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

For Immediate Release

Background on Lions Clubs International Convention

OAK BROOK, Illinois, USA, June 1, 2007—Lions Clubs International Convention—In late June or early July of each year 15,000-20,000 Lions club members and their families from more than 100 countries gather for the Lions Clubs International Convention. For five days, Lions conduct association business, share fellowship and enjoy the sights of an international city. The Lions Clubs International Convention is one of the largest annual conventions of its kind in the world.

Lions Clubs International—Lions Clubs International is the world’s largest service club organization with 1.3 million members in 45,000 clubs in 200 countries and geographic areas. In addition to its efforts toward conquering blindness, the organization has made a strong commitment to community service and helping youth throughout the world.

Headquartered in Oak Brook, Illinois, USA, Lions Clubs International staff handles arrangements for convention events, housing, outside suppliers and exhibitors. More than 100 headquarters staff work at the convention.

Convention Returns to Where Lions Clubs Began— The Lions Clubs International Convention is returning to Chicago where, in 1917, Chicago business leader Melvin Jones founded the international service organization. This is the 10th time the convention has been held in Chicago, with the most recent convention being in 1980.

The Lions Clubs International Board of Directors selects convention sites from around the world five years in advance following an extensive bidding process. During the evaluation, tourist authorities present options for accommodating the convention and the large number of attendees and explain why their cities are attractive destinations. Local Lions club members demonstrate their commitment by forming a Lions Host Committee.

Lions Clubs In Illinois—There are nearly 600 clubs with 19,000 members in Illinois.  Lions are men and women who volunteer their time for humanitarian causes. Lions clubs evaluate community needs and choose service projects to meet those needs. Lions in Illinois collect and recycle used eyeglasses and support eye screenings, corneal transplants and cataract surgeries. They sponsor programs for young people, including youth groups called Leo Clubs, and provide scholarships and recreational opportunities for young people. Lions also work to improve the environment, support diabetes education, provide hearing screenings, assist the aged and build or maintain community parks.

Host Committee—Lions volunteers from the Chicago area and around Illinois have spent several years preparing for the convention. The group is responsible for hospitality, including staffing welcome centers, arranging welcoming banners, securing local marching bands for the parade and serving as sergeants-at-arms for major events.

Upcoming Lions Clubs International Conventions
Bangkok, Thailand          2008
Minneapolis, MN, USA    2009
Sydney, Australia           2010
Seattle, WA, USA          2011
Busan, Korea                 2012

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