San Rafael Host Lions celebrate 100
The San Rafael Host Lions Club celebrated 100 years of community service during a luncheon at San Rafael Joe’s on Oct. 7. Lions from throughout California were in attendance. Past Lions International President Douglas Alexander of Brooklyn, New York served as the keynote speaker.
The original San Rafael Host Lions Club began in 1922 when it was chartered as the Marin County Lions Club, and sponsored by the San Francisco Lions Club. After a few years, more Lions clubs were formed in Marin County, and the club became the San Rafael Lions Club. As additional Lions clubs were formed in San Rafael, it became the San Rafael Host Lions Club
Locally, the Lions provide eye and vision care for those in need, and well as vision screening for school children. The Lions Eye Foundation in San Francisco provides free surgery and testing by referral by the club for anyone in need. It also provides free hearing aids, trained assist dogs via Lions Canine Companions for Independence and collects and distributes thousands of used eyeglasses through the Lions in Sight Foundation. It sponsors the Redwood Lions Memorial Foundation which provides low vision services to the blind and visually impaired. The club supports youth activities and provides college scholarships contests.
Lions Club International is the largest nonprofit service club in the world. It provides millions of dollars annually for disaster relief, humanitarian needs and services around the world. For more information, visit e-clubhouse.org/sites/sanrafaelhost.