Boosting awareness

Club members from throughout state meet in Hollywood

Hollywood’s T.Y. Park recently played host to the first-ever Lions Festival.

Area Lions Clubs joined forces to raise awareness about their community service efforts. Club members from Sebastian to Key West converged at the park.

“This is our first festival,” said Dania Lions Club president Jim Silvernale. “We want to try and show the public what Lions really do. It’s about service and having a good time.”

The Lions Club is perhaps best known for its hearing and eye banks, providing free hearing and eye exams for those in need.

“That’s still our biggest, number one charity,” Silvernale said.

At the Lions Festival, attendees had the opportunity to receive those exams. Eye tests were sent to the University of Florida, and doctors will notify patients if there is an issue that requires a followup.

Lions for Diabetes Awareness also provided testing.

“It’s nothing but a little prick on the finger, but that could save your life,” Silvernale said. “We hope that we have services that can fit into people’s needs.”

Crowds were also able to learn about Southeastern Guide Dogs, another beneficiary of the Lions Clubs, as well as the Broward County Human Services Department and the Lions’ yearly Back to School Shopping Spree for children in need.

The event also featured a free lunch and diverse cultural entertainment.

“Clubs from South Florida are very diverse, so we have dancers and musicians from different cultures,” Silvernale said.

Organizers were so pleased with the first event that they’re planning another Lions Festival for next year.

For more information, visit Lionsofflorida.org.