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The Columbus Lions Club, established on June 4, 1943, and chartered on July 22, 1943, is celebrating its 80 years of humanitarian service. The Eagle Lake Noon Lions Club was the sponsoring Club. Back on Aug. 22, 1943, the Club celebrated its beginning with a banquet and the keynote speaker was the Honorable Texas Governor Coke Stevenson. The original charter was received by President J.V. Frnka from District Governor Tom Henderson. There were 29 Charter members.
The Columbus Lions Club is a member of Lions Clubs International, the world’s largest service club organization with more than 1.4 million members in 49,000 clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas; with the motto “WE SERVE”.
During the years of World War II, the majority of the Club activities were directed to supporting our country’s war efforts. Beginning in 1945 community projects and service became the focus of the Club. One early project was to assist the starting of the Columbus High School band by supplementing the band director’s salary and band uniforms. The first annual Lions street carnival raised $1,300 and this money was used to buy eye/vision screening machine for Columbus Indepedent School District. In 1952 the Columbus Lions sponsored the Boy Scout Troop and still today is the Troop sponsor. In 1960 the first “Mop & Broom” sale started, netting $297.
Lions Club International starting granting membership to women in 1987.
In 1993 the Columbus Lions started the Rolling Hills Challenge Bike Ride.
The once famous Lion Turtle races were replaced in 2009 with the Lions Bill & Bub Golf Tournament which is now held the third Saturday in September. The first annual Christmas Raffle fundraiser started in 2015.
The first woman president of the Columbus Lions Club was in 2018.
Today the Columbus Lions Club is comprised of 85 men and women who still dedicate their time and energy for the benefit of our community and aiding those in need. The Columbus Lions Club provides support to the Texas Lions Camp in Kerrville, the Kidsight Vision Program, local eyeglasses support program, scholarships at Columbus High School, Boy Scout Troop 312, the Cub Scout Pack, Habitat for Humanity, Boys & Girls Club of Champion Valley, Columbus Meals on Wheels, and Columbus Food Pantry. In addition to these programs, when possible, the Lions also support other similar programs as a necessity arises. This fiscal year the Columbus Lions have participated in 70 service activities, involving 1,553 volunteer hours, and have donated $35,000 dollars locally.
The history of Lionism has been one of compassion, concern and helping other people. As we prepare for the next 80 years, the tasks and needs that will be required of Lions are unknown; but whatever they may be, the Columbus Lions will be ready, willing and able to Serve. “Where there is a need, there is a Lion.”
The Columbus Lions will celebrate this special 80th anniversary at its annual Installation of new officers and awards banquet on the evening of June 26 at Hound Song Brewery.
The Columbus Lions meet every first through fourth Monday at noon for lunch at Schobel’s restaurant. If you are interested in learning more and perhaps becoming a Lion, feel free to attend one of our meetings, you’ll be more than welcome.
