By Deb and Doug Stafinski
The Vicksburg Lions Club has served our community since its establishment in 1953. When asked what the Club brings to the community, people often refer to the legendary B&B Festival – scheduled July 20-22, the Fall Golf Outing, and the February bowling event. These yearly activities are our biggest fundraisers and provide entertainment, camaraderie, and memorable experiences for all, but also enable us to support our community in a variety of ways that speak to our motto “We Serve”!
The Vicksburg Lions Club is just one of 48,000 clubs worldwide. Lions Clubs can be found in 200 countries throughout the world with a total of 1.4 million members. Locally, we have 36 members who work year-round to provide needed funds and services. The Vicksburg Lions Club has donated over $768,000 to support state and local projects since the inception of our Club.
In addition to our three big fundraisers, Lions also participate in the May White Cane Drive, which supports the visually impaired, KidSight vision screening for all students in the Vicksburg School District helps identify students with vision problems. We provide additional screening through Vicksburg Optometry and funding for glasses to those needing assistance. In addition, the Lions “Ring the Bell” for Salvation Army, assist with the Village clean-up in the fall and spring, and partner with the local Rotarians to host the VHS Honors Reception, where $70,000 in scholarships are awarded to assist students on the next journey in their education. The Vicksburg Lions contribute four $1,500 scholarships to students who have participated in community service projects.
For the Vicksburg Lions, “We Serve” means we give of our time and our talents without reservation to support the Vicksburg Community with funding, services, and experiences that enrich all of our lives!
The Lions Club’s 48th Annual B&B Festival is scheduled July 20-22 with something for everyone, including beer and John Fink’s famous brats, and entertainment for all ages.