Dear Editor:
Several citizens of Rutherford County have asked “what do you do with the money raised” when asked to buy a ticket, broom, or give a donation by a Lion member. This is a valid question any Lion could answer; however, most donations are collected when the people who ask are not willing to take the time required for a meaningful answer.
What do Lions do with all money collected from citizens? They give it away!
The truthful quickest answer usually leads to more questions, and these few paragraphs are an attempt to provide answers from simple facts.
Each Lion pays dues to club, district, state, and Lions Clubs International (LCI). Member dues pay administrative costs for each organizational level, and meals, conferences, official clothing, travel and lodging all cost extra.
Lions pay for eye examinations and glasses for any citizen if needed. Criteria for determining
need have been established by an agency of the State of North Carolina to ensure fair and equal treatment to all citizens and to prevent abuse of Lions services.
All Lions in North Carolina (NCLF) maintain and operate Camp Dogwood, a 41 acre recreation area located on Lake Norman at Sherrills Ford, NC. Over 700 blind or visually impaired people spend one week at Camp Dogwood each summer. Dormitories are replaced as needed, and one new one is scheduled to be completed by the 2007 camping season. Lions provide the $85.00/week camping fee plus transportation if needed.
Four clubs are active in Rutherford County, and each one serves a defined geographical area.
Each club has officers and an agenda, but works cooperatively to support Camp Dogwood, sponsor the NCLF VIP Fishing Tournament, maintain and operate a Vision Van, provide college scholarships to students with blind parents, and a host of other services which no individual Lion or club could afford.
Synergism in action enables Lions to accomplish big goals, and the same principles apply to all our United States where millions of dollars are distributed to combat health problems, fund research, disaster relief, or build health clinics.
Lions worldwide work together to fund programs which often cost over one hundred million dollars. Lion Betty Whitney, a member of the Calhan, Colorado Club, was asked “why be a Lion” ? The February 2007 issue of The Lion published her answer on page 6 as follows:
“Those of us privileged enough to be born in good health and in a secure place
are obligated to help those who are not so blessed. One of the best ways to
truly make a difference, however small, is to become part of an organization
that can magnify one’s contribution. The opportunities to serve are virtually
unlimited, particularly when a powerful entity such as Lions International is
your ally.”
To learn more or have specific questions answered contact a Lion from the CHASE, FOREST CITY, LAKE LURE, or RUTHERFORDTON CLUB.