History of the Downtown Lions Club
Saginaw, United States
The International Association of Lions Clubs, founded in 1917, is the world's largest service club. The Saginaw Lions Club, organized in May 1920 with 35 charter members, was the second Lions Club chartered in Michigan. The word "Downtown" was added later to distinguish it from the now abandoned Saginaw Westside and Saginaw Eastside clubs. The first President was Robert Curry. He was also a District Governor. Ward S. Keller, Ken Ratcliff, Don Belsky and Dr. Peter Jensen were also Governors during the Clubs first 75 years. Lions Clubs are best known for their work with the blind and visually impaired. An annual White Cane Fund Drive supports that work. (Including providing eye examination and glasses to the neede.) Lions mint sales and other projects provide funds to support annual activities such as the Saginaw High and Arthur Hill Junior Varsity Little Brown Jug Banquet, Childrens Christmas Party, School Peace Poster Contest, P.R.I.D.E. Parade and Christmas Bulb Hunt. Additional support is given to Welcome Home for the Blind in Grand Rapids, Leader Dog School in Rochester, Michigan Eye Bank and Transplantation Center in Ann Arbor.