Paris Lions honour volunteers, sponsors at annual appreciation dinner

Casandra Turnbull

Managing Editor

The Paris Lions Club welcomed supporters, sponsors and community partners to the Paris Fairgrounds on Nov. 18 for its annual “Friends of Lions Appreciation Dinner,” an event designed to thank those whose contributions make the club’s year-round service possible.

About 40 guests and 20 Lions members attended the evening, which celebrated a year of community involvement, fundraising and volunteerism. Club representatives emphasized that the dinner is a way to acknowledge volunteers and sponsors whose generosity allows the Lions to extend their impact well beyond what could be achieved through membership alone.

The evening featured several Lion’s Club financial donations, including $2,000 each to the Salvation Army and the Paris Community Toy and Hamper Fund, $1,500 to Participation Support Services, and $1,000 to the Cambridge Memorial Hospital Foundation. The hospital donation was selected by student volunteer Lucas Figueiredo.

The Lions also recognized the Glen Morris Lions Club and the Paris Optimist Club for their ongoing support at food wagon events, one of the club’s major volunteer-driven fundraisers.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the “Friend of Lions” award to Yarek Dodge Chrysler, recognizing the business’s many years of exceptional support to the Paris Lions Club.

Guests included business sponsors, community partners, donation recipients and volunteers who helped operate the food wagon throughout the year. The theme of the evening – service - was underscored by Lions District A15 Governor Rick Mallon, who attended to honour several Lions for their years of commitment. Among them was Derrick Porter, recognized for an impressive 35 years of service.