Current Events

OVERVIEW DISTRICT 2-E1 LIONS TISSUE AND EYE BANK MEETING
January 31, 2004

The eightieth meeting of the District 2-E1 Lions Tissue and Eye Bank, Inc., Board of Directors was held Saturday, January 31, 2004, at the First Christian Church building in Olney, Texas.

Vice President Goforth stated that the vacancy in the office of second vice president needed to be filled. Following discussion, PDG Allen Lamb was elected second vice president.

Executive Director Wheeler reviewed our participation in the Texas Vision and Transplant Alliance – an advisory board composed of three representatives each from Lions Districts 2 E1, 2-E2, 2-X1, and 2-X2, and Transplant Services Center to support awareness and transplant programs of Transplant Services Center of UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas by coordinating their efforts, sharing information, and discussing common concerns. Current 2-E1 representatives to TVTA are Wheeler, Conway, and Hiler, with Wheeler serving as current chairman of the alliance. Hiler, whose current term expires in June, 2004, was re-appointed for a three-year term by the board.

Wheeler reviewed our Grant Guidelines and reported that three requests for grants had been received this year – one from Clyde for $150.00, and two from Vernon for $750.00 each. One check was returned by the Vernon club because assistance was obtained from another source. There was discussion as to what expenses the grants could be used for. The Board affirmed the intent of the guidelines that grants may be used to help with any expenses incurred in case of eye surgery.

He stated that the district calendar listed March 13 as this year’s White Cane Day, but that the Abilene clubs had postponed their White Cane Day drive until March 20 because the Wal-Mart Supercenter had already agreed for another group to solicit funds on the 13th – and Wal-Mart will match all funds collected on their premises when arrangements are made in advance. He emphasized the effectiveness of White Cane Day drives as a means for clubs to raise funds for providing eye glasses for children and supporting the Tissue and Eye Bank, as well as creating good publicity and exposure for the Lions. He asked zone directors to encourage all clubs of their zone to participate in this program. He reported a total of $2,248.15 was received from ten clubs as proceeds from White Cane Day in 2003.

Wheeler cited statistics from Transplant Services showing that District 2-E1 had 20 donors in 2003, including 18 who donated corneas, 10 skin, 9 bone, 4 hearts for valves, and one who donated cartilage. There were 38 corneas received from our district which were used for transplants, and 41 recipients living in the district who received corneal transplants

Wheeler read a report from Medical Director Miller Richert in which he apologized for not being able to attend the meeting because of other commitments and stated that he had performed eleven corneal transplants in Abilene during 2003, and now has one patient scheduled for surgery in the next few weeks. He commented on the good working relation with Transplant Services Center. He stated that most of his tissue for transplants is supplied by TSC and our arrangement with the center has worked out well for all concerned.

Wheeler stated that 42 clubs had made their 100% Contributions to the Tissue and Eye Bank for 2003-04, as of January 12, 2004. Wheeler presented a proposed budget for 2003-4 showing an estimated income of $5,350.00 and estimated expenses of $8,539.00, with the difference of $3,189.00 to be transferred from the investment account. The budget was approved.

Download Complete Report.

Posted February 26, 2004

Lions Tissue and Eye Banks
September 10, 2002

Past District Governor James H. Wheeler, Jr., a local Architect was elected Chairman of the Texas Vision and Transplant Alliance while meeting at UT Southwestern Medical School in Dallas last week. The Alliance is a coalition of four Lions Tissue and Eye Banks across North Texas. Wheeler currently serves as the Executive Director of the 23 county District 2-E1 Lions Tissue and Eye Bank.

View the Quad District Lions Meeting Minutes for September 2002. Download

The page will be used to show the Eye Bank calander, activities, grants issued and any other information the Executive Officers deem appropriate.