Lions Club

Securing Resources to Serve for Years to Come

“Where there’s a need, there’s a Lion.” This is the mantra of the WNY Lions Clubs,
which serve 45 communities throughout our region. Lions Clubs International is the world’s largest service club organization. Comprised of volunteer members, these “Lions”
dedicate their time to helping those in need.

Lion Joe of the Kenmore Lions Club chapter describes their mission as, “Doing a little bit of good for a lot of people, and a lot of good — life-changing good — for a few people.”

Adopting sight and hearing as major health initiatives in 1925, Lions Club International also supports causes such as addressing the environment, diabetes and childhood cancer.

To ensure their organization can support this work for years to come, the WNY
Lions Clubs turned to the Community Foundation to establish the Lions Blind & Charity Fund in 2013. The fund provides resources for local Club chapters to continue supporting such efforts as free pop-up eyeglass clinics, inclusive playgrounds and medical loan closets.

In 2016, Lions Clubs established a second fund at the Community Foundation that benefits individual Lions Clubs and the ConnectLife eye bank.

Thomas H. Reinagel, WNY Lions Clubs Districts Past District Governor, is confident in the Community Foundation’s investment performance, and knows that the Lions Clubs’ philanthropic funds will always provide for its charitable wishes.

“The Community Foundation’s Investment Committee has an enviable history of not only preserving, but also growing invested funds to provide an increasing benefit as the years unfold,” said Tom. “And, most importantly, we have peace of mind knowing that the resources will continue to support the Lions Clubs’ ‘We Serve’ motto through the member clubs and the organizations we assist.”