Roughly 18 million people in the United States have diabetes,
& 5.3 million of these people do not know they have the disease.
Our Lions of Illinois Foundation’s Diabetes Awareness program, in coordination with the American Diabetes Association (ADA), helps collects money for research and prevention and distributes risk strips to alert a person that he or she may be at risk for diabetes. Both organizations benefit with funds split, 60% to the ADA & 40% to the LIF for our diabetic retinopathy program.
When you sign up for Diabetes Awareness, all aprons, risk strips, and candy are free to your club. The ADA recovers these costs from the gross receipts.
Your club does many projects to help the visually impaired, but how many prevent visual impairment? This one does!!
For details on participating contact the LIF office at 815-756-5633
& ask for Joanne.
Win BIG in 2006-
Selling Sight & Sound SweepstakesTickets can help raise funds
for local & state vision & hearing programs.
Plus, 40% of all ticket sales can stay with your club!
or consider being a 100% donor to the LIF mission!
Prizes can be won by ticket holder,
Clubs & individual ticket sellers.
Prizes include:
$5,000 Grand prize 
Five $1,000 winners
Ten $500 winners 
Ten $250 winners
Sellers can win 10% of winning ticket!
Top Club in book sales wins Hawaiian Vacation
Club with 2nd Highest book sales wins Las Vegas Weekend
Tickets sell for $1 each or $10 for book of twelve
Additional tickets are available by calling Joanne @
815-756-5633 ext 222.
Drawing held May 21, 2006 @ LIF Annual Meeting
In My Opinion
by Van C. Stone, LIF Executive Director
"FUEL EFFICIENT"
In this era of national energy shortages, emphasis has been placed on fuel-efficient vehicles. Throughout the land, Americans are giving up “gas-guzzlers” in favor of automobiles with engines that run cleanly and efficiently. Our Lions of Illinois Foundation has demonstrated that it is one of the most “fuel-efficient” vehicles in America. When a charity has an administrative expense ratio of 6% and provides programs and services that the public genuinely wants, it would seem logical for those who care about the cause to make sure that it had all of the “fuel” it needed.
While the usefulness of our metaphor is complete, our point is an important one. In 1995, I committed everything to building a foundation that efficiently helped as many people as possible. A fantastic group of Illinois Lions joined me in that endeavor and together we have developed a foundation that assists over 18,000 people each year on revenue that is $450,000 less than it was a decade ago. I believe! I have to believe that the Lions of Illinois want to leave a positive mark on society evidencing they existed. What possibly could motivate a righteous man or woman more than the opportunity to build an organization of mercy for the children and adults of Illinois who cannot see or hear as they should.. Surely, we are not too old, too lethargic, or just do not care enough to let this divine opportunity pass. I know that membership is down, that we are older, the demands upon our clubs are greater, and yet, I believe that the Lions of Illinois created their foundation because they care and because they are willing to commit the rest of their lives for honor through service.
Will you join me and those Lions who have already dedicated themselves to building a great legacy? Please don’t sit on the sidelines and let destiny slip away!
PARADE OF PLEDGES—2006
HEARING VANS
We have embarked upon a very exciting venture of acquiring two new hearing vans which when purchased will significantly increase our capacity to screen the people of Illinois for hearing losses. Clubs who say that are “community clubs” ought to rejoice at the opportunity of increasing our ability to help the people of their communities by increasing the number of hearing vehicles available. Each of these vans will cost approximately $100,000. It is our intention to apply for a Standard Grant through LCIF for $75,000. This amount must be matched by the Lions of Illinois and we are seeking pledges from the clubs to enable us to acquire these critically needed vehicles and retire our very expensive aged bus. PLEASE, PLEASE! Do not take pledges from your traditional support of other programs. We hope that helping thousands of your neighbors each year (that’s right thousands) find out, absolutely free, if they have a hearing loss is worth any extra efforts to raise additional funds for this program. Put another way, think of a world of silence or sound distortion that could be remedied if timely discovered. Consider making a pledge during the Parade of Pledges at the Foundation Breakfast at the State Convention. Let us know before then if you intend to pledge so that we can put our application together for an LCIF grant immediately.
CAMP LIONS
Simply put, we want to send more kids to our wonderful Camp Lions. Every camper must have a sponsorship of $525 (our actual cost is over $800 per camper) in order for them to attend. We simply cannot send campers without the necessary funding. Deficit funding is not an option. Think of the kids, come to the Breakfast, and stand up personally or as a club representative and pledge to send campers.
ENDOWMENT FUND
Our future rests in building an endowment fund large enough to provide the requisite funding for all of our programs which the public as indicated they need and want. At the Parade of Pledges, you can pledge for Foundation Fellows for yourself, love ones, in memory of love ones, and fellow Lions. Rocks and Leaves on the Tree of Service are also wonderful ways to support our great work in perpetuity. Please consider, standing tall before your friends and fellow Lions and showing your commitment in this most memorable way.
