Media Release
Chicago, Jan 16: The only Mangalureans Lions Club – The Forest Kala Sampath Lions Club in Chicago celebrated founder of Lions Clubs International – Melvin Jones 139th birthday with rainbow colors at the Chicago Four Points Hotel Sheraton at O’Hare recently. Several clubs in District 1A took part in this magnificent celebration.
“100 years ago, our founder Melvin Jones asked his friends to be the volunteers to help the needy in their communities as there were thousands of soldiers from World War I were wondering around without jobs, families and shelter. This concept of serving the needy spread all over the world and filled with more than 1.4 million members and more than 210 countries and geographical areas. Let us keep this spirit of helping the less fortunate and giving, sharing and caring and continue our mission, ‘We Serve’ said past international director Dan O’Reilly in his message during this event.
“This day is to celebrate our founders 139th birthday and to recognize all Melvin Jones Fellows in our district. What a wonderful programme we witnessed here in this celebration. I thank all the Melvin Jones Fellows for their contribution to Lions Clubs International Foundation to help the needy all over the world. Let us bring more Melvin Jones Fellows to our organization so that we can care and share less fortunate and those who are in need.” This was the message from District 1A Governor Pat Duda to the participants.
Dr Austin Prabhu welcomed the gathering and Lourdes Livas gave introduction. American, Filipino and Indian national anthems were sung with Pledge of Allegiance to the US flag. Maritess Wynkoop gave invocation. Dr Austin introduced the dignitaries.
After the sumptuous dinner, Filipino American Lions Club members enacted a skit – Baby Bottles Project – United We Stand. There were baby bottles were kept on the tables and the participants were asked to fill the bottles with whatever they can donate. Collected money was given to Battered Women in Chicago those who have small babies.
One new Melvin Jones Fellow Junior Roque was recognized by District 1A Lions Clubs International Foundation chairperson Wes Salsbury. Director O’Reilly presented Wes with a Chairman’s Medal for reaching more than $30,000 in contribution for last Lionistic year.
Immediate past district Governor Ernie Lapid was honored with Appreciation Award from Lions Clubs International by O’Reilly.
Vissia D’Souza held a Melvin Jones quiz for the participants and the winners were given a prize. Tammy Brown, District Diabetes Chair briefed with forthcoming American Diabetic Association’s event in March at the McCormick Place and asked lions to take part in the event.
Dr Austin announced that next year’s 140th birthday celebration will be at the same place on January 13, 2019. He also said that he has collected $10,000 for this year's Lions Clubs International Foundation contribution and profit from this event will go to the foundation. Since more than five years Kala Sampath Lions Club is donating more than $10,000 to the foundation.