Club Ends Year With Generous Charitable Donation
Chris Linder
As the year came to a close, Sun Lakes (evening) Lions Club reflected its commitment to service through a generous series of charitable donations supporting local needs and community organizations.
The Club’s end-of-year giving included contributions to LCI-Childhood Cancer, LCI-Globe flooding, LCI-Disaster relief, Leader Dogs for the Blind, Guide Dogs of the Desert, Arizona Stand Down, AZCEND, Hope Women’s Center, HOBY, John Herdt Scholarship, Neighbors Who Care, Veterans Administrative Volunteer Services, AZ Adaptive Water Sports, C. Kirby Smith Youth, Lions Camp Tatiyee Operations, Lions Hearing & Vision, and Melvin Jones Int’l Memorial.
These donations help provide assistance in areas such as hunger relief, youth support, vision care, disaster relief, and other community services. Club leaders said the donations were made possible through the dedication of members, fundraising efforts, and a shared desire to make a meaningful difference.
Our members are proud to support organizations that do important work in our community, and these donations represent the spirit of service that defines our club.
The contributions will help strengthen local programs and extend support to individuals and families in need. Club members noted that charitable giving is a key part of their mission and a reflection of their ongoing commitment to helping others.
Throughout the year, the club hosted service projects and fundraising events designed to raise funds for community causes. Leaders said the year-end donations serve as both a celebration of what was accomplished and a reminder of the club’s continued role in serving those in need.
Members of Sun Lakes (evening) Lions Club expressed gratitude to everyone who supported their efforts throughout the year and helped make the donations possible.
The club looks ahead to the new year with renewed purpose and a continued commitment to service in the community.
Celebrating the Melvin Jones Fellow Progressive Fellowship
Chris Linder
Sun Lakes (evening) Lions Club is proud to recognize Lions Chris Linder, Kathleen Miller, Candy Jones, Floyd Mullens, Ruth Palmer, and Ron Gillet as recipients of the Melvin Jones Fellow Progressive Fellowship.
This Fellowship is a meaningful honor that celebrates ongoing support for the humanitarian work of Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF). This recognition reflects a deep and continuing commitment to service, compassion, and making a difference in communities around the world.
The Melvin Jones Fellowship is named after the founder of Lions Clubs International, whose vision inspired Lions to serve people in need. The Progressive Melvin Jones Fellowship builds on that commitment by honoring continued giving beyond the initial fellowship.
These fellowships help celebrate the Lion members who strengthen LCIF’s mission and expand the impact of Lions service worldwide.
Sun Lakes (evening) Lions Club congratulates all Progressive Melvin Jones Fellows for their dedication and generosity. Their support helps turn compassion into action and brings hope to people around the world.
Lion of the Year Award Presented in Celebration of Outstanding Service
Chris Linder
In celebration of service, leadership, and dedication, Lion Ron Gillet was proudly named Lion of the Year on June 4.
Sun Lakes (evening) Lions Club gathered to honor a Lion whose outstanding commitment has strengthened the club and inspired others through exemplary service. The award recognizes not only years of hard work, but also the spirit of compassion, fellowship, and leadership that defines the Lions community.
Throughout the year, Lion Ron has gone above and beyond in supporting service projects, encouraging club engagement, and making a lasting impact in the community. His enthusiasm and dedication have helped advance the club’s mission and create meaningful change where it was needed most. The moment served as a reminder that leadership, kindness, and commitment can inspire a stronger and more united community.
The Lion of the Year award was presented by President Larry Palmer and ZC Chuck Heitbrink in appreciation of a Lion whose service has made a meaningful difference.
New Club Officers Inducted to Lead Year of Service
Chris Linder
The Sun Lakes (evening) Lions Club proudly inducted its new club officers during a formal ceremony on June 4, marking the beginning of a new year of leadership, fellowship, and service.
The officers, who will guide the club through the coming year, were officially installed in a ceremony that celebrated both tradition and commitment to community service. The installation recognized the important role club officers play in helping the organization thrive and carry out its mission.
The newly inducted officers include Lion Chris Linder as President, Lion Mona Larson as Vice President, Lion Sally Strickland as Secretary, Lion Bryan Strickland as Treasurer, and Lion Jeanette Fletcher as 2nd Vice President, Lion Louise Koontz as One Year Director, Lion Cleone Sayers as One Year Director, Jacqueline Slaughter as Two Year Director, and Freddie Slaughter as Two Year Director.
During the ceremony, leaders praised the incoming officers for their dedication and willingness to serve. The new team brings strong leadership, enthusiasm, and a shared commitment to making a difference in the community.
As they accepted their responsibilities, the officers pledged to work together to support club members, strengthen service initiatives, and build on the club’s tradition of service. The evening highlighted the spirit of teamwork and purpose that defines Lions service.
Club Members also thanked the outgoing officers for their dedication, leadership, and service throughout their time as club officers. Their commitment has helped strengthen the club and all truly appreciate the time, effort, and heart they’ve given to the Club.