WEST ORANGE, NJ — Lions Club of West Orange has been contributing to New Jersey-based schools, camps and educational organizations since it was established in 1953. To the Lions, “We Serve” is not only a motto, but a definition and philosophy. Each year, Lions Club of West Orange is able to support approximately 12 nonprofits through its fundraising efforts. The club will hold its annual spaghetti dinner fundraiser on Thursday, April 26, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the West Orange High School Cafeteria, 51 Conforti Ave. To purchase tickets or help sponsor the event, contact Tim King at 347 Mt. Pleasant Ave., Suite 200, West Orange.
The Lions Club of West Orange continues a proud tradition community service. Founded in 1917 in Chicago, Ill., the International Association of Lions Clubs began as the dream of Chicago businessman Melvin Jones. He believed that local business clubs should expand their horizons from purely professional concerns to the betterment of their communities and the world at large.
In 1925, Helen Keller addressed the Lions International Convention in Cedar Point, Ohio. She challenged Lions to become “knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness.” From this time, Lions Clubs have been actively involved in service to the blind and visually impaired.
In 1990, Lions launched its most aggressive sight preservation effort, SightFirst. The $143.5 million program strives to rid the world of preventable and reversible blindness by supporting desperately needed health care services. In addition to sight programs, Lions Clubs International is committed to providing services for youth.
Lions Clubs also work to improve the environment, build homes for the disabled, support diabetes education, conduct hearing programs and, through its foundation, provide disaster relief around the world. Lions Clubs International has grown to include 1.3 million men and women in approximately 45,000 clubs located in 200 countries and geographic areas. It is the world’s largest service club association.
For more information, contact Roger Schneider at 973-325-2222 or sschnei102@aol.com.
Photos Courtesy of Roger Schneider
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