TITLE: Commemorating the 100th anniversary of Lions Clubs International.

SUMMARY: Commemorating the 100th anniversary of Lions Clubs International.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Proud members of Lions Clubs International are celebrating their 100th anniversary in 2017, and this milestone presents a welcome opportunity to reflect on the rich history of this outstanding service organization; and WHEREAS, Founded by Melvin Jones, the International Association of Lions Clubs held its first convention in October 1917 at the Adolphus Hotel in Dallas; of the original 23 clubs, 12 were formed in the Lone Star State; and WHEREAS, A watershed moment occurred in 1927 when Helen Keller addressed the 10th convention of Lions Clubs International and urged attendees to become "Knights of the Blind"; in the years since, members have enthusiastically accepted her challenge, providing assistance to millions of people who suffer from blindness or limited vision through a wide variety of programs; the Lions Clubs International Foundation was created in 1968, and its Sight for Kids program has screened nearly 20 million children, while the SightFirst effort has raised approximately $500,000 for cataract operations; and WHEREAS, In 1970, Lions Clubs International adopted the motto "We Serve," and members have demonstrated their commitment to that maxim through myriad service efforts of benefit to people around the globe; the One Shot, One Life Lions Measles Initiative provided vaccines to more than 150 million children in 2012, and through fund-matching partnerships with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and other groups, the program has saved millions of lives and raised tens of millions of dollars; in South Africa, fewer than 50 clubs consisting of only 1,250 members feed 60,000 people every day; moreover, Lions have collected over $1 billion in donations since 1972; and WHEREAS, The Lions Clubs of Texas have originated many of their own service projects, including the Juvenile Diabetes Program, the Journey for Sight fund-raising event, and the Texas Lions Foundation, a disaster relief fund; the Midland Lions Clubs pioneered the practice of sending recycled eyeglasses to people in need overseas, and that program has been adopted by Lions groups around the country; in Texas alone, Lions recycling centers assist in the collection, cataloging, and distribution of 1.5 million pairs of glasses each year; the organization has established five eye banks across the state to help the medical community recover and distribute eye tissue for transplants and research; in addition, the Texas Lions Camp has given approximately 70,000 children with diabetes or disabilities the chance to spend a week camping, horseback riding, and swimming, at no cost to their families; a successful antidrug program was created through the efforts of the Texas Lions, especially those of retired U.S. Air Force brigadier general and Vietnam War POW Robbie Risner; and WHEREAS, Texas Lions are especially proud of the two living past international presidents who hail from the Lone Star State, Jimmy Ross of Quitaque and Everett J. Grindstaff of Ballinger; Lions Clubs International has further benefited from the skilled guidance of such exemplary leaders as its present director, Sam Lindsey, and past international directors Don Buckalew, Ray Hughston, Mike Butler, Marshall Cooper, Connie De La Garza, Beverly Stebbins, and Joe Al Picone; and WHEREAS, Over the years, the Lions organization has been honored by a number of luminaries, including Lion and former President Jimmy Carter, who nominated the club for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2008; the group has also won praise from President Ronald Reagan, who was an honorary Lion, as well as President Anwar Sadat of Egypt, Prime Minister Menachem Begin of Israel, and Pope John Paul II, among many others; and WHEREAS, Today, Lions Clubs International is one of the largest, most respected, and most effective service organizations in the world, with 1.4 million members in 209 locations, and it is a privilege to join in recognizing its century of service to those in need; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas Legislature hereby commemorate the 100th anniversary of Lions Clubs International and extend to its members sincere best wishes for continued success with their important work; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Lions Clubs International as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Darby Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 902 was adopted by the House on March 23, 2017, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House