For over 49 years, the Forest Lions Club has supported the community through time volunteered and significant efforts to raise critical funds that support a number of initiatives. To see how the monies you contribute to the Forest Lions Club and Forest Lions Foundation are used, see the below chart.
The Forest Lions Club prides itself on being an active club! In addition to the popular "broom sales" and "white cane" fundraisers conducted throughout the year, we organize three projects that are the primary source of our charitable giving:
The annual Christmas Tree Sale has been held annually since 1974 - the inception of the Club - and is a much anticipated event in the community. Mark your calendars for the Saturday following Thanksgiving when the lot (next to Benjamin's on 221) opens at 1:00 PM with approximately 320 trees going on sale. The lot is open until we are sold out - generally between 10-12 days! The sale is publicized in local media markets, on social media, and through direct e-mail to our loyal and repeat customers.
Since1987 the annual $10K Benefit Raffle and Silent Auction has been a grand evening of fun and fellowship supported by over 250 individuals and 50 local businesses. In addition to the chance of walking away $10,000 richer, the evening includes a large silent auction, a fabulous catered meal, drinks, and entertainment. Held the first Friday in May annually, SAVE THE DATE!
New for 2022, our Annual Forest Lions Foundation Golf Tournament to be held at Ivy Hill Golf Club each September gives businesses and indivduals an opportunity to spend a beautiful day on the golf course while networking and providing critical financial support for all our initiatives.
100% of the funds raised from all of our projects are returned back to the community directly through scholarships, contributions to local organizations such as Park View Community Mission, Lynchburg's Beacon of Hope, the Salvation Army of Lynchburg, vision based projects, our annual community health fair and programs offered through the local school systems. Likewise, we proudly support many organziations that provide assistance both nationally and globally.
A few of our most recent club projects are highlighted below:
May 2021
The Forest Lions Club was pleased to award $1,300 Scholarships to five recent graduates of Jefferson Forest High School. Congratulations to Steven Merholz, Samantha Elam, Michael Kricheldorf, Olivia Wydner and Jade Hatch!
May 2021
Members Deborah Chaffin, Richard Chaffin, Mike Gilley and Irene Gilley recently supported our local Bland Music Competiton winners (Abigail Jackson, Vocal and Jenna Ng, Instrumental) at the Region 1 and 2 District-C Competition. Abigail and Jenna both placed 1st in the competition and will advance to the state finals.
May 2021
Several members of the Forest Lions Club supported Park View Community Missions fundraiser by serving food at their recent community picnic.
April 2021
November 2020
October 2020
August 2020
June 2020
May 2020
In response to the unprecented global health crisis and economic downturn the COVID-19 pandemic has created, the Forest Lions Club organized a fundraiser to raise money for Lynchbug Daily Bread, an organization serving thousands of meals each year to those less fortuante. Together with over 20 generous donors and our $1,000 match, we were able to bless Lynchburg Daily Bread with $2,800.
May 2020
A record number of Forest Lions joined together to maintain our adopted roadway, Bateman Bridge Rd., in May - keeping safely distanced while serving our community!
March 2020
The Forest Lions Club proudly hosted the local round of the 2020 Bland Music Competition on March 12th at Mountain View United Metholdit Church in Forest, VA. Fifteen incredibly talented vocal and instrumental musicians competed, with the top scoring individuals in each category advancing to the regional competition.
Vocal Contestants
Instrumental Contestants
1st Place Winners in the Vocal (L) and Instrumental (R) Competitions
March 2020
February 2020
November 2019
July 2019
Annual Back to School and Community Health Fair
May 2019
Beacon of Hope Lynchburg, Annual Corn-a-ment!
