Natchitoches Lions Club recently attended the 2024 Louisiana State Lions Club Convention held in Alexandria. The state’s official title is Multiple District 8, which includes all clubs in Louisiana. Lions from across the state gather to participate in learning sessions, to be recognized for their efforts throughout the year as well as to present donations to the numerous projects supported by Lions. Officers for the upcoming year are also selected during the weekend’s events.
The Natchitoches Lions Club was recognized as a Model Club in the Lions International Campaign 100. Campaign 100 identifies model clubs as those clubs who champion all causes of the Lions Club International Foundation (LCIF), whose main objectives address a world in need. Through awareness building and fundraising efforts, Model Clubs vastly expand all Lions’ capacity to bring about much needed change in the world.
Two Natchitoches Lions Club members were individually recognized for their dedicated humanitarian services through LCIF. Don and San Brown were named as Melvin Jones Fellow recipients. Melvin Jones founded the Lions Club International in 1917. He provided the leadership, the organizational ability, the tenacity and the muscle necessary to establish the foundation for Lions Club International to become what it is today. As the largest service organization in the world, with clubs in over 200 countries, Lions strive to improve the lives of vulnerable people around the world. Those named as Melvin Jones Fellows embody the spirit, hard work and dedication to Lions projects on a local, district and international level.
Lions in attendance were treated to a luncheon featuring LSU baseball great, Warren Morris. Morris, most famous for his walk-off homerun to win the College World Series while at LSU, spoke to Club members about the importance of hard work, dedication, competitiveness and how you can be whoever you want to with those attributes.
The Convention concluded with an invitation to the 2025 State Convention which will be held in Gonzales. The Natchitoches Lions Club meets the first and third Monday of every month in the Listach Room at the Natchitoches Regional Medical Center. Anyone wishing to attend can contact any current member or join us for any of our scheduled meetings.
Pictured: Natchitoches Lions Club was recognized as a Model Club during this year’s Louisiana Lions Club Convention. Members on hand to accept the award are left to right: Michele Waskom, LeeAnn Edwards, Sarah Gianonne, Nicole Connell, San Brown, Don Brown and Mimi Stoker. Don and San Brown were also honored as Melvin Jones Fellows during the awards ceremony.