ANAHEIM LIONS CLUB 1922 - 2012
The Story: This is a synopsis of the 90 year history of the Anaheim Lions Club. It is comprised of members from the original Anaheim Lions Club, the Anaheim Host Lions Club, the Anaheim Sunrise Lions Club, and the Anaheim Evening Lions Club.
The Beginning : It all began on a hot summer’s day, one Friday in August of 1922, when five businessmen having lunch at the Anaheim Elks Club discussed the possibility of forming a luncheon club. The following Friday, they met again and by the 15th of September there were 26 prospective members. The Lions organization was getting started in California, so this group started Anaheim’s first Lions Club. The records show that the charter party was held sometime between November 10-17, 1922. The Santa Ana Host Lions Club was the sponsoring club and Bob White, a local businessman, was the first Club President. The club was chartered with 37 members. In December of that year the Club participated in its first Sight Conservation Program, caring for local children and later started to provide eye care for children south of the border, now a Project Look function.
Three Lions Clubs in Anaheim: In 1957 the Anaheim Lions Club became known as the Anaheim Host Lions Club when it sponsored the Anaheim Breakfast Lions Club which later changed its name to Anaheim Sunrise Lions Club. In 1961 it sponsored the West Anaheim Lions Club as a noon club. Later it changed to evening meetings and changed its name to Anaheim Evening Lions Club.
District Governors and Conventions: The Anaheim Lions Club has contributed three District Governors to the District and currently has one Past District Governor as one of its members, Jack Mauller, who transferred from another club. The Anaheim Host Club co-sponsored the Multiple District-Four (California-Nevada) Convention in 1962 at the Disneyland Hotel, in 1970 at the Anaheim Convention Center and in 1992 at the Hilton Hotel.
Hong Kong Sister City Lions Club The Anaheim Host Club became a sister-city club of the Hong Kong Host Club and joined with them in establishing a drug rehabilitation program in that city. In 1985, 30 Anaheim members and families visited Hong Kong to celebrate the Hong Kong Lions Club’s 30th Anniversary which also coincided with Disneyland’s 30th Anniversary. Disneyland provided many Disney souvenirs to present to the Hong Kong Club. Again, in 1990, approximately 15 members and their families visited the Hong Kong Club, where they were hosted to a fabulous evening at the Hong Kong Hilton.
Merging The ClubsIn 2005: Over the years, times and habits changed and each of the clubs experienced declining memberships. In 2005 the three clubs, Anaheim Host, Anaheim Sunrise, and Anaheim Evening combined memberships to become the Anaheim Lions Club. All activities, fund raisers, charitable projects, etc. were assumed by the Anaheim Lions Club.
WHAT’S GOING ON TODAY, THE YEAR 2012?
Club President: The Current President of the Anaheim Lions Club is Rodrick (Rod) Wallace, the last remaining Charter Member of the West Anaheim Lions Club, who retains the distinction of “Charter Member” of the Anaheim Lions Club. This is his 50th Year as a Lion. Lion Rod helped start the Annual Easter Baseball Tournament in 1975 and has served as Tournament Chairman for over 35 years. He also has chaired the Youth of the Year Award Selection Project since its Inception.
Anaheim Lions Club 38th Annual Charity Spring Baseball Tournament March 31, April 2, 3, and 4, 2012
In 1975 the tournament began as the West Anaheim Lions Easter Baseball Tournament. Eight local high school teams played in a single elimination tournament and they were only guaranteed two games. It is now known as the Anaheim Lions Club Annual Charity Spring Baseball Tournament. This will be our 38th Annual Tournament with 62 varsity high school teams participating, including five teams from Utah, two teams from Washington, and one team from Illinois.
Each team is guaranteed five games, all of which are to be played in four days. This is our major fund raising project which generates approximately $ 20,000. in charitable revenue per year.
Anaheim Youth of the Year In 1981, the West Anaheim Lions Club sponsored the Anaheim Youth of the Year program. One winner was awarded $ 400.00. Today, total awards of $2000.00 are given each year, $ 1000.00 is presented to the Winner and $ 500.00 each is given to the first two runner-ups. This all takes place as part of the City of Anaheim Youth In Government Day. Awards are given based upon service given to the community outside of school activities.
Pancake Breakfasts The Anaheim Lions Club continues to put on pancake breakfasts started by the Anaheim Host Lions Club in the 1950s. With a five foot round rotating grill, built by one of the members, a high school shop teacher,
our equipped trailer is rented out to different school booster clubs. Other grills are also provided for cooking sausages and eggs. We provide the equipment and manpower and they provide the food and retain the profits from their ticket sales.
For the past two years we have also provided a pancake breakfast for motel families at Christmas Time.
Community Health Care On April 7, 2012 at the West Anaheim Youth Center, 320 S. Beach Boulevard , a pancake breakfast will be served to motel families. Afterwards, dental examinations and care will be provided by our own Lion Dr. Robert Mokbel.. The District Sight and Hearing Mobile will be there with our own Lion Dr. Carlos Green doing the eye screening. It should be mentioned that Dr. Mokbel also provided a free clinic sponsored by the Anaheim Lions Club the last two years for abused women near Christmas time.
Student Speakers Program Each of the clubs in the past have sponsored club level contests, and this year is no exception. For over 30 years, Lion Chas Hendricks has served as chairman of this event, and continues to do a great job.
Loara High School Leo Club. The Loara High School Leo Club was started last year under the guidance of our member, Past President Tom Brown, and chartered this year with over 50 members. The Leos certainly are a great help supplementing our work forces when putting on events.
Eye Examinations and Glasses: Over five thousand dollars is allocated each year for an on-going eye care program providing eye examinations and glasses for needy local elementary school children.
Other Charities: Other charities benefiting from the baseball tournament include, but are not limited to: Blind Children’s Learning Center, Braille Institute, City of Hope, Lions Sight & Hearing Mobile Testing, So Calif. Lions Eye Institute, Foundation for the Junior Blind, Guide Dogs for the Blind, Project Look, Guide Dogs of the Desert, Lions Canine Companions, PADRE Foundation, Wilderness Camp for the Deaf, Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic, Boys & Girls Club of Anaheim, Anaheim YMCA,.
The Anaheim Lions Club is proud to be a member of Lions Clubs International and to be of service to our local community.