[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 19 (Thursday, February 28, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E232]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         THE BAY CITY LION'S CLUB: KINGS OF GIVING FOR 80 YEARS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES A. BARCIA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 28, 2002

  Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Lions 
Club of Bay City, Michigan, as its members prepare to celebrate 80 
years of outstanding community service, charitable giving and 
remarkable volunteer efforts.
  Chartered on December 8, 1921, the Bay City Lions Club was founded by 
35 civic-minded local men who were determined to expand their passion 
for doing good by giving back to the entire community and beyond. 
Today, the Bay City chapter, with 235 members, ranks as the largest 
Lions Club in the state of Michigan; the fifth largest in the entire 
United States; and, the 15th largest in the world. Under the leadership 
of Club President Joseph Gwizdala and all officers past and present, 
members have consistently lives up to their club motto. ``We Serve,'' 
by actively addressing the needs of our community in large and small 
measures.
  It is especially noteworthy that the Lions Club never uses any of the 
money collected from the public to defray administrative costs. 
Instead, they use all the money they collect to help those in need, 
with 75 percent of their annual budget used to help local families and 
individuals and 25 percent going to statewide projects.
  The Lions are widely known for their mission to provide glasses and 
hearing aids to the needy, but the Bay City Lions Club has gone above 
and beyond the call of duty in that regard and in many more endeavors 
as well. One particularly praiseworthy example was when they purchased 
a glaucoma testing machine for the Bay County Health Department. The 
club also annually sponsors many events and activities, including a 
health fair, holiday celebrations for disadvantaged children, Little 
League teams, and a host of other projects. They also provide 
scholarships to students from area high schools and adult education 
programs.
  The Bay City Lions Club serves as a shining example of community-
minded selflessness by putting the needs of others ahead of personal or 
financial regard. The many volunteers who give their time and talents 
to the Lions Club have set a high standard when it comes to serving the 
greater community.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in applauding the Bay 
City Lions Club for their significant contributions and in 
congratulating them for 80 years of success. I am confident they will 
continue to make Bay City proud.

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