Now from the Lioness side. Years ago, the Lions made the enlightened decision to allow women to join them. But Grand Marais has a history of feisty women and they made their own decision, to keep themselves as a separate group. Some women have indeed joined Lions, and it is nice to have a choice. Some belong to both, as associate members.
Perhaps the largest difference between the two of us is that the Grand Marais Lioness Club is able to concentrate on local only groups to donate to, and does not have the national and international obligations that Lions take on.
Our dues are much less, our fundraising—compared to the annual Lions’ Fisherman’s Picnic is more modest, and yet we do very well with what we work with.
We are proud of our annual scholarship award, and even prouder of the Educator Grants: monies to be used by teachers for projects not in the schools’ budget. Last year we succeeded in asking the Lions to match our funds for the yearly grants and we were able to do much more.
We plan on doing more cooperative projects with the Lions, since it strengthens both groups. As an example, the Lioness have been holding recruitment evenings for several years and will be joined by the Lions for the first time. Substantial refreshments and food will be offered as well as information about both organizations. In the past years, Lionesses have benefited from membership of some amazing women and has infused cherished traditions with new ideas. We hope you will stop in anytime between 6:30 – 9 p.m. on May 20 at East Bay Suites meeting room. Bring a friend! Call Sherri Bichel 387-1840 with any questions.
Sherri Bichel
Grand Marais Lioness president
Grand Marais
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