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The Forest Lions Club was honored to sponsor a team and participate in Beacon of Hope's annual corn-a-ment (corn hole tournament). Beacon of Hope exits to (1) ensure that all children who graduate from Lynchburg City Schools are prepared for the next step in life including 4-year college, 2-year college, trade school, technical degrees, industry certifications, or military options (2) change the culture in the Lynchburg community to a PreK-16 school division (3) create a stream of qualified, educationally-prepared talent for the greater Lynchburg workforce (4) improve the quality of life in our community by investing in our most precious resource – our children – who are our future (5) compile and disseminate data on current and continuing post-secondary education trends for Lynchburg’s youth and (6) provide college and career opportunities for those would not be able to otherwise
May 2019
Annual $10K Raffle and Silent Auction
On Friday evening, May 3, 2019 the Forest Lions Club hosted it's annual $10K Raffle and Silent Auction, our biggest fund-raiser of the year. It was a record year! We are pleased to report that due to the generous support of the Forest and surrounding communities and over 70 local businesses, we profited over $12,000 after expenses and winner payouts to support the many projects and causes we do throughout the year, including scholarships to local graduating students, donations to LCIF and LOVF, contributions to Park View Community Mission, Lynchburg Beacon of Hope, the Salvation Army of Lynchburg, Old Dominion Eye Foundation, Guiding Eyes for the Blind and our own hearing and vision screenings, health fairs, and assistance with eye exams and glasses for those less fortunate in our communities. Thanks for your support throughout the year!
April 2019
Visit to Lions Eyeglass Recycling Center (Roanoke, VA)
Members of the Forest Lions Club traveled to the regional Lions Eyeglass Recycling, Inc. on Saturday April 27th to clean, determine prescriptions, and sort donated glasses. The center in Roanoke generally processes between 8,000 and 10,000 pairs of donated glasses each month!
April 2019
Bateman Bridge Rd. (Forest, VA) Clean-Up
On Saturday, April 13th, members of the Forest Lions Club picked up litter and debris along Bateman Bridge Rd. between Enterprise Drive and Thomas Jefferson Rd., a highly important stretch of roadway in Forest, VA as it currently serves as the entrance to Mr. Jefferson's summer retreat, Poplar Forest.
March 2019
2019 Bland Music Competition
The Forest Lions Club sponsored the local Lions of Virginia Bland Music Competition on Thursday evening, March 14, 2019 at Mountain View United Methodist Church. The local competition represents the first of three progressive competitions culminating in the state contest where over $15,000 in scholarships will be awarded. Contestants compete in one of two categories, vocal or instrumental. Winners from the local contest were:
Vocalists:
1st place - Zachariah Elam
2nd place - Bella Marciano
3rd place – Abigail Jackson
4th place – Samantha Elam
Instrumentalists:
1st place – Rick Smallshaw
2nd place – Isabel Ownby
3rd place – Lucas Miller
4th place – Zachary Hardin
The first-place winners from both categories, Zachariah Elam and Rick Smallshaw, will advance to the Regional competition scheduled for April 7, 2019. Rick performed Concerto in D major on the viola. Zachariah sang O Isis Und Osiris from Die Zauberflote.
March 2019
Read Across America
Members of the Forest Lions Club helped celebrate Dr. Seuss and Read Across America Day at Timberlake United Methodist Church preschool by reading to students. Our Book Buddies volunteers Tom Cursh, Sheila Sylvester and Irene Wheeler proudly represented the Club.
November and December 2018
44th ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TREE SALE
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Between November 24th and December 5th, members of the Forest Lions Club held it's annual Christmas Tree sale, selling over 300 trees with all proceeds going to projects to benefit the local community, primarily scholarships that will be awarded to local high school graduates seeking to continue their education. We are grateful to the community of customers who supported the sale and to the many volunteers who helped us execute this important service project: Forest Volunteer Fire Department and the Jefferson Forest High School Lacrosse, Tennis and Track & Field teams. See you in 2019!
