Melitta J. Cutright

Michelle Blomeke

630-571-5466 ext. 363
Michelle Weber 312-371-8707 (July 1-6)

For Immediate Release

15,000 LIONS TO ROAR INTO CHICAGO JULY 2-6

Celebrating 90 years of Service

OAK BROOK, Illinois, June 1, 2007—More than 15,000 members of Lions Clubs International and their families will meet in Chicago for the association’s 90^th Lions Clubs International Convention from Monday, July 2, through Friday, July 6. Convention events will be held at McCormick Place and the United Center.

The Lions Clubs International Convention is returning to Chicago where, in 1917, Chicago business leader Melvin Jones founded the international service organization. Over the past 90 years, Lions clubs have spread around the world until today there are 1.3 million members in 200 countries and geographic areas who are dedicated to improving their communities and the world.

This year also marks the 20^th anniversary of the first women to join Lions clubs. “Women are the fastest growing demographic group within Lions clubs,” says 2006-2007 International President Jimmy M. Ross. “As I have traveled the world, I have seen how our clubs and our communities benefit when women play an active part in Lions clubs.”

Highlights of the convention will include:

·        A spectacular Parade of Nations, beginning at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, July 4. An estimated 10,000 Lions from 110 countries, many in native dress, will march, along with floats and 25 marching bands.

·        A special address by Former United States President Jimmy Carter, who has been a Lion for more than 50 years, on Friday, July 6.

·        Presentation of the 2007 Lions Humanitarian Award to a person who has contributed greatly to improving the lives of others. The award includes a grant of US$200,000 for continuing humanitarian work.

·        Election of the 2007-2008 Lions Clubs International President, Mahendra Amarasuriya of Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Lions are also celebrating the Lions International Peace Poster Contest, which for 20 years has promoted peace and international goodwill. Each year 375,000 boys and girls ages 11-13 from 70 countries express their vision of peace through this contest. The 2006-2007 Grand Prize Winner Min-Ji Yi, a 13-year-old girl from Los Angeles, California, USA, along with merit award winner Krystle Leung, 13-year old girl from Downers Grove, Illinois, USA, will autograph copies of their prize-winning posters on Tuesday, July 3.

Lions will also mark the 50^th anniversary of the formation of the first Leo club—a club for young people that is sponsored by a Lions club. Currently there are more than 140,000 Leo club members in 5,500 clubs in more than 130 countries who take part in community service programs.

Lions Clubs International is the world’s largest service club organization. In addition to its efforts toward conquering blindness, the organization has made a strong commitment to community service and helping youth throughout the world. To learn more about Lions Clubs International, visit www.lionsclubs.org.

###