LIF DIRECTORY:
Main Phone Line : 815-756-5633 TTY: 815-748-9088 Fax: 815-748-9087
The LIF Office is open 8:30am to 4:30pm, Monday through Friday, except holidays. Visit the LIF website at: www.lionsofillinoisfoundation.org for program & service descriptions, forms, & the latest news!
Van C. Stone , Executive Director - Ext. 227
Mario J. Gumino, Accounts Manager - Ext. 224
DiAnne Ortega, Receptionist - Ext. 221
Joanne Delby, Development Coordinator - Ext. 222
Sherry Radek, Assistant to the Exec. Dir. - Ext. 223
Alan Wilson , Camp Lions Registrar - Ext. 231
Susan Young , Sight & Hearing Coordinator – Ext. 240
Joe Krenkel, Hearing Bus Driver/Tech - Ext. 224
Joy Knollenberg, Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Tech. - Ext. 240 Our Foundation office address is: 2814 DeKalb Ave, Sycamore, IL 60178 -3117
Blindness Prevention Fund:
Opportunity or Challenge?
Blindness Prevention Fund was passed by the Illinois Legislature and signed into law by the Governor as Public Act 094-602 in early Fall 2005. In step 10, Donation, Il tax form, it is shown as "Blindness", but is fully explained in the tax booklet, page 21. In one short paragraph it cites the need ( Preventive vision loss affects 25%/children and 28%/adults), type of grants (regional and statewide) and who will benefit (Charitable and education entities for education and eye care of children, seniors and the needy).
The Illinois Department of Public Health will manage the program. Letters have been sent to the groups listed in the bill for their representatives. PDG Jack Stults will be Gateway Lions’ representative.
Disbursement of funds will be along two parallel tracks: regional and statewide - with a minimum of 25% of the donations being awarded on a regional basis, where the donations originated.
The initial period is for the tax year ending December 2005. Annual donations must reach the threshold of $100,000 by 1 October each year to maintain its continuing status for the following and all subsequent years.
Again, the Council of Governors will be asked to use their monthly letters and District Web Pages to encourage the involvement of the Lions. Photo shots with their representatives or director of the senior center and/or possibly with a local Optometrist, school nurse/teacher for the local newspaper, along with a story....... no later than early March. The opportunity speaks for itself !
Camp Lions Youth Schedule
June 26 - July 1 - Camp Reynoldswood
July 9 - 15 - East Bay Camp, Bloomington, IL
July 16 - 22 - East Bay Camp, Bloomington, IL
July 23 - 29 - Camp DuBois, DuBois, IL
July 30 - August 5 - Camp Reynoldswood, IL
Camp Lions of Illinois is proud to sponsor our 49th season of fun for youth with hearing and vision loss. Eligible campers must be between the ages of 7 to 17 and have either a visual or hearing impairment as described:
Hearing Impairment: auditory loss which adversely affects speech & language development and communications abilities, requiring the use of a hearing aid, or auditory assistive device, sign language, finger spelling, or lip reading.
Visual Impairment: loss of vision to be in the range between total blindness and 20/200 in both eyes after best correction.
Do you know a child that would benefit from Camp Lions?
Ask them if they are interested in having a FREE week
of fun and friendship at Camp Lions.
For applications & info contact Alan Wilson, Camp Registrar
@815-756-5633 ext 231 or e-mail: adwilson@tbc.net
Camp
Helen Keller for Deaf & Blind Adults...
Open to eligible campers age 18 and older,
will be held
June 11-17,
at the Reynoldswood Camp in Dixon, IL.
For Info call Alan @ 1-933-3937 V/TTY
The mobile Hearing and Diabetic Eye screening units have proudly served the Lions of Illinois by providing FREE screenings to the public since 1974.
Thousandsof Illinoisians have been helped by making them aware of the need to take preventive measures to insure their quality of sight and/or hearing.
All screenings are hosted by a local Lions or Lioness Club as arranged through the LIF offices.
Here is yet
another way
to help
raise funds to combat
preventable blindness.
Camp Lions Wishlist 2006
Every year the magic of Camp Lions makes summer come alive for hundreds of visually & hearing impaired campers. To make that happen staff relies on the donations of supplies. Could you or your Club help grant some of these wishes? If the answer is yes, please contact Alan Wilson , Camp Lions Registrar by phone at 815-756-5633 ext 231 or by e-mail at adwilson@tbc.net to arrange pick-up, or shipping, and to maintain an inventory.
Thanks for your help!
