Greetings, Fellow Lions,

I repeat the GREAT NEWS! just in case you did not read your last month’s newsletter. The goal for Campaign SightFirst II was $150 million for the period ending June 30, 2008. I am so pleased to report that to date $157.9 million has been raised, and the revised goal of $200 million is achievable by June 30, 2008. The goal is achievable because You! You! and You!, dear Lions, opened your hearts and your wallets for such a worthy cause. If you pledged funds that have not been paid, please send your contributions for CSFII. Remember, for every $1,000 contributed to CSFII, you may designate a Melvin Jones Fellow award. What a great way to recognize deserving Lions in your clubs or citizens in your community who are not Lions.

I hope by now you have registered for the District Convention and have all your eligible voting delegates certified to vote in the election. Be sure to join us Friday evening, following the golf tournament, for the fish fry hosted by the Clyde Lions Club. The Breckenridge Hotfooters will perform at this event, and we promise you will enjoy them. If anyone is interested, they offer beginner, intermediate and advance lessons (in Breckenridge, not Clyde). They are a fun group. A lot of hard-working, diligent Lions have put in many hours planning the convention. THANKS, GUYS AND GALS!

The Necrology Service will be at 2:30 Saturday afternoon at the MCM Elegante Suites, so you will not have to get in your cars to drive to an offsite church. We hope all of you will join us for this touching memorial service.

I am still trying to visit all the clubs. If you have a date preference, please contact me; otherwise I will just pick my own date.

During the last few months of our Lions fiscal year ending June 30, 2008, I beg you to please bring in new members. At the end of January, District 2-E1 was a –13, meaning we have lost more members than we have gained. I know some of you have done an outstanding job of bringing in new members, but we need more. Please make your Governor proud by increasing the membership. Invite someone new to visit each meeting (18 to 39 age group, Baby Boomers, spouses, family members, busy people like you!). It is such a great feeling to sponsor new members, AND, it is so important that you retain the members you have! District 2-E1 needs you!

Again, we need to tip our hats to Lion Jodie Dearing for her efforts in getting the newsletter to us. She is one busy lady, but she always manages to "Git R Dun". Thanks, Lion Jodie!

Until next time, I remain yours in Lionism