Chicago Fil-Ams to help in spreading ‘kindness’ at Lions Int’l centennial bash

Lions Clubs International will be holding its Centennial Celebration in Chicago by “spreading kindness.” CONTRIBUTED

CHICAGO—No fewer than 10,000 members of the Lions Clubs International from 120 countries are expected to celebrate the iconic civic organization’s 100^th anniversary June 30-July 4 in this city where insurance agency owner Melvyn Jones founded the club in June 1917. There are 1.4 million who are affiliated worldwide with 47,000 Lions Clubs.

Ernie Lapid, Lions Clubs governor of Chicago District 1A, said that about 250 Filipino Americans who are members of nine Lions Clubs in the Chicago area volunteered to assist in hosting conventioneers, particularly those coming from the Philippines.

Through the month of June, the Oakbrook, Illinois-based, Lions Clubs International has bought ad space on commuter trains and in high-traffic areas to promote “kindness to others.”

In the “Parade of Nations” at the Chicago Loop July 1 that will kick-off the 5-day activities scheduled at the McCormick Place along Chicago’s lakefront, volunteers will hand out “Kindness Matters” bracelets to the viewing public.

The Lions’ Centennial Coin. CONTRIBUTED

Lions Clubs International Vice President Bob Corlew said in a news release that “Kindness is contagious. If someone does something nice to you, you want to spread that feeling.”

“In today’s world it’s too easy to forget the power of doing good. We are constantly bombarded with reminders of what divides us, but doing something nice for someone, even if it’s insignificant, can be a powerful way to unite people,” Corlew added.

Seminars on legacy projects that include the clubs’ signature “eyesight” program, community development and leadership training are highlighted on the program.

The blind humanitarian and social worker Helen Keller, made an appeal in 1925 to the Lions to make prevention of blindness its members’ priority. It has remained since then as the focus of the club’s advocacy with its current 3,350 eyeglass centers. Lions are expected to raise funds for eyeglasses to be donated and for medical procedures to promote health visions. The club has also advocated projects that protect the environment.

The eight Filipino American Lions Clubs and their respective presidents hosting the centennial event are: Chicago Philippine (Faye Mendiola); Chicago Bayanihan-Sampaguita (Marilyn McClean); Chicago Filipino American (Yoly Zoleta); Chicago Jose Rizal (Loi Crisostomo); Chicago Magnificent (Jetjet Gruezo); Franklin Park Manila (Evelyn Francia); Chicago One World (Maritess Wynkoop); Chicago Eagle’s Wings (Lydia Tayco); and Chicago Filipino USA (LeiSlani Magana).

For more information, call Ernie Lapid at (773) 780-5455.