VADNAIS HEIGHTS LIONS CLUB and FOUNDATION HISTORY
The Vadnais Heights Lions Club is one of over 48,000 clubs of Lions Clubs International (LCI). With a membership of over 1.4 million members the Lions constitute the largest service club organization in the world.
As a member club of LCI we share in their vision and mission.
Our Vision Statement is:
“To be the global leader in community and humanitarian service.” Our mission statement is:
“To empower volunteers to serve their communities, meet humanitarian needs, encourage peace and promote international understanding through Lions Clubs.”
Lions are focused on supporting Vision, Youth, Diabetes, the Environment, Childhood Cancer, and Hunger. We support these causes locally and throughout the world.
We are proud to be celebrating our 40th Anniversary on October 31, 2020.
The White Bear Lake Lions Club under the guidance of Jim Hansa chartered the Vadnais Heights Lions Club on October 31st, 1980. This was primarily due to the efforts of Gerry Urban, Paul Schirer, Dave Garceau Sr., Dave Garceau Jr., Hank Tessier, Gerald Theis, Bill Newstrand and others.
The Vadnais Heights Lions have had a long history of service within our community. Various fundraising activities have been conducted over the years including Christmas tree sales, spaghetti dinners, coloring book sales, pancake breakfasts (now Belgium Waffles), cookbook sales, annual golf tournament and more. Lions manage a pig roast and other food and beverage sales at the City’s Heritage Days celebration each August.
The Club also became involved in Charitable Gambling back in the 80’s with the introduction of pull-tab sales at some of the local bars. That lasted until about 2017.
The income we receive through fundraising and donations is used to support Lions causes and needs within our community.
The Vadnais Heights Lions have always supported a number of groups and organizations within the community. We have long been supporters of the various Scout troops and other youth programs. We have made numerous donations to the Vadnais Heights Elementary School, as well as the White Bear Lake school system.
In collaboration with the City of Vadnais Heights the Lions have funded and managed the Vadnais Heights Food Shelf since about 1984. This all volunteer program provides emergency food assistance to needy residents. Food is either purchased from Second Harvest Heartland or donated through food drives conducted by local organizations. The Scouts conduct a couple food drives annually throughout the City which benefit the Food Shelf.
The Lions conduct a Toy Drive during the holiday season. Local businesses support this by allowing us to place a collection box in their establishments for collection of donated toys. These toys are distributed to families in need.
The Vadnais Heights Lions have also paid for materials and constructed several handicapped accessible ramps for residents of the city. We have provided eyeglass assistance for needy residents. We continue to collect and recycle used eyeglasses. Donations have been made to City projects including park improvements and equipment for the City’s public safety department.
The Vadnais Heights Lions Club Foundation, Inc. was incorporated in March 2013 as a nonprofit tax-exempt organization under Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Service Code.
The mission of our foundation expands on the vision and goals of LCI and our club. Our statement: “The Vadnais Heights Lions Club Foundation is a volunteer organization striving to improve the quality of life in our community through humanitarian services.”
We are always looking for new members who are interested in
“Connecting Through Service” by sharing their talents.
We greatly appreciate the support we receive from the members of the community and we look forward to many more years of Service.
Revised 10-20
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