Lion Sean Kelly (left) from Kelly's
Country Store Presented a check for $2800.00 to Lion President Tom Witkowski of
the Grand Island Lions at their regular dinner meeting held at the Holiday Inn
on May 8th. The Money, earmarked for the Special Kids Picnic to be
held on July 17th of this year, represents all profits from the
annual sale of Christmas trees at Kelly's Store. The sale in it's third year
has progressively improved with Sean noting they have added 100 tree stands
this year to make it easier to pick out a tree. Supporting the Special Kids
picnic is a rewarding tradition for Kelly's started by Sean's Father Mike Kelly
who was a long-standing member of the Lions and for many years donated his time
and store resources for the benefit of kids with special needs.
Three
long time members of Our Club were presented with longevity
awards at our November 14th meeting. Pictured from left to right are
Lions Tom Butler (30 years), President Tom Witkowski, Al Ackerman (40
years), and John McCarthy (45 years). Lion John McCarthy Passed
away unexpectedly on January 16th 2013. Rest in peace Lion John.
On
December 12th the Grand Island Lions Club held their annual Christmas
Party at the Grand Island Holiday Inn. Lion Fred Ruocco was the
Master of Ceremonies and entertained the Club with seasonal songs and
much merriment. During the party the Lions raised $500 to be donated to
the Neighbors Foundation for annual holiday fund drive.
Lions fellowship was at its finest on October 24th 2012, at the Knights of Columbus Hall. Lions from our Sister Club of
Merritton Ontario joined us for our joint dinner meeting on Grand Island. Steaks were on the grill, prizes were
drawn, and everyone enjoyed the laughter, fun and camaraderie.
Lion President Tom Witkowski presents a check in the
amount of $200 to Tami Mills, Steve Krusicke, their son Ryan with Special
Spaces Buffalo co-founders Beverly Ann Olsen-Witkowski and Lynn Weber-Wall at
our 9/26 meeting.
Special Kids Picnic 2012
The
54th Annual Grand Island Lions Club "Special Kids Picnic" was held on
Wednesday, July 18, 2012 on the grounds of the Buffalo Launch Club.
Around 700 kids with special needs from all over Western New York were
treated to food and drink and a variety of entertainment including boat
rides, horseback rides, Shriners truck rides, and face painting. The
Niagara Experience players performed for the kids and the Grand Island
Fire Company brought their fire trucks and equipment for the kids to
explore. In addition Sabretooth and our Mascot Lion were real crowd
pleasers. Lion Annette Boies-Lobl, Picnic Chairman, stated
many schools and organizations were in attendance including
Autistic Services of WNY, Erie 1 BOCES from Clarence, Williamsville,
Casey, Sweet Home and West Seneca West Schools, in addition to
Heritage Education Centers and People Inc. Volunteers included
many people from our community along with Lions from other clubs such
as Ransomville, Wheatfield, Kenmore, South Buffalo-Lackawanna and
Merritton Ontario. Community volunteers included the Grand Island
Rotary, High School Cheerleaders, and Football Team, Kelly's
Country Store and Boy Scout Troop 104 from Kenmore.
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2012-13 Officers
