods.

Many people may be surprised to learn that when the camp was first debuted, it was funded primarily by Lions Club donations. Sadly, in the last decade or so, expenses for Lions Camp and all other WLF statewide projects have increased exponentially. Annual club contributions remain essential but now account for less than half of all yearly WLF operating expenses. Combatting rising costs was actually the primary reason for the creation of our organization. Read the entire story here.

Today, Lions Pride is proud to support the Wisconsin Lions Camp maintain and expand their operations. We work alongside generous Lions and non-Lions alike as it is the power of individual and organization gift commitments that will preserve the projects of WLF for current and future generations.  Last year interest earned from your donations covered the cost of one week of camp.

To all of our donors, we’d like to express our sincere gratitude. Like all of the campers, we too look forward to the start of summer. We feel so lucky to have the opportunity to help create positive change in our world and couldn’t do it without your ongoing support. Thank you for allowing us to continue on in our mission to preserve, protect and provide for Wisconsin Lions Camp and all statewide WLF projects.

Armed Forces Day + Ways to Thank a Veteran

16 Thursday May 2019

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If you were tasked with brainstorming symbols to characterize each month of the year, what would they be? January might be a party hat, February would be a traditional red heart, March could be best described as a tulip (buried under a foot of snow,) April might be a raincloud and May would be an American Flag.

The fifth month of the year is an especially patriotic time in the United States. At the end of the month, we’ll celebrate veterans who gave the ultimate sacrifice on Memorial Day, but we have another chance to say “thank you for your service” before then.

This Saturday, May 18, is Armed Forces Day, a holiday that is always observed on the third Saturday in May. The holiday was created to help pay tribute to people of the Armed Forces. Unbeknownst to many, up until 1949, there were single day celebrations for each branch of the military. After the branches were unified under the Department of Defense, leaders thought it best to commemorate them all on one day.

For those of us who have never been involved in the military, it can be difficult, if not impossible, to imagine what time in the service must be like. Members of the military put their lives on the line to protect our freedom, so how do you genuinely say, “thank you?” The best way to get started is with a handshake, but we think we can go above and beyond when it comes to expressing our gratitude. We’ve compiled a few thank you ideas to begin the brainstorming process, with the help of Military.com:

  1. Donate your frequent flyer miles to the family of a veteran

    If you’re an avid traveler, consider donating those extra miles to a family in need. The Hero Miles Program gives airline tickets to wounded, injured and ill service members as well as their families who are undergoing treatment at a military or VA medical center. Learn how to donate your miles.

  2. Hire a veteran to speak at your next event

    To say a veteran learned a few valuable lessons during their time in the military would likely be an understatement. These individuals have incredible insight about leadership, team work and persistence. The next time you are looking for a speaker, bring in a veteran for the job.

  3. Shop from a veteran-owned business

    Did you know that over 2.5 million businesses in the United States are majority-owned by veterans? Choose to support these entrepreneurs by visiting their facilities or adding them to the supply chain of your company.

  4. Invite a veteran to join you and your club

Veterans have experience turning plans into actions, leading groups and brainstorming new and innovative ideas, and many want to get involved in local service work. They are just a natural fit into the Lions community. Invite a veteran to attend your next club meeting.

These are only four of an infinite number of thoughtful ways to say, “I am so grateful for your service.” How will you thank a veteran? Let us know in the comments below!

The Lions Pride Board and Staff would like to wish all military service members and their families a Happy Armed Forces Day!

 

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The Magic of Giving

20 Thursday Dec 2018

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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!

Celebrating Women’s Equality Day

23 Thursday Aug 2018

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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

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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!