Supplies on Wishlist 2006:
General Supplies- Storage bins ; Foam cups ; Hearing aid batteries ; AA Batteries ; Fishing supplies: fish line, bobbers, hooks, etc.; Frisbees, volleyballs, kickballs, basketballs, soccer ball, etc; Tie Dye: purple, blue, pink, orange, yellow, red ; Duct Tape ; Polaroid film ‘600 one-step’ ; Travel size soaps, shampoo, toothpaste, etc: Updated movies for deaf & visually impaired – captioned & narrated
Art Supplies - Colored String, Jute, or hemp cording ; Beads ; Glue ; Glitter; Tempera & Acrylic paints ; White newsprint paper rolls
Medical Supplies - Standard size band-aids ; Knuckle band-aids ; Fingertip band-aids ; Ace bandages ; Clear Benadryl ; Benadryl itch sticks ; 15 tubes Neosporin ; Ivy Dry spray; Tums ; 15 CPR mouth guards for staff ; Ice packs – reusable ; Aloe Vera gel : 4x4 gauze pads – adhesive and non-adhesive ; Jr. strength Tylenol ; Extra strength Tylenol Capsules ; Advil ; Children’s chewable Tylenol ; Ibuprofen – Capsule & liquid ; Dixie Cups; Oral Thermometers & covers.
Wishes Granted ...
Thanks to all the following members who have responded to Camp Lions needs!
Durand Lions Club: three storage bins & misc. supplies.
Lion Larry McGuire, PDG & Chester Lions Club: 50 CPR mask kits in key chain pouches.
1-J Governor Lion Bob Jilke: 36 sharps containers for disposal of insulin syringes.
1-A Trustee Lion Ralph Koller, PDG 1-A & wife Mildred: 50 AA alkaline batteries.
West Peoria Lions Club & Lion Carolyn McCarter : 2 rolls of paper (micro pore) tape , 2 bags 3” cotton tip applicators (100 in ea.) , 2 rolls of plastic (transport) tape , 15 -2pk of sterile 3x3 gauze pads, 60 – 2x3 Telfa pads (1 per pk), 4 pks Wound closure strips (steri strips), 4 pks Butterfly band aid closures , 3 CPR mouth guards,
1 – 3 in ace wrap, 1 – 6 in ace wrap, 3 – 6x10 hot/cold reusable compresses.
Mark Your Calendar…
LIF Upcoming Events
May 5-6, 2006 - Tootsie Pop Day
May 18-21, 2006 - Board of Trustees meeting & State Convention, Holiday Inn Select, Naperville, IL
June 4, 2006 - 2nd Annual Night Walk, Danada Equestrian Center, Wheaton, IL
July 10-16, 2006 - “Birdies for Charity”, John Deere Classic, Moline , IL
July 21, 2006 - Incoming Board of Trustees meeting, The Chateau, Bloomington, IL
July 22 - 23, 2006 - Board of Trustees Meeting, The Chateau, Bloomington, IL
August 5, 2006 - 13th Annual LIF Golf Classic, Railside Golf Course, Gibson City, IL
August 6, 2006 - LIF Coordinators meeting, The Chateau, Bloomington, IL
October 13 (14), 2006 -
LIF Candy Day
lionsofillinoisfoundation.org Remember to visit us on the web at for all your form needs, tips, and program & event descriptions.
Tootsie Pop Day
is May 5-6th
Supplies can be ordered by calling Joanne @ 815-756-5633 ext 222 or by downloading the forms by clicking here and scrolling down to Tootsie Pop Day.
Good Luck!
Mobile Hearing Bus & Diabetic Eye Screenings Calendar
Hearing Screenings
March 4th - 8am - Noon @ Stewardson Lions (1-L)
March 5th - 8am - 11am @ West Chicago Lions (1-J)
March 12th - 8am - Noon @ Bartlett Lions (1-J)
March 19th - 9am - Noon @ Darien Lions (1-J)
March 21st - 9am - 1pm @ Lake View Lions (1-A)
March 25th - 9am - Noon @ Tower Hill Lions (1-L)
March 31st - 9am - 4pm @ Vandalia Lions (1-L)
Diabetic Eye Screenings
March 2nd - 9:30am - 12:30pm @ Monticello Lions (1-L)
March 3rd - Noon - 4pm @ Bement Lions (1-L)
March 8th - 9am -Noon @ Edinburgh Lions (1-L)
March 13th - 10am - 1pm @ Marshall Lions (1-L)
March 14th - 8:30am - 12:30pm @ Effingham Lions (1-L)
March 15th - 10am - 1pm @ Mt. Auburn Lions (1-L)
March 16th - 10am -2pm @ Tolono Lions (1-E)
March 19th - 9am - Noon @ Darien Lions (1-J)
March 20th - 10am - 1pm @ Hoopeston Lions (1-E)
March 21st - 10am - 1pm @ Pawnee Lions (1-L)
March 22nd - 10am - 1pm @ Stonington Lions (1-L)
March 23rd - 12:30pm - 3:30pm @ Sullivan Lions (1-L)
March 24th - 10am - 1pm @ Atwood Lions (1-E)
March 25th - 9am - Noon @ Lerna Lions (1-E)
March 26th - 11am - 2pm @ Hoyleton Lions (1-CN)
March 28th - 10am - 1pm @ San Jose Lions (1-L)
“We Walk in the Dark … So They Won’t Have To”
2006 Annual Night Walk
Lions of Illinois Foundation
Danada Equestrian Center
Naperville Rd., Wheaton, Illinois
Members of Lions, Lioness and Leo Clubs throughout Districts 1-A, 1-B, 1-F and 1-J, along with their families, friends, and volunteers, will gather together for a 3-mile walk to raise funds to benefit visually impaired children and adults to help them live a better life, and to help stop preventable blindness.
