Lions Club – April 2026

Are You Interested in Serving Our Community?

Chuck Heitbrink

The SunBird Lions contribute to a wide range of local and national organizations. This year, the Lions from SunBird will donate over $35,000 to various causes. Achieving this remarkable milestone is only possible thanks to community members who volunteer and participate in our fundraising events.

We are deeply grateful to our SunBird residents. Your involvement and support make all our activities and charitable efforts possible. Thank you for partnering with us and helping us reach our goals.

If you would like to learn more about what the Lions do or participate in our next event, we invite you to attend our upcoming meeting. Join us on April 21 at 4:30 p.m. in the Lakeview Room to discover more about our organization and how you can get involved.

SunBird Lions Conclude Bingo Program After 30 Years

Chuck Heitbrink

After more than three decades of organizing Bingo for SunBird residents, the SunBird Lions will be ending this cherished program. The Lions wish to express their sincere appreciation for the enthusiastic participation and support from the community throughout the years.

Two final Bingo evenings are scheduled for April 3 and April 17. These events present a wonderful opportunity for residents to show their gratitude to the SunBird Lions for their dedication and service. Bingo cards will be available for purchase starting at 5:45 p.m., with games commencing at 6:30 p.m. The Lions look forward to seeing everyone there for these meaningful farewells.

Lion Eileen Sazama

SunBird Lions Donate to Hartford School

Chuck Heitbrink

Lion Eileen Sazama led a meaningful initiative to support the children of Hartford School by organizing a donation of essential clothing items. Expressing her pride in the group’s efforts, Eileen shared, “I’m so proud of our organization and the generosity of our members. We donated 240 pairs of underwear (104 girls and 136 boys) and 136 pairs of socks (77 girls and 59 boys).”

Folks from Hartford School and our SunBird Lions actively participated in this charitable project, demonstrating their commitment to helping the local community.

SunBird Lions Host Southern Arizona Spring Convention

Chuck Heitbrink

In late February, the SunBird Lions welcomed Lions from the southern half of Arizona for their annual Spring Convention. The event was well attended, with more than 150 Lions participating in the all-day meeting.

One of the main topics discussed during the convention was a program designed for young people, offering them the opportunity to experience life in foreign countries for two weeks. This year, students will be traveling to destinations such as France and Australia. The program is now accepting applications for next summer. If you know of a student who would be interested in participating, please contact any of the SunBird Lions or reach out to Chuck Heitbrink at 480-622-2035 for further information.

The success of the convention would not have been possible without the dedicated efforts of the SunBird Lions members whose hard work and commitment ensured that the event was well organized and ran smoothly. Special appreciation is also extended to the Horizon Room staff who served a delicious lunch which was enjoyed by all attendees. Additionally, heartfelt thanks go to the SunBird residents for their continued support and for warmly welcoming Lions Clubs from across the region into the SunBird community.

SunBird Lions Welcome Newest Member

Chuck Heitbrink

The SunBird Lions are pleased to announce the addition of their newest member, Diane Robinson.

For those interested in learning more about the SunBird Lions, you are invited to attend the monthly meeting, held on the third Tuesday in the Lakeview Room. Alternatively, you may contact President Chuck Heitbrink at 480-622-2035 for additional information.

SunBird Lions Recycling and Waste Management Service Day

Chuck Heitbrink

Join the SunBird Lions for our Recycling and Waste Management Service Day in support of the Global Initiative on the Environment. This special event will take place on Wednesday, April 22 (Earth Day), from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the patio.

Items accepted for collection:

• Gently used eyeglasses, sunglasses, and readers

• Hearing aids and batteries

• Empty aluminum cans

• Old blankets and towels

• Non-perishable food items

Your donations during this Service Day will help promote sustainability and contribute to the protection of our planet. By taking part, you are helping us work toward a cleaner future and directly supporting the ongoing efforts of the SunBird Lions.

SunBird Lions Club Makes Aluminum Can Recycling Easy

Recycling your aluminum cans helps reduce waste and contributes to a cleaner environment for everyone in the SunBird community. To make recycling easy and convenient, you can use the blue recycle cans located throughout the community. If you prefer, you can also arrange for a Lions Club member to pick up your cans directly from your home.

For more information or to set up a home pick-up, please contact Lion Joe Hart at 480-215-9399 or Lion Joan Bruening at 480-643-0474.