Non Profit Spotlight
May’s non-profit organization is The St. Petersburg Lions Club. It was founded in 1925 soon after Helen Keller asked the Lions to sponsor the work of the American Foundation for the Blind at the International Convention in Cedar Point, Ohio. “Will you not constitute yourselves Knights of the Blind in this crusade against darkness?” she asked.
The St. Petersburg Lions Foundation was established in 1966. As a charitable non-profit corporation, the Foundation is recognized by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service as a 501© (3) tax exempt entity. All donations to the Foundation are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Contributions can be made by check, wire transfer, donations of stock, and through estate plans, wills or trusts. The organization’s logo, designed specifically for the St. Petersburg Club, serves to remind its members to appreciate the creativity and strengths of each member, as everyone brings unique contributions to the club. Together they all are humble servants.
Activities and Events:
• During the year the St. Petersburg Lions Club collects glasses at fifteen key locations throughout St. Petersburg. Prescription glasses are recycled by LensCrafters while reading glasses and sunglasses are donated to the Salvation Army and Solid Rock Ministries. Nearly 9,000 pairs are collected yearly.
• Every month, the Sight Committee meets to collect, review and approve applications for financial assistance for eye exams, glasses and optical surgeries. Approximately 30 applications are approved each month. The St. Petersburg Lions proudly maintain a 100% approval rate for all applications for assistance for eye care needs for children. For more information, contact Sight Chairman, Lion Louis Cantrell at louiscantrell@msn.com .
May’s special event: The Lions will once again host the Challenger League Annual Picnic at Azalea Little League Field. Members of the Challenger League are presented a trophy for their performance and sportsmanship. In addition to the annual sponsorship of the Challenger League, the Lions will raffle an Elf-made quilt made from the ballplayers’ favorite t-shirts. For more information, contact Youth Chairman, Lion Danny Beauchesne at affect@aol.com.
Meetings: Meetings are held on the 1st & 3rd Wednesday of the month at 6:30pm. Dinner is served on the 3rd Wed. meeting at a cost of $8/person at the Lions Beach Club House 9300 West Gulf Blvd Treasure Island, FL 33706. To learn more the St. Petersburg’s Lions Club contact: President Sally Hayes at 813.870.6037 or LionSally@gmail.com
