Hometown News and Views

By Phyllis J. Neuberger

Blair Anderson, president of the local Pompano Beach Lions Club, says, “I sometimes think we’re the best kept secret around and that’s a shame because we do a lot of wonderful things for our immediate community and international communities as well. Lions international network has l.3 million men and women in 202 countries working together to answer the challenges and needs of people world wide.”

“Locally, our group meets at Galuppi’s Restaurant, 1103 N. Federal Hwy. in Pompano every first and third Monday for a dinner meeting at 7 p.m. We have 30 members including sunbirds and associates who come from Boca Raton, Deerfield, Pompano, New Port Richey, Canada and Alaska.”

This group’s annual big event is the Back to School Shopping Spree which happened Aug. 11.

Anderson fills in the details. “We took 45 boys and girls, kindergarten through fourth grade, shopping at the Walmart store at 441 and Hillsboro Boulevard.  Each child had $50 to spend on school clothing and supplies.  One volunteer and usually a parent accompanied each child who shopped from a list that usually included sneakers or shoes, shirt, slacks, underwear and other needed items.  In addition Broward County School System provided a back pack filled with necessary school supplies. It was thrilling to see these kids choose new clothing, often for first time in their lives, and it was satisfying to know they would start school as well equipped as their more fortunate peers.”

The children involved were selected by school social workers or guidance counselors.  They were all from Pompano Beach, Deerfield Beach and Coconut Creek. “We had received about $7,000 in donations from local businesses to cover the cost of this rewarding event,” says Anderson.

He adds, “As a club, we usually raise between $10,000 and $12,000 a year for good causes. Target is one of our biggest donors.  We want everyone to see a better tomorrow. That’s why we support sight programs and services including vision screenings, eye banks, eyeglass recycling and services to those at risk of losing their sight.”

This past year we fund raised and donated to schools, disaster relief, Special Olympics, youth exchange and outreach.  We specifically donated to the Florida Lions Community Hearing Bank, Florida Lions Conklin Center which is the first multi-handicapped center in the United States, Florida Lions Eye Bank, Florida Lions Foundation for the Blind, Dog Guides for the Deaf, Jose Sanchez Clinic, Lions Club International Foundation, Leader Dog for the Blind, Lions Association for Diabetes Awareness, Southeastern Guide Dog, Hearing Dog and more.

The Lions Club members have a presence at most community events including White Cane Day, Kids Day in Lighthouse Point, Nautical Flea Market, Spring Fling, Music Under the Stars, Christmas in the Park and more.

New members are welcome. Contact Anderson at 561-251-5471.

To our local Lions Club, thank you for the many things you have done for the Pompano Beach area and the world at large.