HR1488 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1488 LRB096 24356 KXB 43935 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to congratulate the Galesburg Lions Club members on the 90th anniversary of the organization; and

WHEREAS, On November 18, 1920, a charter was presented to the Galesburg Lions Club with Judge John F. Garner, International Director from Quincy, presiding; the Quincy Lions Club sponsored the Galesburg Lions Club, and Attorney L. Fred O'Brien was elected the first president; and

WHEREAS, With 37 men present, Galesburg became the 12th Lions Club organized in the State of Illinois, and the 109th Club in the Association; and

WHEREAS, The main goal of the Lions Club has been sight conservation for the past 65 years; the Galesburg Club responded to this ideal by purchasing eye glasses for school children, and later for people of all ages; over the years, thousands of pairs of glasses have been bought and distributed to those in need, with assistance by community optometrists and ophthamologists, who charge minimal fees, helping the Lions Club to continue this program; and

WHEREAS, The Galesburg Lions Club donated funds to local hospitals for eye equipment, hosting Glaucoma and Hearing clinics, and contributing to a foundation project to build an Eye Research Institute; and

WHEREAS, In 1922, the Lions Club donated suits of clothes to ex-servicemen coming out of the hospital; in 1940, the Lions Club began ringing bells for the Salvation Army, frequently raising the most money, and at times the most noise; and

WHEREAS, In 1925, the first road signs were placed to the entrances of Galesburg, acknowledging the Galesburg Lions Club; during World War II, the Lions Club helped man the Service Center each weekend; and in 1956 they built their first picnic shelter at Lake Storey; and

WHEREAS, Recent fundraising events include the presentation of a check for $5,000 to the City of Galesburg for the construction of hiking trails and a gift of $6,000 for the purchase of a scoreboard at the Little League Park at Hawthorne Center; and

WHEREAS, In the 1990s, the Lions Club welcomed women into their club; the women of Galesburg that have joined the Lions Club have served as chairs of many of the major committees and have participated in 100% of the activities; as the Club begins its 91st year in the community, they continue to donate, give of time and talent, and serve others rather then themselves; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate the members of the Galesburg Lions Club and wish them continued success in the future; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the Galesburg Lions Club as a symbol of our respect and esteem.