Members of the Hortonville Lions Club
In all corners of Wisconsin, Lions Clubs foster community while supporting people who are blind or low vision. The Council has had wonderful relationships with these clubs for decades thanks to this shared goal. Lions Club International, the umbrella organization of local Lions Clubs across the country, began supporting people with vision loss in 1925, when Helen Keller asked them to become “knights of the blind.” Lions Clubs raise awareness of our work among their members and in their communities while also raising money to donate to the Council. These clubs often host eye screenings for their community, hold fundraising drives for the Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin to support corneal surgeries, purchase access technology for neighbors with vision loss, and much more.
The McFarland Lioness/Lions Club has been giving to the Council for nearly two decades. Many years ago, one of their members who was legally blind and a white cane user told the club about the services they received from the Council, and they’ve been giving ever since. “While that member has passed away, their daughter-in-law is still an active member of our club,” says Laura Bauer of the McFarland Lioness/Lions Club. “Vision loss has been one of our top priorities ever since Helen Keller challenged the club to get involved all those years ago. Because that member had their white cane, we specifically donate to the Council’s White Cane Fund alongside other organizations that support people who are blind or low vision in Wisconsin.” The McFarland club also provides vision screenings for elementary students every year and helps provide glasses to children whose families cannot afford them.
The Hortonville Lions Club is a newer donor to the Council, but they have already made a significant impact. Every fall, they host a Sportsman’s Dinner to raise money for a variety of organizations that support their mission, including the Council. The dinner does more than just raise money; it helps build community among the more than 300 attendees.
“Lions have been serving as ‘knights of the blind’ for over 100 years, and we take that mission seriously. We constantly look for ways to support people who are blind or low vision,” says Jason Bloxham of the Hortonville Lions Club. “The Council’s efforts in advocacy, education and vision services aligns with our mission, and we are more than pleased to be able to support their work.”
“Our partnerships with Lions Clubs are invaluable because they are rooted in local leadership and long‑standing commitment,” says Development Director Debbie Rasmussen of the Council. “Each club brings its own history, relationships and sense of service, and together these efforts deepen our statewide impact. These community-led partnerships strengthen our ability to provide services, advocacy and education to people across Wisconsin. The Lions’ dedication over decades has helped ensure that people who are blind or low vision are not only supported but seen and valued in their communities.”
Thank you to the McFarland Lioness/Lions Club, the Hortonville Lions Club, and all the other Lions Clubs across Wisconsin that have supported us over the years. If you would like to join the Lions in supporting the Council, you can make a donation on our website at WCBlind.org/Donate.