Amador Valley Lions Club Turns 25

By Hacienda Network Staff Writer

"We serve." What mission statement could be more direct and applicable to anyone? It is the reason for the existence of the Amador Valley Lions Club and describes what its members have been doing for the past 25 years for the local community and beyond.

Lions International is a network of 1.3 million men and women in 200 countries and geographic areas who work together to answer the needs that challenge communities around the world. Since 1917, Lions clubs has provided millions of people with the opportunity to give something back to their communities.

Lions secretary Peter Bailey knows all about serving the community. He started the club in February 1982 as president and is the only remaining charter member. "Simply put, we are a service club. Members are men and women who want to make a difference in their community."

The club is one of 45 in International District 4-C3, representing Alameda and Contra Costa counties. Lions clubs are primarily known for their work to end preventable blindness, but participate in a vast variety of projects important to their communities. Projects range from cleaning up local parks to providing supplies to victims of natural disasters.

"Our district supports two centers for the sight impaired in Oakland and Pittsburg," says Bailey. "The centers provide training to sight-impaired people so that they are able to manage their lives. They teach Brail, white cane use, typing skills, and provide job opportunities."

The district also supports the Lions Eye Foundation of California-Nevada Inc. where uninsured eye patients receive treatment. "If there is someone in our community in need of eye surgery and without health insurance, our club refers them to an eye doctor at the foundation for free treatment," explains Bailey.

Through various fundraising events and club dues, the Amador Valley Lions also provide support to projects including The City of Hope, The Hearing Foundation, Lions in Sight (an eyeglass recycling center), Guide Dogs, and Lions Project for Canine Companions for Independence.

Bailey is also proud of the many youth-oriented projects that his Lions club supports. Among other things, the club's members volunteer with the Pleasanton Police Department's DARE program at elementary and middle schools.

Amador Valley Lions are always looking for new members, says Bailey. "Anyone who wants to serve their community and make a difference in the lives of others is welcome in our club."

The club meets the first and third Thursdays of each month at 12:15 pm at Round Table Pizza, 530 Main Street, in Pleasanton. Prospective members can contact Peter Bailey at (925) 846-4921 or email petbailey@comcast.net.

For more information, visit the Lions International website at www.lionsclubs.org, or the district site at www.lionseastbay.org.

Also in this issue ...