News from the Rockdale Lions

Since being chartered in April 2010, our club is trying to make a presence in the Village of Rockdale.  Being a new club, we needed to have a couple of fund raisers to build up revenue so when called upon we would be able to help where needed.   Our first fundraiser was held in December as Breakfast with Santa.  Along with Santa we also had Rudolph, elves, and of course, the Lion to entertain the children.  With a lot of help via questions and visits to other clubs, we were able to successfully host our first breakfast with little problem.  Thank you to all of neighboring Lions Clubs who answered many of our questions and helped make our first fundraiser a success.

We had our 2^nd Pancake Breakfast February 13, 2011 from 8 am – 12 pm at Chamblee’s Auctions.  After this breakfast we hosted the District 1B Orientation Seminar.  Made for a long day for our breakfast volunteers but was well worth it to hear the history of the Lions and meet some Lions from other clubs.

We had our 3rd Pancake Breakfast April 10, 2011 from 8 am - 12 pm at Chamblee's Auctions.

In other news, we planted our first tree in connection with the President's challenge of all clubs planting a tree.  We will have a dedication ceremony when the weather allows.  We will also be buying a bench and a plaque to sit by the tree.

We also had the pleasure of hosting the District 1B Meet, Greet, and Eat.  It was a great opportunity for us to learn of the many things that our neighboring clubs have been working on and their upcoming events.

One of the greatest things our club has accomplished this year was to get glasses for 30 kids from both Rockdale and Laraway Schools.  Working with the great staff at Lens Crafters, eye exams and glasses were made available to those who needed them.  Watching the smiles on the children’s faces after they received their glasses, and having the ability to clearly see again for the first time, made this full day event worth every lions roar.  Many of our Lions were on hand to watch over 30 children from 2 different schools.  Thanks to all who came out to show their support.

Plans are under way to start holding bingo weekly. Start date April 2012.    

We are also currently in negotiations with the Rockdale Village officials in managing the bus benches within the village.  There are currently 5 bus stops, with only 1 having an old dilapidated bus bench.  Our proposal to the village was to replace that one and we would then manage the other 4 locations selling similar advertisement spots splitting profits with the village 50/50. 

And with the loss of a handful of Lions, the Rockdale Lions Club will be out working an aggressive membership drive to increase our club membership. 

These are just some of the things our club has been up to and some upcoming events.  We’ve had a great time meeting so many great Lions, and look forward to working with you and spreading Lionism. 

At our May 21, 2011 board meeting we were informed that 83 fewer campers will be sent to Camp Lions this year due to a decrease in funding.  One of our members pledged $100 to start a fund raiser to raise the $525 needed to send one person to camp.  By the end of the meeting we were very close to fullfilling that goal.  At Chamblee's Auction that evening President Steve Chamblee announced our goal and how close we were.  By the end of the auction $1090 was raised.  Thanks to the Rockdale Lions and friends of the Lions who made this fund raiser a success.

Tuesday, June 07, 2011 at the Rockdale Elementary School 8th grade graduation we presented a $100 savings bond and trophy to the boy and girl with the highest GPA.  Congratulations to them and the entire graduating class.

Plans are well under way for our most ambitious fund raiser yet, our poker run scheduled for Sunday, July 24, 2011.  See our calendar page for details.

In conjunction with our Poker Run scheduled for July 24th we are raffling off a 2003 Honda Shadow VLX.  This is a very clean and beautiful bike with only 1,500 miles on it.  Only 100 tickets at $50 each will be sold.  If all 100 are not sold it becomes a 50/50 raffle.  The drawing will take place during the after the run festivities at the Lions Club.