SunBird Lions Receive Lions International Club Excellence Award
The SunBird Lions were honored with the prestigious Lions International Club Excellence Award for the 2024-25 year. This recognition was presented by Sandy Sterker, Council Secretary for Southern Arizona, in acknowledgment of the club’s outstanding achievements across several key areas.
• Membership Growth: The club achieved significant growth by increasing its membership by at least two members or by 10%, whichever was greater.
• Service Projects: The SunBird Lions launched a new service project that aligns with Lions International’s global causes, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to positive community impact.
• Leadership: Club officers participated in essential training and maintained good standing, with no financial suspensions during the award period.
• Marketing: The club effectively publicized its service activities through local media channels and on social media, helping raise awareness of their initiatives.
This award highlights the SunBird Lions’ dedication to the core values of Lions International and serves to enhance the club’s reputation and encourage further membership growth.
Congratulations to all SunBird Lions members for their hard work and commitment. To commemorate this achievement, the club was presented with a patch to add to their banner, and Chuck Heitbrink, president, received a special pin in honor of this accomplishment.
Welcoming New Members
The SunBird Lions are pleased to announce the addition of three new members to the club: Kimberly Ley, Bonnie Simpson, and Jerry Bratten. Each of these individuals has demonstrated a strong commitment to service, and their involvement is a testament to the club’s ongoing growth and dedication to making a difference.
Congratulations are extended not only to Kimberly, Bonnie, and Jerry, but also to their sponsors who have played a pivotal role in encouraging and supporting their journey into Lions service. The club looks forward to the valuable contributions that these new members will bring to future projects and initiatives.
New Lions Informal Gathering
Recently, the new members of the SunBird Lions gathered informally to explore how they could become more involved in the club’s many service projects. During this meeting, the club’s treasurer was present to provide insights into the various charities that the Lions support and the financial commitments the club has made to these causes.
The gathering gave an excellent opportunity for new members to ask questions about ongoing projects and club operations, as well as to share their own suggestions and ideas for future initiatives. This open dialogue helped foster a sense of community and collaboration among the new Lions, ensuring that they feel welcomed and engaged from the start. Thanks to everyone who participated in making this event a success.
Lions Club Bingo Continues
The SunBird Lions invite you to join them for an exciting series of bingo games held twice a month. Every first and third Friday, community members are welcomed to the clubhouse where 15 thrilling bingo games are played throughout the evening. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and games begin at 6:30 p.m.
Prizes are awarded during each session, with the value depending on the number of attendees, so the more participants, the greater the excitement and rewards. This is a wonderful opportunity to gather with friends, enjoy a lively social event, and experience the fun and anticipation that comes with every game.
By taking part in Bingo Nights, you are also supporting the many charitable initiatives championed by the SunBird Lions. Your attendance not only promises an entertaining evening but also helps make a positive impact in our community.
Evening with Comedian David Studebaker
The SunBird Lions are thrilled to announce an upcoming performance by renowned comedian David Studebaker on Jan. 24. Recognized as “One of the 10 Best Comics to Watch” by San Francisco Weekly, David has entertained audiences for over 10 years with his unique blend of fun, fresh, and uplifting comedy. His shows are known for their high level of audience interaction, seamlessly combining music, personal stories, and pop culture references to create a memorable experience for all in attendance.
David’s comedic talent has reached a wide audience, with regular airplay on Sirius XM Radio and appearances on major media outlets such as Fox, ABC, and the San Francisco Chronicle. His work has also been featured on a variety of radio shows and in numerous publications, further establishing his reputation as a gifted performer.
In addition to his success on stage and screen, David Studebaker is one of the most sought-after corporate comedians in the nation, and the SunBird Lions are delighted to bring David to the community for this special event.
Tickets for the show will be available starting Jan. 12. They can be purchased in the clubhouse from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday. All are encouraged to attend for an entertaining evening of comedy and to show support for the SunBird Lions.
SunBird Lions Club Garage Sale—A Heartfelt Thank You
The SunBird Lions Club extends our sincere gratitude to all the SunBird residents who generously donated household items and those who came by to purchase items at our recent garage sale. Thanks to your support, we raised vital funds to continue our work with charities that are near and dear to us, including:
• Childhood Cancer charities
• Veterans support programs
• Vision and hearing assistance
• Lions Club International Foundation global causes
Your contributions help us make a meaningful impact in the lives of those in need. We truly appreciate your kindness and community spirit!
Lion’s Support Hunger Initiative
The SunBird Lions are deeply committed to addressing hunger within our community through their special project in partnership with AZCEND. This ongoing effort focuses on collecting and distributing food supplies to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity.
Community members who wish to support this meaningful cause are encouraged to donate canned and dry grocery items. Donations can be placed in the designated bins located in the Poster Room at the clubhouse. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps make a tangible difference for those in need.
For those seeking more information or interested in learning more about how to get involved, please contact Rob Arnold at 480-408-5018. Your generosity and participation are vital to the continued success of this important project.
Special Thanks
A very special thanks goes out to everyone who took part in and supported the Lion’s Club annual Golf Tournament for Childhood Cancer held on Dec. 13. The event saw more than 100 golfers come together to play for excellent prizes, enjoy special refreshments, and partake in lunch provided by the Horizon Room.
Your involvement and enthusiasm made the tournament a resounding success.