[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 103 (Tuesday, July 13, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1295]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


   A TRIBUTE TO THE PASADENA HOST LIONS CLUB ON ITS 90TH ANNIVERSARY

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                          HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 13, 2010

  Mr. SCHIFF. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Pasadena 
Host Lions Club as it celebrates 90 years of service.
  Since its beginning on March 26, 1920, with 41 charter members, the 
Pasadena Host Lions Club has tirelessly served the Pasadena community 
as part of the Lions Clubs International, a globally recognized 
organization that boasts over 1.4 million volunteers and 45,000 clubs 
throughout the world. Former President Jimmy Carter is one of the most 
notable living Lions.
  The Lions clubs, ``Knights of the Blind,'' as Helen Keller once 
called them, are well-known for their support of organizations that 
serve the sight impaired. Although the Pasadena Lions Club follows this 
tradition, such as its well-known support of a ``White Cane'' drive in 
the 1920s, the club is also active in other community activities. In 
the 1930s, the club, as a member of United Service Clubs, helped 
Pasadena enter its first float in the Pasadena Tournament of Roses 
Parade, and has been involved with this tradition ever since, 
eventually building the first annual Lions float in the 1990s. In 1933, 
amidst the chaos of the Long Beach earthquake, Pasadena Lions were 
among the first responders, providing financial relief and ambulance 
service to victims. The 1940s brought the pandemonium of World War II, 
a war in which many members served, and during which the club assisted 
in the war effort by selling tens of thousands of war bonds; 
additionally, during this time, the club donated an iron lung to 
Huntington Memorial Hospital. In the 1950s, the club bought land and a 
building to house the Braille Club of Pasadena; during the 1960s, the 
club purchased the land and established the Vista Nova Home of the 
Blind in Pasadena; and in the 1970s, the Pasadena Host Lions Club 
helped to found the Lions Eye Foundation of Southern California. Also 
in the 1970s, the club was recognized as the all-time fundraising Lions 
Club in its district.
  Over the many decades, the Pasadena Host Lions Club has expanded its 
charitable efforts to support many organizations in the Pasadena area, 
including Longfellow Elementary School, Union Station Homeless 
Services, Rosemary Children's Services, Huntington Memorial Hospital, 
and Partners in Education, while continuing their support of the 
Pasadena Braille Club, Vista Nova Home of the Blind and the White Cane 
effort. In addition, the club developed youth Leo Clubs in elementary 
and high schools in Pasadena, installing youth with the spirit of 
volunteer leadership.
  The Pasadena Host Lions Club has tirelessly served the Pasadena area 
over the last nine decades and the residents have benefitted greatly 
from their generosity. I ask all Members to join with me in commending 
the Pasadena Host Lions Club on their landmark 90th anniversary.

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