All registered walkers will receive a Special 2006 Night Walk Light to help them light their way through the 3-mile walk. Each walker is encouraged to get at least $100 in sponsor.
For forms or information contact:
Lion Ray Krusinski
2006 Night Walk Chairman for District 1-J
Phone: 630-910-3153
Email:raykohio@aol.com
or Lion Van C. Stone, LIF Executive Director,
@ 815-756-5633 V or e-mail: vcs@tbc.net
Birdies for Charity
July 10 -16, 2006
This will be the 5 th year for Our Foundation to participate in this fundraiser. The John Deere Golf Classic will be held 10-16 July 2006.
Hundreds of charities participate in hopes to build their treasury.
Each Lion District in Illinois has a Birdies Chairman and each chairman have the pledge forms that is needed to be filled out. You would fill out the form indicating the number of birdies the pros will shoot from Wed. through Sun. name and address and how much you want to pledge (1 cent, 2 cents or 5 cents a birdie).
Turn in your pledge to your District chairman or the Head Bird (Lion Mush) who will record it and send it on to John Deere. 100% of funds collected before the deadline is will be returned to LIEF along with bonus bucks.
You not only help our Endowment Fund but you could win a car, garden tractor or many other prizes and get credit towards a Foundation Fellow or a Leaf on the Tree of Service.
This program, last year raised over $3 million dollars. Our share was nearly $60,000. We are setting a goal of $100,000 this year.
Won’t you please go out and get a pledge and make a pledge yourself.
in 2005 over $50,000 dollars was raised for the LIF through "Birdies for Charity".
Just think what would happen if every member pledged a penny per birdie!
For the cost of less than an average night out, you have the power to change someone's life.
Volunteers Succeed
Over the past year the hallways of the LIF offices have been clogged with the generous donations from Clubs to our used eyeglass program. We are proud to say due to VOLUNTEERS that condition no longer exists as of today. Our thanks to those who helped and those who will volunteer in the future. Please contact Alan if your Club would be interested in setting a date to sort and prepare glasses for eye glass missions.
Special thanks to:
Huntley Lions Club
Peoria Heights Suburban Lions Club
South Elgin Lions & Leos Club
Wheaton Lions Club
Elgin Youth Academy & Lion Bob Cywinski
Dekalb Evening Lions
Geneva Leos Club
A Heartfelt Thank You
To all the Lions, Lioness, Leos, and friends who have sent cards, well wishes, and prayers - I thank you with all my heart. As my health improves, I look forward to being there with you again as we conyinue our work as Lions.
Sincerely,
Lion Carol McCann - Kojima, Key Ambassador of Goodwill
It is that time of year again to tackle a dreaded job. All year we have accumulated piles of valuable, certain to be put to a good use, things. Well, here is your chance to help your Foundation & get some of those items out from under your feet. The LIF currently has six distinct recycling categories that either are dispensed to assist the needy vision & hearing impaired or can generate funds to support our mission. Every donation of the items below helps the LIF and those we have pledged to serve.
1.) Used Eyeglasses - any eyeglass or sunglass - plastic & composite framed glasses are graded and dispensed in third world countries. Metal frames are recycled for metallic value to assist people in the U.S. Over $38,000 was raised in 2005, that helped thousands of Illinois residents gain a better life with improved vision.
2.) Used hearing aids - in the ear, behind the hear, or on the body hearing aids are refurbished with new ear moldings & updated to help thousands of hearing impaired.
3.) Pull tabs - the quintessential fund raiser, all those tabs add up!
4.) Metallic keys - even old keys can be turned into cash to help. Our program is called “ Unlock your Heart”.
5.) Used ink cartridges from printers- A real bio-hazard, our recycling help save the environment & raise funds.
6.) Used cell phones- LIF recycles used phones to be re-fitted to dial 911 for use by victims of domestic violence and to generate funds for LIF programs.
Lions Share
March/April 2006
The Official Newsletter of the Lions of Illinois Foundation