Breakfast Lions receive awards

HOT SPRINGS VILLAGE — During the Hot Springs Village Breakfast Lions Recognition Banquet this summer, Past President Don Draper welcomed guest speaker Sharon Giovinazzo, the CEO of World Services for the Blind in Little Rock.

She shared her personal story of gradually becoming blind as a young adult, due to multiple sclerosis. Her experiences since speak on the depth of her devotion to help both blind and visually impaired people receive counseling, life skills, job training, preparation for exams to enter college, and professional job training through WSB.

WSB has been strongly supported by the Lions Clubs since 1947, when Roy Kumpe received a $10,000 contribution from the Little Rock Lions Club. Kumpe began to build what has become the most comprehensive rehabilitation center for people who are blind or visually impaired.

In addition, several hardworking members who contributed to efforts of the HSV Breakfast Lions Club over the past year were recognized. Awards were given for work in preventing loss of sight, restoring sight, or contributing toward serving those who are blind or visually impaired.

This year, the Golden Lion Award from Lions Club International went to Joyce Anderson and Joanie Wiltgen. The Edwin Dalstrom Distinguished Service Award from Mid-South Lions Sight and Hearing Service was given to Patti Smith, Tina Taylor and Ken Henry.

The Silver Cornea Award from the Eye Bank was awarded to Don Draper, with the Crystal Cornea Award, for significant contribution to the work of sight, going to Ken Wilson, Jan Folstad and Helen Van Stone. The Silver Cane Award from WSB went to Joanie Corry and Tom Brink, and the Roy Kumpe Award was given to George Kittner. The Melvin Jones Fellowship Award given by LCI went to Bob Anderson.

For anyone interested in working with the HSV Breakfast Lions Club and its volunteer activities, visitors are welcome to attend a meeting, held at 7:45 a.m. on the first and third Thursdays of each month at Chef Johnna’s in the DeSoto Club. Coffee and conversation start at 7:30 a.m.

Call President Joanie Corry at 501-762-9566 for more information or to make a breakfast reservation.

Submitted photo COMPASSIONATE VISION: The Hot Springs Village Breakfast Lions Club held its Recognition Banquet at Diamante Country Club this summer. Awards were presented to members including, from left, Ken Henry, Ken Wilson, Bob Anderson, Joyce Anderson, Don...