October 2018
Fall Health Screenings @ Forest Public Library
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On October 27th, members of the Forest Lions Club hosted a free health screening and Child ID registration event at the Forest Public Library. In total, 13 people were served. 10 vision screenings, 8 hearing screenings, 9 blood pressure checks, and 4 Child ID registrations were completed. Members of the Lions Club were assisted by members of the Jefferson Forest High School Leo Club (pictured above) and the Southwest Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force
July 2018
OVER 200 ATTEND BACK TO SCHOOL & FAMILY HEALTH FAIR
On Saturday, July 28th, the Forest Lions Club together with our event co-sponsors -- The Salvation Army of Lynchburg and Edward Jones Investments of Forest -- hosted the 6th Annual Back to School and Family Health Fair, free to the community. Supported 100% by volunteers from over one dozen local healthcare providers, educators, and community resources, attendees had access to routine vision and hearing screenings conducted by members of the Forest Lions Club, Glucose and A1C testing, diabetes counseling, blood pressure and respiratory screenings, foot and spine screenings, dental screenings, and Hepatitis C and HIV testing. Volunteers logged 1,529 visits to their stations and conducted 857 clinical screenings! We sincerely thank all of our volunteers who provided medical screenings and counseling:
Thanks to the Virginia Masons and the Bedford County Sheriff's Office, families with children were able to paricipate in VACHIP (www.vachip.org). VACHIP is a comprehensive child identification program designed to give families a measure of protection against the ever increasing problem of missing children. Virginia Freemasons are the sole sponsor of VACHIP and are proud to offer this comprehensive Child ID service to Virginia families at “no cost” to parents and guardians.
Attendees were also able to gather information and consult with representatives from several community organizations on topics ranging from nutrition, access to prescription medication, healthcare, and tools for better living. A special thanks to all who particpated:
Upon exiting the fair, all children were provided with a free backpack of age appropriate school supplies provided by the Forest Lions Club before jumping into Gus the Bus! The Forest Lions Club sincerely thanks everyone who helped make the 2018 Health Fair a success. Proudly, We Serve!
May 2018
2018 ANNUAL BENEFIT RAFFLE
Pictured above are winners of the FLC's 2018 $10K Benefit raffle held annually the first Friday of each May.
April 2018
Bateman Bridge Road Clean-up
Saturday, May 14th members of the Forest Lions Club gathered to pickup trash along Bateman Bridge Road from Thomas Jefferson Road to Enterprise Drive. Help us to protect our environment by keeping your trash in your vehicle and disposing of it when you get home. THANKS FOR YOUR HELP!
February 2018
ANNUAL BLAND MUSIC COMPETION
The competition was conducted on Thursday, February 8, 2018 at 7:00 PM at the Mountain View United Methodist Church, Forest, VA. This annual music competition - a project of Lions of Virginia - gives Middle, High School and Home Schooled students an opportunity to compete in both a vocal and instrumental contest. Winners at the local level move on to compete at region, district and ultimately he state level for scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $2,500.
November and December 2017
43rd ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TREE SALE
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HEARTY THANK YOU to our supporters in Forest and surrounding communities, With your loyalty and support we sold 300 Christmas trees in a near record 9 days. Special thanks goes to the Forest Volunteer Fire Department for their assistance in the unloading and set up of trees, the Forest Wrestlers and the JFHS Leos for help during peak weekend sales times. to Randy McGhee for the lot and the loan of a shed and, lest we not forget, to Santa and Mrs Claus and "elf" Dillon.
