News & Happenings

Club News, District News

Diabetes – Now What?

Dear Lions Club Members,

In our inaugural article, we introduced SugarBEAT Enterprise’s Diabetes…Now What? pilot program aimed at enhancing diabetes management in rural Montana. We are excited to update you that we’ve secured enough sponsorship funds, including the valuable endorsement from the Montana Lions Club, to provide no-cost access to 20 individuals with Type 2 Diabetes. This initial support, along with contributions from sponsors like The Montana Beef Council, Talen Energy and Rosebud Healthcare Center, has set the stage for positive change in our communities. With the State Lions Club already on board, we’re on a mission to extend this impactful initiative to benefit 100 people. We extend our sincere gratitude to District 37 for their endorsement and warmly invite you to explore potential sponsorship opportunities.  Together we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by diabetes.  The pilot program is scheduled to launch by the end of January 2024.

Your financial support is crucial because:

37.3 million people in the United States have diabetes—that’s 11.3% of the population; 96 million adults, a staggering 38.0% of the adult population, have prediabetes; Every year, 1.4 million Americans, just like you, receive a diabetes diagnosis, a life-altering moment that could reshape personal paths; If current trends continue, by 2050, 1 in 3 adults could be living with diabetes.

Your support is a beacon of hope for those navigating this health challenge. To help support 100 individuals through our program, we urgently invite all Lions members to stand with us. Together, let’s not just be supporters of diabetes solutions, but advocates for a healthier community. The time to make a difference is now.

How you can help make a difference:

Club News

Hamilton Lions December Activities

 

The Hamilton Lions Club engaged in two of our annual December activities.

On December 2nd Lion Tom Tunny put on his Santa suit and a number of Lions became elves handing out cookies to families.  This free event takes place inside our local Murdoch’s Home and Ranch store where pictures of kids, and pets, are taken with Santa.  Donations amounted to over $100 with Murdoch’s also donating $250.

December 12th eight members of our Club were joined by thirteen family and friends to entertain residents in five assisted living facilities.  Many of these residents sang along with us which made it an enjoyable and rewarding evening for all.    We Serve!

 

Club News, Community Service Projects

PlusOptix Screening Continues Across Montana

From Winnett Lions:  PDG Melody so enjoyed these little ones during the Vision Health Screening at the Sweet Pea Day care in Winnett.  We Serve!

From Cut Bank & Sunburst Lions:  Cut Bank and Sunburst Lions have joined forces to screen over 650 students in Cut Bank, Sunburst and Shelby Elementary schools thus far in October and November.  We Serve!

 

From Columbia Falls Lions:  The Columbia Falls Lions Club completed two days of PlusOptix eye testing of C-Falls school kids at District Six.  They screened 895 students with 101 referrals.  The PlusOptix is done once a year and put on by Flathead Valley Plus Optix.  Special thanks to Dave and Teresa Falcon from Kalispell Sunrisers Lions who heads up this project.  Plans are already being worked on for next years’ testing.  We Serve!

 

 

 

Club News, District News

GST Report – Newest Endorsed Project – Diabetes – Now What?

NEWEST DISTRICT ENDORSED PROJECT:  DIABETES . . . NOW WHAT?

Dear Lions Club Members:

I hope this message finds you well.  I’m Leanna Schwend, the founder of SugarBEAT Enterprise, and I’m excited to introduce you to our Diabetes . . . Now What? pilot program.

At SugarBEAT Enterprise, we are passionate about enhancing diabetes knowledge, skills, and management , particularly in rural and tribal communities in Montana.  Our program is set to make significant impacts in our communities, and we believe the Lions Clubs support could be invaluable.

We’re looking for partners who share our commitment to bettering the lives of individuals with Type 2 Diabetes.  In today’s digital age, having a user-friendly solution at your fingertips and on your schedule is paramount, especially for those in rural areas.

