February 27, 2003

Sanibel-Captiva Lions Club History 

     It all started over three decades ago, on two small barrier islands, just off the coast of southwest Florida.  On December 26, 1967, twenty-six community leaders and residents of Sanibel and Captiva islands formed the Sanibel-Captiva Lions Club.  Their purpose was to help the community and the Lions’ creed, “We Serve,” became its mission. 

     They met in halls and hotels, organizing philanthropic events such as pancake breakfasts, plant sales, all star high school football games and more.  In keeping with Helen Keller’s challenge to the Lions over seventy years ago, every penny raised went to support deserving charities, especially those who serve the blind and hearing impaired.  

     The word quickly spread and more and more good folks came to join this unique group.  Today, with more than one hundred members, the Sanibel-Captiva Lions Club raises thousands and thousands of dollars with major fund raising events throughout the year. These events include an annual golf tournament, an arts and crafts fair and even bell ringing for the Salvation Army.  For more than twenty years, scores of Lions, working on three shifts, seven days a week, have sold Christmas trees to help those who cannot help themselves. 

     In 2002, the Sanibel-Captiva Lions Club distributed almost $100,000 in grants and assistance.  Such worthy charities as Angel Flight, the Ft. Myers Rescue Mission, and Visually Impaired Persons were recipients of the club’s financial help.  One of the most recent rewarding experiences for the Sanibel-Captiva Lions Club was raising over $40,000 and then building a Habitat for Humanity home for a disabled mother and  her mentally challenged son. 

     The philanthropic work of the Sanibel-Captiva Lions Club continues because the need continues.  And, that is the reason why :

“WE SERVE.”