November 2017
FOREST COMMUNITY SIGN DEDICATION
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On a clear but cold and blustery Veterans Day, November 11th, a ceremony was held to recognize service to the community and to the Nation. The Forest community sign was first erected in 1974 as one of the first projects of the newly chartered Forest Lions Club. The sign bears the emblems of many organizations which also contribute to the quality of life in the Forest community. In June of this year, the Forest Lions approved the refurbishment and improvement of the sign as a Legacy Project in recognition of the Lions celebration of 100 years of service, Life Scout Joseph Du, a JFHS senior and a member of the JFHS Leo Club, volunteered to undertake the sign refurbishment as his Eagle Scout project. Over the summer Joseph along with the help of other scouts from Troop 180, Leo Club members, family and friends labored to rework the sign while adding benches to the site and solar lighting to make the sign visible at night. On the day of the ceremony, emceed by Past International Director and FLC Charter Member Lion Richard Chaffin, a flag ceremony conducted by the scouts of Troop 180, was followed by remarks by now Eagle Scout Joseph Du. Lion Cindy Mohrmann delivered remarks recognizing the service of America's veterans. Angie Power, Garden Thyme Club, spoke briefly of the club's, much appreciated, landscaping and upkeep of the site dating back to 2011. Delegate Kathy Byron, who represents the 22nd District in the Virginia House was an honored attendee and spoke of service and presented a Virginia House of Delegates certificate honoring Joseph Du for his achieving the rank of Eagle Scout.
November 2017
PEACE POSTER CONTEST
Forest Lions Club Peace Poster Contest Winners from Forest Middle School are: (left to right) Alexis Godsey (Third place), Elena Smith (First place), and (not pictured) Elise Brady (Second place). The 2017 theme was the "Future of Peace" with Lion Cindy Mohrmann, Contest Coordinator, and Forest Middle School Principal Scott Simmons serving as judges.
April 2017
2017 HEALTH FAIR RESULTS
| Attendance: 272 Screenings: 1. Vision 134/ 23 Referrals 2. Height & Weight 141 3. Hearing 74/ 3 Referrals 4. Blood Pressure 137/ 13 Referrals 5. Dental 127/ 24 Referrals 6. Scoliosis 60/ 7 Referrals 7. Respiratory 102/ 4 Referrals 8. Glucose 90/ 9 Referrals 9. Behavioral Health 5 Total Screenings 879/ 83 Referrals Community Resource Visits: 1. Nutrition (VA. Coop Ext) 200 2. Daily Bread 21 3. Horizon Behavioral Health 52 4. CVS Pharmacy 191 5. Interfaith Outreach 51 6. Churches of Urban Ministry 5 7. Enroll Virginia 65 8. Assurance Wireless 61 9. Child ID 75 10. Food Bank 47 Total Visits: 768 Children’s Programs: 1. “Gus the Bus” 62 2. Crafts 30 3. Face Painting 60 4. School Supplies 104 5. Preschool Bags 35 Total: 341 Total Encounters 1,988 |
SINCERE THANK YOU FOR SERVING OUR COMMUNITY!
On Saturday, July 29, 2017, the Forest Lions Club held its 5th Annual Free Family Health Fair. The event is held just before school starts back so that families may find out if there are some health issues that can be addressed to help their children have a more successful school year. Through the generosity of the Salvation Army the fair was held in their gym at 2215 Park Avenue, Lynchburg. Not only did they contribute their facility but they also provided 300 toys that were given away to the children in attendance. All adults and children were offered free health screenings including vision, hearing, blood pressure, glucose, dental, respiratory, spinal and HIV. Community resources that were present included The Daily Bread, Horizon Behavioral Health, CVS pharmacists, Interfaith Outreach, Churches for Urban Ministries, T1DE (type one diabetes experience), The United Way, The Virginia Cooperative Extension, The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, Enroll Virginia and Assurance Wireless. Children enjoyed Child ID, “Gus the Bus”, crafts, face painting, free toys and snacks. The first one hundred school age children screened received free string bags of school supplies and thirty five preschoolers received free string bags of crayons, wooden hand painted alphabet letter sets, activity and coloring books .
The Forest Lions Club is dedicated to serving our community. We sincerely appreciate the many donations made by The Salvation Army, Randolph College, Johnson Orchards, Sam’s Club, The United Way, Forest Family Dentistry, CVS, BB&T bank, and Edward Jones. Service providers included the 25th District Masons, The Bedford County Sheriff’s Dept., Lynchburg Chiropractic Center, CVCC Respiratory Therapy, Forest Family Dentistry, the Jefferson Forest High School Leo Club, Melissa Blomquest (face painter) and the Forest Lions Club. Thank you to all of the volunteers for their hard work and dedication to making this health fair so successful. 272 people attended and participated in 879 health screenings, 768 resource contacts and 241 children’s events. Helping families to stay well and maintain their health is one of our priorities. The focuses of Lions Clubs International include vision, hearing, diabetes and pediatric cancer. On behalf of the Forest Lions Club we offer our sincerest appreciation to everyone for a wonderful event.
