The Centre Lions Club turned 75 this year. As a long time service-oriented organization, it’s fitting that the milestone was celebrated by giving back to the community. During the 75th Anniversary Banquet held Tuesday night, Lions Jeff Wolfe and Ed Allen presented 10 local community groups each with a check of $750. Recipients included Cherokee County Family Resource Center, Cherokee County Humane Society, Cedar Bluff Food Pantry, Family Care Center, American Red Cross, Child Advocacy Center, Crisis Center, Cherokee County Historical Society/Cherokee County Historical Museum, Cedar Bluff Baptist/Methodist Outreach, and National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).
Also, local businessman Tracy Bishop was presented a plaque of appreciation, recognizing years of work with the club.
Centre Lions Club President Gaylon Hammett then recognized current and former club officers, as well as former members.
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Those in attendance listened to comments from several notable guests including, State Senator Phil Williams, State Representative Richard Lindsey, Cherokee County Probate Judge Kirk Day, and Cherokee County Board of Education Member Mark Green. Additionally, comments were heard from Lions Club District Governor Glenda Moxley, Alabama Lions Council Chair Ron Seybold, and Alabama Lions Sight Conservation Association Executive Director Durden Dean, who spoke on the Lions Club’s efforts in blindness prevention and aiding those who are visually impaired.
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Keynote Speaker, Past Lions International Director Lowell Bonds gave a rousing speech on the work of International Lionism, noting the Lions Club International’s work with the United Nations and taking on “the challenge to stop preventable blindness throughout the entire world,” through the “Sight First Initiative.”
Centre Mayor Tony Wilkie was also on hand to present the “Keys to the City” to Ron Seybold and Lowell Bonds.
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Additionally, Lion Anne Shumaker read an address given by Congressman Mike Rogers on the US House floor, honoring the “proud and accomplished organization.”
The Centre Lions Club was chartered on February 20, 1938. They have been involved in various service projects, most notably, teaming with local and area optometrists to provide eye exams and glasses for almost 100 individuals each year.
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