For over 100 years, Lions have been lending a helping hand in their respective communities to help those in need. As Lionism has expanded over the years, Lions Clubs International (LCI) has adopted global causes such as vision, hunger, diabetes, and childhood cancer, and many other special initiatives. With these causes and initiatives in place, local clubs are able to provide resources beyond their community.
On an annual basis, our Club supports organizations associated with LCI causes, and regional and local organizations that help those in need or help the betterment of the community. Our Club is proud to donate to and support the following:
Lions Clubs International causes:
| - Leader Dogs for the Blind | - American Diabetes Association |
| - Camp Lions | - Eye glass recycling |
| - Eversight | - District Governor annual project(s) |
Regional causes:
| - Ogle County Special Olympics | - Center for Sight & Hearing |
| - Village of Progress | - Rock River Center |
Local causes:
| - Eye exams | - Polo Youth Baseball |
| - Grocery delivery (every Wednesday) | - Polo Girls Softball |
| - Polo Lifeline Food Pantry | - Polo Kidz Cafe |
| - Polo Senior Center | - Cub Scout Troop 337 |
| - Polo Fire Protection District | - SVCC Impact Program |
| - Polo Police Department | - PCHS Scholarships |
In order to provide continued assistance for the programs listed above, our Club runs various fundraising campaigns throughout the year. Learn more about our fundraisers below.
Food Stand at Hazelhurst: On the first Saturday of April and September, the Polo Lions Club serves food and beverages to the consignment sale patrons. From breakfast through lunch, the menu consists of biscuits and gravy, cinnamon rolls, cheese burgers, brats, hot dogs, pork chop sandwiches, coffee, water, pop, and hot chocolate on those chilly spring and fall days. The stand also has a variety of candy bar options for those in a need of a quick snack.
Candy Day: Every fall, typically the second weekend in October, Lions clubs in Illinois participate in the annual Candy Day fundraiser. Candy Day involves Lions members accepting monetary donations for rolls of candy at various locations. This fundraiser benefits Lions of Illinois Foundation (LIF), which in turn benefits programs such as Camp Lions summer camp, Low Vision Program for Students, Adult Low Vision-Orientation & Mobility Training, and the Mobile Screening Unit. When you see Polo Lions members posted up at the high school football game or at Casey's during Candy Day, know that 100% of the donations received by the Club go to LIF for the programs listed above.
Meat Raffle: During fall, our newest fundraiser kicks off just in time for the lucky winner to have a full freezer before the holiday season. Our meat raffle is generously supported by local farmers and businesses whom donate quality livestock and a chest freezer to the cause. We usually pair this fundraiser with a club project we have planned for the Lions year.
Polo Christmas Festival Dinner: Occurring on the first Saturday of December, the Polo Lions Club hosts a dinner for festival-goers and their families. Stop in to see us for a warm meal and some entertainment as you enjoy the magic of the holiday season!
Farm Toy Show & 50/50 Raffle: On the first Saturday in March, the show has been a staple event in Polo for nearly 40 years, bringing in farm toy enthusiasts from around the area. In recent years, our Club has added a 50/50 raffle paying out 85% to 1st prize, 10% to 2nd prize and 5% to 3rd prize.
Rose Day: Typically occurring on one of the last two weekends in March, Rose Day is a fundraising event that many Lions clubs participate in. Our Club not only sells nearly 400 dozen roses, but nearly 200 dozen carnations as well. No matter your preference, roses or carnations are a great way to kick off the spring season!