June 2017
MEMBERSHIP DRIVE AND BROOM SALE
Saturday, June 24th Two Lions spent the morning at the Forest Farmers Market telling about the work of Lions in the community and distributing flyers advertising the Club's July 29th Free Back to School and Family Health Fair. Four attendees left with information, fact sheets and brochures, detailing the work of Lions. Many others expressed interest in attending the Health Fair
June 2017
Celebrating a Successful 2016 - 2017 Year
PDG LION CLARK VANDERGRIFT INDUCTS 2 NEW MEMBERS, ROBERTA AND CHIP SCRIVENER, INTO THE FOREST LIONS CLUB AS THEIR SPONSOR, LION BARBARA WRIGHT LOOKS ON.
LION PRESIDENT, GEORGE MOHRMANN, PRESENTS A CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION TO WIFE AND MEMBERSHIP CHAIR LION CINDY MOHRMANN. LION CINDY ADDED A TOTAL OF 8 NEW LIONS DURING HER TENURE. "THE MORE LIONS, THE MORE SERVICE" TO THE COMMUNITY.
INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS LIONS YEAR 2017 - 2018: PICTURED L - R: LION DOUG COOK, REPORTING SECRETARY, PDG CLARK VANDERGRIFT, LION FRANK LANE, PRESIDENT; PID RICHARD CHAFFIN, MEMBERSHIP CHAIRMAN; LION DEBBIE CHAFFIN, RECORDING SECRETARY. Not Present for Photograph: LION KAREN METZ, TREASURER: LION JOANNE GRANT, DIRECTOR AND LION LAURIE LANE, DIRECTOR.
May 2017
MEMORIAL DAY DIABETES EVENT
Memorial Day 10K Run and 2-Mile Walk to Benefit T1DE (Type 1 Diabetes Experience): Forest Lions Club, an event sponsor, has one 10K runner and 8 route guides in attendance. Two of the guides are Jefferson Forest Leo Club members. Memorial Day is a great day to remember those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom.
May 2017
SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS
Thursday evening, May 25, Jefferson Forest High School Senior Awards Ceremony. Forest Lions Club President George Mohrmann presents $1,500 scholarships for commitment to service and academic achievement to three graduating seniors. Lions best wishes to all for success in your college careers.
April 2017
IMPROVING OUR ENVIRONMENT
On Saturday, April 15th, a record 11 Lions joined in fellowship over breakfast and then tackled the clean-up of Bateman Bridge Road between Rte 811, Thomas Jefferson Rd, and Enterprise Drive. Please help us in improving our community by keeping tour trash in your vehile and disposing of it when you get home. Your efforts are appreciated.
December 2016
SALVATION ARMY RED KETTLE CAMPAIGN
JEFFERSON FOREST HS LEOS AND FOREST LIONS RING THE BELL FOR THE SALVATION ARMY - DECEMBER 19TH
December 2016
ANNUAL CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY CELEBRATION
Our December 13th meeting was devoted to celebrating the good works of Lions and in particular the work of the Forest Lions Club. The Club gathered at the Mohrmanns for drinks and appetizers before departing for dinner at our meeting venue, the Porterhouse Restaurant. In addition to the fellowship and camaraderie of the evening it was further celebrated with the induction of 2 new members, Laura Padgett and John Reburn, by new member Lion Frank Lane who transferred to Forest from being the District Governor of Lions District 18 N in Georgia.
