SunBird Lions Club – December 2025

Are the Lions Right for You?

Have you ever wondered what the Lions Club does or what being a Lion is all about? If you are interested in learning more, we encourage you to attend one of our monthly meetings and see firsthand how we serve the community.

Our group gathers on the third Tuesday of every month in the Lakeview Room at 4:30 p.m. Meetings are concise and last just one hour, making it easy to fit into your schedule.

By attending a meeting, you will learn about the various ways the SunBird Lions support and make a difference in our community. Join us and find out how you can get involved and help make an impact.

Let us find a pride of Lions

overseen by God above

Isn’t it grand their lighthouse stands

blessing with a light of love

Often we find a rainbow’s arc

above the Lion’s domain

Nourish the thought within them all

we’re done with the falling rain

So, here we are the brighter side

of people giving their word

Catch a glimpse of our peacefulness

within the things you have heard

Likely we find a pen of the Lion

they have many things to say

Under the light of a morning star

we will have a lovely day

Begin to see some special friends,

we know that it’s meant to be

Anonymous SunBird resident

An Evening with Comedy and Charity

Your SunBird Lions are pleased to announce a special event this January: an evening with a comedian. Join us on Jan. 24, 2026, at 7 p.m. for a night filled with laughter and entertainment.

Tickets are available for only $20 each. Enjoy a fun-filled night while supporting the many charity projects championed by the SunBird Lions.

Pictured are the lucky winners of our first seasonal Lions Club Bingo on Friday, Nov. 7, who helped to support the SunBird Lions Club.

Support SunBird Lions Charities by Participating in Lions Bingo

The SunBird Lions Club invites everyone to help support the many charities we serve by joining us for Lions Bingo. This enjoyable event takes place on the first and third Friday of each month in the ballroom.

Game Night Schedule:

• Doors open at approximately 5:15 p.m.

• Bingo cards go on sale around 5:45 p.m.

• The first game begins at 6:30 p.m.

Be sure to save room for a tasty treat! A variety of delicious snacks will be available for purchase at the Snack Bar before and during the games. In addition, coffee and ice-cold water will be offered to keep you refreshed throughout the evening.

Come and join us for a fun night and help support the Lions and the charities we serve.

Give a Child the Gift of Christmas

Many children may never experience the joy of receiving a present at Christmas. To help make the holidays brighter for these children, the SunBird Lions are partnering with Hartford Sylvia Encinas Elementary School in Chandler. The goal of this initiative is to collect gifts for both boys and girls, ensuring that every child has a special surprise to open during the holiday season.

If you would like to contribute, please consider donating a gift valued at approximately $15 to $20. Please, no toys with batteries. Gifts should be delivered to Eileen Sazama no later than Dec. 12. There is no need to wrap the gifts, making it simple and convenient to participate. Alternatively, if you prefer, you may make a monetary donation to Eileen who will shop for gifts on your behalf. Your generosity will help create a memorable and joyful Christmas for children who might otherwise go without.

For additional details on how you can help bring a smile to a child’s face this Christmas, please contact Lion Eileen Sazama at 602-515-1920.

SunBird Lions Golf Tournament: Fighting Childhood Cancer

The SunBird Lions invite you to take part in our upcoming golf tournament, dedicated to supporting the fight against childhood cancer. The event will take place on Saturday, Dec. 13. We are seeking foursomes to join the cause, but individual players are also welcome. To join, simply pick up an application outside the Pro Shop or reach out to Lion Fred Garmeson at 480-818-3603. Opportunities to sponsor holes are available.

Tournament participants will have the chance to win a variety of prizes throughout the day. Notably, there is a special opportunity to win $10,000 by making a hole-in-one on hole number 3 and hole-in-one prizes on other par 3 holes. Select holes will feature special refreshments and creative ways to increase your contribution to the cause. On one of the holes, you will even have the chance to challenge a local golfer and try to “beat the pro.”

Don’t miss out on this exciting event! Mark your calendars for Dec. 13 and be sure to join us for a memorable day on the golf course, all while making a meaningful impact in the fight against childhood cancer.

Support Local Shelters: Donate Towels and Blankets

Local shelters are currently facing a significant shortage of essential supplies, especially towels and blankets needed for dogs in temporary housing as they await adoption. Your support can make a meaningful difference in their lives.

We encourage you to donate your old towels and blankets to the Lions Club who will ensure these items are delivered to the shelters in need. These donations provide much-needed comfort and warmth for the animals during their stay.

• Drop-Off Location: Donations can be brought to the Poster Room in the clubhouse.

• Arrange for Pick-up: If you are unable to drop off your items, please contact Lion Arlene Block at 602-618-5861 or Michael Block at 480-238-4701. They will be happy to schedule a convenient pick-up.

Your generosity is greatly appreciated and will help ensure that these dogs receive the care and comfort they deserve until they find their forever homes.

Small Actions, Big Impact

Before you throw away that aluminum can, remember that the SunBird Lions collect cans and use the proceeds to support the various charities we are involved with. You will find collection barrels for cans placed throughout the clubhouse, making it easy for you to contribute. If you have a large number of cans or need assistance, you can also contact Lion Gordon Olson at 612-803-5215.

Are you upgrading your glasses, readers, or hearing aids? The Lions can help by recycling these items and ensuring they reach people in need. Simply bring your used glasses or hearing aids to the SunBird HOA office, and we will handle the rest. Your small gesture can make a significant difference in someone’s life.

Join Us for the Third Annual Community Christmas Sing-Along

Celebrate the season and help make a difference in our community! Lion Chuck Heitbrink, along with Mike and Kim Hanson, will host the Third Annual Community Christmas Sing-Along. The festivities begin at 7 p.m. in the ballroom where you can enjoy an evening of music and holiday spirit.

As a special treat, Santa will make a memorable visit at the conclusion of the program, bringing extra joy to all in attendance.

We kindly ask that you bring a canned or dry grocery item to donate to AZCEND. Your donation will help brighten the holidays for individuals and families in need.

After the sing-along, please join us for cookies and hot chocolate. This is a wonderful opportunity to visit with friends and neighbors and share warm holiday wishes.