Eloise Taylor named Lion of the Year
Pictured here, Donalsonville Lions Club President Katie Hatcher presents the Lion of the Year Award to Lion Eloise Taylor
Over the past year the Donalsonville Lions Club has provided eye exams and glasses to ninety-five local citizens at a cost of $12,426
At the Donalsonville Lions Club’s annual dinner and membership banquet held last Thursday evening, Lion President Katie Hatcher welcomed Lions and their guests, and during her final meeting as the 2021-2022 President, Lion Hatcher proudly named faithful and always-ready-to-lend-a-helping-hand community servant Lion Eloise Taylor as Lion of the Year. Lion Taylor was cited for her active and enthusiastic involvement in the club’s year-long activities, especially her valued service to the club as its longtime secretary-treasurer, and as a tireless worker at the club’s annual Chick-A-Que events. Lion President Hatcher commented, “Lion Taylor went above and beyond assisting with the club’s projects throughout the year and always with a positive attitude. She is the type of Lion described in the club’s mission statement which reads, “We serve . . . to empower volunteers to serve their communities, meet humanitarian needs, encourage peace and promote international understanding through Lions Clubs.”
All in attendance at the annual dinner meeting held at the Fain Family barn were treated to a delicious fried fish meal prepared and served by Lion Dave Fain and company. Entertainment, comments, and some of his one-of-a-kind antics were provided by the always-enjoyable Tail-Twister Lion Wayne Worsham.
The 2021-2022 Lions Club year was full of accomplishments under the leadership of President Hatcher. As a service to the community, the Donalsonville Lions Club provided eye exams and glasses to ninety-five local citizens at a cost of $12,426.90 These services were made possible through the O.F. and Montez E. Roberts Foundation for Sight Conservation Fund and Project Fund. The club, under the leadership of Lions Taylor and Mitch Blanks also held multiple collection drives and delivered all items collected to hurricane victims in Louisiana.
The Donalsonville Lions Club, as always, is committed to the betterment of this community and its citizens the club proudly serves. This past year the club distributed funds to local groups and organizations including the Seminole County Band Boosters, the Donalsonville-Seminole County Chamber of Commerce, Friendship United Methodist Church Toy Store, Friendship House of Jesus, Seminole County hog and cow shows, and the Seminole County Young Farmers
Four new members were added to the Lions Club membership rolls in 2021-22: Jeremy Burke, Jeanine Whitley, Sadie Jenkins and Ralph Jenkins.
The annual meeting evening concluded with the recognition and presentation of past president plaques to Lion David Maxwell and Lion Brantley Grantham. Maxwell served as President in 2019-20, and Grantham served as President in 2020 – 2021.
The 2022-23 slate of officers includes Wesley Baldwin, President; Royce Robinson, First Vice President; Sarah Avery, Second Vice President; David Bailey, Third Vice President; David Fain, One Year Director; Brad Clarke, One Year Director; Mark Hanna, Two Year Director; Jeremy Burke, Two Year Director; Scott Miller, Secretary/Treasurer; Wayne Worsham and Mark Hanna, Tail Twisters; Raymond Wilson, Lion Tamer; Sarah Avery, Membership Chairperson, and Katie Hatcher, Past President.
As her final act for the club in 2022, Lion Hatcher passed the gavel to incoming President Baldwin, who praised Lion Hatcher for her leadership and accomplishments as President during the year.
Lion President Baldwin closed the evening by thanking everyone for their attendance and challenged the club to increase its active membership and work together to have an even better year of service to the community and its members in 2021-22.
Anyone with a passion for service who may be interested in becoming a Donalsonville Lions Club member is encouraged to apply for membership by calling Lion Sarah Avery at (229) 416-5081.
