Lions of Michigan Service Foundation
Lions of Michigan Service Foundation
"Bridging the Gap to Service"
Lions of Michigan Service Foundation
"Bridging the Gap to Service"
The Lions of Michigan Foundation is a public charity that was created in 1984 to help Michigan Lions Clubs provide community services. We work in partnership with our member Lions Clubs and other organizations to provide disadvantaged individuals and families with access to affordable medical care and services designed to help improve their quality of life. While our programs encompass many areas, through screening, diagnosis, treatment, education and research, we primarily help underserved populations and financially struggling individuals who require assistance with eye care, hearing aids or an unexpected life event. Our services are offered statewide with a focus on helping Michigan residents succeed academically, develop normally, maintain independence and prosper in life.
Chad McCann, Executive Director
"After receiving help from the Lions, my son is doing much better in school. It’s not always easy being a single parent, but it is comforting to know that when things get tough, the Lions Club comes to the rescue.”
THE LIONS OF MICHIGAN FOUNDATION is a Public Charity that was created to help Lions Clubs provide services in Michigan communities. We are dedicated to the improvement of the quality of life of people in Michigan with unmet needs.
We work together with Michigan Lions Clubs and other charities to provide emergency assistance and deliver services aimed at helping children and adults experiencing vision loss.
Our motto is "Partners in Service" which both describes our close relationship with our Michigan Lions Clubs and our philosophy on making a difference in the lives of disadvantaged people in our state. It is our belief that by combining resources and working together with other charities, businesses and foundations, we can better address the issues that face our state, and we can confidently confront the challenges that lie ahead.
Lions Clubs of Michigan History and Timeline
1917 – Lions Clubs International is established by Founder Melvin Jones.
1919 – District 10 (Upper Peninsula) is the first Lions district formed in the state of Michigan, with the organization of the Marquette Lions Club in October. District 11 (Lower Peninsula) is formed when the Grand Rapids Lions Club charters in November.
1920 – Detroit Lions Club sponsors the Windsor, Ontario Lions Club; this sponsorship creates Lions Clubs International.
1923 – Grand Rapids Lion John Noel becomes the first Lions Clubs International President from Michigan.
1925 – Helen Keller challenges Lions to become “Knights of the Blind.”
1936 – Michigan Legislature passes the “White Cane Law.”
1939 – Leader Dog School is launched in Rochester.
1940 – Jackson Host Lion Karl Sorrick becomes the second Lions International President from Michigan.
1953 – Bloomfield Lion S. A. Dodge is elected as the third Lions International President from Michigan.
1957 – The Ann Arbor Lions Club and Dr. John Henderson start the Michigan Eye Bank.
1976 – Michigan Multiple District 11 is divided into ten (10) sub-districts.
1978 – St. Johns Lion Ralph Lynam is elected as the fourth International President from Michigan.
1978 – The Lions of Michigan All-State Band is established.
1984 – The Lions of Michigan Service Foundation, Inc. (Lions of Michigan Foundation) is incorporated to partner with Michigan Lions Clubs and other organizations and charities to help improve the quality of life in Michigan.