Flamingo Flocking Charity Fundraiser
Are you searching for a creative and enjoyable way to support our local Lions Club? Consider joining our “Flamingo Flocking” charity fundraiser! Recently SunBird resident Linda Smith was surprised when the “flock” arrived for her Birthday.
This unique event allows you to surprise a friend or neighbor by sending a flock of pink flamingos to their yard for any occasion, all while helping us raise important funds for the SunBird Lions upcoming projects. Please contact Jan Engdahl at 602-568-0511 for the flock to visit.
Why Join the Lions?
Every community has needs that cannot be met by government or individuals alone. Families need support, schools need partners, seniors need companionship, and neighborhoods need people willing to help. That is why Lions Clubs matter. For more than a century, Lions have united people under one simple motto: “We Serve.”
Joining Lions is about more than meetings or a pin. It means becoming part of a team dedicated to practical, visible service. Lions Clubs International supports causes such as vision care, hunger relief, the environment, youth, diabetes awareness, and disaster assistance, while local clubs focus on the needs of their own communities.
When people join Lions, they expand their ability to help. A group of dedicated volunteers can organize food drives, collect eyeglasses, support charities, and respond in emergencies.
Lions serve in many ways. Members may organize school supply drives, support vision projects, help with community cleanups, raise funds for families in crisis, or assist programs such as AZCEND. Whether planning events, recruiting volunteers, or working with community partners, there is a meaningful way for everyone to contribute.
For those looking to strengthen the community, joining Lions offers a direct path to service. It is a chance to turn compassion into action, connect with others, and make a lasting local impact. For more information about joining the SunBird Lions, contact Chuck Heitbrink at 480-622-2035.
SunBird Lions Club Year-End Charitable Giving Report
The SunBird Lions Club has completed all of their budgeted charitable donations for the 2025–26 Lions Club year.
This year, the club also added three new organizations to its charitable giving program: AZCEND, Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Southern Arizona, and Dogs4Vets.
The club sincerely thanks SunBird residents and fellow Lions members whose generosity, volunteer service, and ongoing support made this year’s giving possible.
The following non-profit foundations and charitable organizations are listed by primary mission or service area.
Vision and Hearing Services—Organizations that support blindness, visual impairment, hearing assistance, and service dogs.
* AZ Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired
* Foundation for Blind Children
* Leader Dog for the Blind
* Lions Foundation of Arizona – Macular Degeneration (AMD) Research
* Lions Vision & Hearing Foundation
* Sun Sounds of Arizona
Childhood Cancer and Medical Support—Organizations focused on cancer treatment, childhood illness, and medical support services.
* Arizona Cancer Foundation for Children
* Arizona Lions Camp Tatiyee
* Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Southern Arizona
* Childhood Cancer Network
* Lions Clubs International Foundation – Childhood Cancer
* St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Youth Leadership, Education, and Literacy—Programs that support youth development, scholarships, leadership, and reading.
* C. Kirby Smithe Youth Camp
* Hartford Sylvia Encinas Elementary School
* Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY)
* Kids Need to Read
Community and Family Assistance—Organizations that provide community support, food assistance, family services, and local aid.
* AZCEND
* SunBird Golf Resort – HOA
Veterans and Service Animals—Organizations that support veterans and military-related service programs.
* Dogs4Vets
* Canine Companions
* Soldiers Best Friend Arizona
Lions Clubs Foundations and International Programs—Lions-affiliated foundations, memorials, camps, and humanitarian programs.
* Lions Clubs International Foundation
* Lions Foundation of Arizona
* Melvin Jones Lions International Memorial
Heartfelt thanks to all the community members who helped the SunBird Lions make a meaningful impact this year.
Save the Date: Oktoberfest is Coming October 24
This year, the SunBird Lions, the German Club, and the HOA will once again kick off the season with Oktoberfest ’26. Organizers are planning live music, games and a variety of activities for a fun-filled evening. Save the date—Saturday, October 24—and join the fun beginning at 4 p.m.
Lions Take a Summer Break, But Service Continues
The SunBird Lions will continue their tradition of informal summer gatherings each month at 11:30 a.m. in the Horizon Room on the third Tuesday. These meetings help keep members informed and updated on upcoming projects. Regular meetings will resume on the third Tuesday of the month at 4:30 p.m. in the Lakeview Room in September. Until then, we hope you will join us for lunch on the third Tuesday in July and August. It is a great opportunity to learn more about the SunBird Lions and see what we are all about.