November 2016
2016 FOREST LIONS CHRISTMAS TREE SALE
Many thanks to our loyal customers for making this important fund raising effort such a great success. Thanks also for the hard work of all of the Lions who put in many hours in the cold, rain and dark over the past 3 plus weeks. Thanks also to our supporting cast of the Forest Volunteer Fire Department, the Jefferson Forest HS Leo Club members of the JF Wrestling Team for their hard work and to Randy McGhee and Benjamin's Restaurant for their moral support and the use of the lot. We could not have done it without you. We look forward to seeing customers, Lions and supporters back again next year.
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October 2016
FALL FOOD DRIVE
On Saturday, October 29th, 8 Lions participated in a food drive at he local Kroger store. A total of $84 and 369 pounds of food was raised and donated to the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank.
October 2016
IMPROVING THE ENVIRONMENT
On Saturday, October 15th 7 Lions ( 3 newly inducted) picked up trash on Bateman Bridge Road from Rte 811 to Enterprise Drive. Working for 2 hours fourteen (14) bags of trash were collected readying the road to Poplar Forest for the Fall visitors.
October 2016
DISTRICT GOVERNOR'S ANNUAL VISIT
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August 2016
Annual Back to School and Community Health Screenings
Forest Public Library
67 Screenings, VISION: 31 completed with 10 referrals (21 Children & 10 Adults), HEARING: 21 screenings with 4 referrals (10 Children & 11 Adults, Blood Pressure: 15 screenings with no referrals (All Adults).
Special Thanks for Working Together for a Better Community
On Saturday August 6, 2016, the Forest Lions Club held its 4th Annual Back to School and Family Health Fair. The main purpose was to get children ready for school and to help screen them and their families for health issues. Through the generosity of the Lynchburg Salvation Army, the fair was held at their facility at 2215 Park Ave. and offered free health screenings including vision, hearing, blood pressure, glucose and scoliosis. 61 children participated in Child ID. Various community resources including Interfaith Outreach, CVS Pharmacy, the Salvation Army, Lynchburg Dental, The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank and Horizon Behavioral Health offered education and information. The morning was topped off with face painting and children’s crafts.All childrenvscreened received free backpacks and starter school supplies.
The Forest Lions are dedicated to serving the community. We sincerely appreciate all of the above providers and The Lynchburg Police Department, The Bedford Sheriff’s office, the 25th District Masons, the Centra Mobile Medical Van, T1DE (Type 1 Diabetes Experience) ,the Light Chiropractic Center, Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine (LUCOM), Joan Griffith, face painter, Lynchburg Frito-Lay for their generous donations and all the Forest Lions Club volunteers for their hard work and dedication to collaborating to making this fair so successful. 212 people attended and participated in 510 health screenings and 416 educational visits. Several new diabetics were identified including 2 children. Helping families to stay well and maintain their health is one of our priorities. We perform free screening for vision and hearing throughout the year for preschool children and all children and adults at the Forest Library. On behalf of the Forest Lions we offer our sincerest appreciation to everyone for a wonderful event.
Total attended: 212
People who participated in Health Screens- 510 total health screens done
- Hearing Screening: 47- 3 out of normal range and referred
- Vision Screening: 132- 39 were out of normal range and referred
- Glucose Testing: 70- Identified 2 children with Type 1 Diabetes and 10 adults with Diabetes- all referred
- Scoliosis: 55 adults and children screened- 15 out of normal range
- Blood Pressure: 80- 10 were out of normal range and referred
- Height/Weight station- 126 adults and children
Visits to Community Resources- 416 total visits to Community resources
- Interfaith Outreach- 25
- Horizon behavioral Health -50
- Horizon Behavioral Health Free HIV Testing-5
- The Salvation Army- 35
- Lynchburg Dental Education-150
- CVS Pharmacy-75
- Blue Ridge Area Food Bank- 15
Child ID performed by Bedford Sheriff’s Dept., Lynchburg PD and 25th District Masons – 61 children
Total encounters during the fair:
510 + 416 =926
