Lions Clubs International began as the dream of Melvin Jones, an American businessman who belonged to a club named the Business Circle of Chicago. Melvin Jones explained his reasoning for the concept of service to the community with the saying, “You can’t get very far until you start doing something for someone else.” For over 100 years Lions around the world have proven Jones’ saying to be true by serving local, national, and global communities.

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The motto “We Serve” was officially adopted in 1954; however, Lions clubs have been serving communities since 1917. From creating the first eye bank, to launching youth programs, to disaster relief efforts, Lions are always there to help – “where there’s a need, there’s a Lion”.