HISTORY
The East Chicago Evening Lions Club
The East Chicago Evening Lions Club
The East Chicago Evening Lions Club was formed by a group of men who were interested in volunteering their services to improve our Community, aid the needy and serve mankind. Initial meets were set up with members of the East Chicago Noon Lions Club including Noon Lion members Francisco Gonzales, P.D.G. Stan White, Lions District 25A Extension Representative Charles P. Sasson, and the Noon Lions Club President Charles Doyle. The interested members began a campaign to find other members of the Community, including friends, co-workers and acquaintances. In total, 39 individuals, who were committed to the mission and goals of Lions Clubs International, were recruited to the club. Membership applications were filled out by Vincent Garza, Jr., James Porras and Richard L. Perez, and submitted on May 7, 1981 to then District 25A Governor John R. Eich. This was the second to the last phase in the application process for Club formation into Lions International. The Club’s Charter was official approved on May 11, 1981 by the International Association of Lions Clubs. A Charter Night Banquet was held on May 30, 1981 at Assumption Church Hall on Elm Street in East Chicago. Each member signed the Club’s Charter at the event. The Club continued to meet at Assumption Church Hall, later relocating to the Public Library on Columbus Drive and in 1983, we moved to the Casa Blanca Restaurant on Indianapolis Blvd. and have been meeting there ever since.
The members of the newly formed Lions Club of District 25A rolled up their sleeves and began planning and working on developing a means to raise money to give back to the Community. Through the years, their efforts continued to improve and the revenue from fund raisers grew from a mere $324.73 to thousands of dollars. The members’ dedication to the Club didn’t stop there, it was decided early on that in order to set the example in our Community each member would not only contribute his time, but we would also contribute to the Club financially. When we hold a Pancake Breakfast, each member volunteers his time to work the event and pays for the price of a ticket. Later, we decided that we would go out in the Community and try to get donations from local businesses. With the members contributing financially and with the donations from local businesses, 100% of the fundraising dollars could be used to provide services to our Community and those most in need.
Fundraisers held throughout the years include candy days, in which Lions sell candy on street corners, Las Vegas Nights, dances, light bulb sales, orange sales, walk-a-thons, turkey raffles, benefit basketball games between the police and firefighters and the famous pancake breakfast.
Public support and participation of fundraisers determines our success. So far, we have been blessed with many successful fundraisers allowing us to surpass our goals and extend a helping hand beyond our own cause and offer support to other causes such as donations to food pantries, Special Olympics, and youth programs including Little League, basketball, soccer, and volley ball teams.
The East Chicago Evening Lions Club has been able to touch lives and make a difference
in our city, our country and across our borders. When disaster hit Acapulco, Mexico, with massive flooding and mudslides, the Evening Lions united with other area organizations and fundraisers were held to help the flood victims. Working together, the Hijos de Borinquen, Union Benefica Mexician and the Evening Lions, planned a marathon day of entertainment at the UBM Hall. Food was cooked by the ladies from the Hijos, UBM, and the Lioness Club. Calls were made throughout the area to line up dancers, bands, and singing groups. At the end of the day, over $8.000.00 were collected. This money was entrusted to the Evening Lions Club and two Evening Lions members who traveled to Acapulco to meet with fellow Lions and local government officials in Mexico. Lions Luis Aguilera and Fernando Rivera witnessed the disaster area first hand. After a carefully assessment of the situation was made, they decided that the money raised would be best spent on the drilling a well with a water pump so that desperately needed fresh water could be made available to as many residents as possible.
The Evening Lions has also provided support to the Share Foundation throughout the years. The Share Foundation is an organization that provides a camp for children and adults with disabilities. We have contributed hearing aids and even sponsored a Leader Dog through the Indiana Lions. After receiving a hearing aid, a middle-aged, single woman was able to secure a job as a waitress and the blind young man from East Chicago for whom we sponsored a Leader Dog, went on to complete college and hold a job being a productive citizen.
Journey for Sight was started under the leadership of Lion President Ray Vasquez in 1986 and it has continued sine to meet our goal of providing free eyeglasses for children who are having problems in learning in school because they need eyeglasses. The Club’s event provides between 10 and 16 pairs of eyeglasses a year. Recently, the Evening Lions received a grant and purchased 130 eyeglasses for children and expanded its program to provide eyeglasses for needy adults. With this grant a special camera was purchased to provide screening for children between ages one to five. The images produced are reviewed by a professional at the University of Indiana or the University of Tennessee. There are eight common eye problems that can be detected and treated to prevent the need of eyeglasses and even blindness. The program is called “Kid Sight.”
Cancer victims and their families may suffer in different ways. The Lions Club has provided funds to purchase food and to pay gas bills for families going through these trying times.
Diabetes is very common within East Chicago and blindness is a secondary effect that occurs from this disease. The Evening Lions has held a special fundraiser in conjunction with the East Chicago Police and Firefighters. Once a year, East Chicago’s finest and bravest go head to head in a competitive basketball game. This fundraiser is usually very successful in more ways than one; proceeds from this event are used to help individuals in the city who are diagnosed with Cancer or Diabetes and the community gets a chance to interact with our public servants in a comfortable and fun environment.
A number of The East Chicago Evening Lions Club members have been appointed to District 25A leadership roles from chairing a district convention, heading District 25A public relationships, Zone Chairmanship, and Regional District Chairmanship. The highest position held by one of our members was District Governor. We are very proud of Lion Luis Aguilera who held the distinguished position of District Governor from 2002-2003. Lion Luis became the third Lion from the City of East Chicago to hold the honor following Ervin Lewin, and Stan White of the East Chicago Noon Club. The members of the East Chicago Evening Lions Club are proud to be part of this International Organization knowing we are SERVING OUR COMMUNITY – MAKING A DIFFERENCE.