If you feel this is a worthy cause, we are happy to discuss potential sponsorship opportunities and joining us in this endeavor.  Please feel free to reach out to: Leanna

Schwend, [email protected]; Box 289, Forsyth, 59327; 406-351-2117 or Sarah Pratt, [email protected]; 406-346-2930; and we can set up a time to connect!  Learn more about our mission & team:  www.sugarbeatenterprise.com

Our sponsorship stake holders currently include:  The Montana Beef Council, Rosebud County Healthcare Center, Talen Energy, First State Bank of Forsyth, Cowboy Meats (Forsyth), YC Family Dental (Forsyth) and Forsyth Lions Club.

Thank you for your time and we look forward to the possibility of collaborating with the Lions Clubs of Montana to make a real difference in our communities.

For more information on Montana and Global service contact:  PDG Dennis Kopitzke, GST Leader; [email protected]; Box 1266, Forsyth  59327; 406-346-1488.

 

Club News, Community Service Projects

Gallatin Empire Lions Club Sponsors Bozeman Blood Drive

Letter from Thomas Hensley of the American Red Cross to Gary Shanafelt of the Bozeman Gallatin Empire Lions Club:

I wanted to reach out to say thank you and provide yesterday’s blood drive results.  It was a great day for blood collections!  There were 27 scheduled, 2 no-shows, 1 walk-in, 26 presenting, and 25 units collected.  After the Whole Blood separation process (Red Cells, Platelets, and Plasma) is completed, the drive will provide 75 lifesaving products ready for distribution to hospitals on Sunday morning.

Since we started holding the Lions Club blood drives in June of 2020, yesterday’s collections were a new high.  The lifesaving products generated from the drive will be a significant contribution in our battle to meet patient needs.  This is something that you and your team can be very proud of, please share the results and our thanks!

Erica did not mention any concerns form the drive.  However, if you have any feedback from your own experience, your team, or donors that you would like to mention or share, please do so.  Our lifesaving relationship with you and the Gallatin Empire Lions Club Team proves again when we work together, we do make a difference!

Thank you!

Thomas E. Hensley

Account Manager

American Red Cross

Email:  [email protected]

Cell Phone: 406-223-4526

Club News, Community Service Projects

Ennis Lions Wrap up a Remarkable October

Ennis Lions Club Wraps Up a Remarkable October with Inductions, Fundraisers

and Community Spirit

The Ennis Lions Club has had an action-packed October, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to community service and fundraising for important causes. The organization has been hard at work, making a significant impact within the Ennis community and beyond.

In an inspiring display of growth, eight dedicated individuals were formally welcomed into the Ennis Lions Club family during the month of October. These new Lions have joined the ranks of the committed individuals who strive to make Ennis a better place for all its residents. Induction ceremonies are always a special time for the club, as they introduce fresh faces, ideas, and enthusiasm into the organization. Ennis now boasts a strong 71 total members.

 

The Ennis Lions Club also successfully concluded their rifle raffle fundraiser, which saw enthusiastic participation from the community. The lucky winner, hailing from Billings, walked away with a brand-new rifle. Beyond the exciting prize, the fundraiser managed to raise over $2,000 in funds, which will be utilized for various charitable initiatives, further strengthening the Lions’ commitment to serving their community.

As Ennis prepared for a winter wonderland, the Lions didn’t wait for the first snowfall. The club members were out in force, decorating the Ennis Lions Park for Christmas, creating a magical atmosphere that residents can look forward to during the upcoming holiday season. This early effort showcases the Lions’ dedication to spreading joy and unity within the community, even before the first snowflakes fall.

October will draw to a close with two fantastic events that promise fun and fundraising. First, the Halloween Bingo Fundraiser, offering an entertaining experience for families and friends to win thousands of dollars in prizes. Second, the highly anticipated Lions Halloween Carnival, a grand event benefiting various community and student organizations. This carnival promises to be a thrilling celebration of community spirit, with games, a haunted house, costume contest and entertainment for everyone.

The Ennis Lions Club is excited to continue serving the community and looks forward to an eventful November with more community projects and initiatives. Their mission remains steadfast: making a difference in our community and throughout the world by supporting those in need.