Austin Founder Lions Club News

Rose Day 2025 Delivered 275 Dozen Roses

Jean McArthur — Fri, 14 Nov 2025 14:22:27 GMT

Members of this club hand delivered over 275 dozen roses. These roses were purchased by people like you in support of the work of the Lions Club.

If you ordered roses, we thank you. If there is any problem with the delivery please let us know at info@austindowntownlions.org or call us at 512-441-1555.

Travis County Judge Andy Brown

Jean McArthur — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 16:45:20 GMT

Travis County Judge Andy Brown (on right) spoke about topics including the July 4th flooding and rail connections to San Antonio at our August 7th meeting.

Vision Screening at St. John Rec Center

Jean McArthur — Mon, 11 Aug 2025 12:28:51 GMT

Six members of the Austin Founders Lions Club conducted vision screening at a community fair held by Austin Parks and Recreation on Saturday, August 9, 2025. 48 adults and children had their vision checked. The screening indicated that 19 need glasses. Five, lacking insurance, were given vouchers for free eye exams and glasses from America's Best Eyeglasses at 1000 East 41st.

Lions Donate $2500 to 5 Area Schools

Mark Hastings — Thu, 28 Apr 2022 10:28:36 GMT

Lions Donate $2500 to 5 Area Schools

On April 28, the Austin Founder Lions Club met at the headquarters of the Austin Independent School District and presented 5 checks of $500 each to the principals of 6 public schools. These were schools that are named after Lions Club members. The schools are: Boone Elementary School, named after Lion George Boone; Cowan Elementary School, named after Lion Dennis E. Cowan; Kocurek Elementary School, named after Lion Willie I. Kocurek; Pickle Elementary School, named after Lion J.J. "Jake" Pickle; Widen Elementary School, named after Lion Carl T. Widen; and Gus Garcia Young Men's Leadership Academy, named after Lion Gustavo L. "Gus" Garcia. The principals of each school told us how they planned to use the money for their school and students. After the presentation of the checks, we heard comments from AISD Superintendent and fellow Lion Stephanie S. Elizalde.

Club Presents 2019 Sportsmanship Awards

Mark Hastings — Thu, 09 May 2019 18:56:43 GMT

Lions Club Presents Sportsmanship Awards

Two Austin High Schools Honored

AUSTIN, May 2019– Two Austin high school teams and their coaches were honored recently by the Austin Founder Lions Club, the oldest continuously operating Lions Club in the world. Sportsmanship Award trophies were presented to the Anderson High School Baseball Team which is coached by Kenny Matthews and to the Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders Soccer Team, coached by Andy Langford. Greg Harkrider, chairman of the club’s Sportsmanship Awards Committee, along with Austin Independent School District Athletic Director Leal Anderson presented the traveling trophies and $500 checks to the coaches.

Alexandria Anderson, a recently retired World Class NIKE American sprinter who specialized in the 100 and 200 meters, was the keynote speaker. She told the audience that “Good sportsmanship is the most important aspect of the game. It is how we show respect for our self, our opponent and the sport.” She pointed out that there always will be a winner and loser in a game, and that is it important to lose with dignity and win with humility.

"For more than 70 years, the Austin Founder Lions Club annually has recognized local high school boys’ and girls’ athletic teams for their good sportsmanship," said Scott Hendrix, club president. “Club members believe teaching good sportsmanship is an important component of team sports. Our awards are intended to encourage good sportsmanship and recognize those teams and their fans who demonstrate it consistently throughout the year,” he added.

Only team sports are considered for the awards. For boys, the sports considered are football, basketball, baseball and soccer. For girls, volleyball, basketball, softball and soccer are considered. One boys and one girls team from among the four sports is honored, and recipients are selected only from Austin Independent School District schools.

“The club asks various officials (referees, umpires, etc.) to vote on which teams demonstrate the best sportsmanship based on the behavior of players, coaches and fans,” Harkrider explained. “Each official picks the top three teams in the sport that he/she officiates during the year. A point/percentage system is used to compare the teams fairly,” he added.

“These school teams have coaches who teach good sportsmanship and hold players and fans accountable to maintain these standards,” Harkrider said. “We are pleased to recognize the coaches, players and fans of these teams, and appreciate the model they set for others.”

Austin Founder Lions Club President Scott Hendrix, left, posed with some members of the Anderson High School Baseball Team, which won the club’s Good Sportsmanship Award in a boys’ sport. Pictured are Brett Allen, Trevor Marek and Carter Raney, who holds the traveling trophy, and Coach Kenny Matthews.

AFLC President Scott Hendrix, left, congratulated Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders’ Meg Brown, center, athletic coordinator; and Andy Langford, coach of the soccer team, which won the club’s Good Sportsmanship Award in girls’ sports.

2018 Sporting Clay Fundraiser

Mark Hastings — Fri, 08 Jun 2018 22:35:43 GMT

Austin Founder Lions Have Successful Sporting Clay Shoot-Out

Austin Founder Lions Club’s eighth annual Sporting Clay Shoot-Out was June 8, 2018, at Capital City Clays. A total of 21 teams competed in two fields. Prizes were awarded for First, Second and Dead Last in both the Blue and Red fields. Winning teams were sponsored by Austin Sonic Drive-In and DBR Engineering. Second place winners were Labor Finders and The University of Texas Cowboys. Dead Last went to TAB Technologies.

The NFL Alumni – Austin Chapter again supported the event with some 22 former players who hosted each shooting station, signed autographs and posed for pictures. Thanks, guys!

Continued support by both past and new Team, Event and Station sponsors and generous participants – plus several raffles – helped make this event financially successful. Thanks to all the sponsors listed below.

The primary beneficiary for the event was again the Center for Child Protection. (https://centerforchildprotection.org/)

Austin Founder Lion Cameron Labunski was chair of the event. Jim Overton and Tommy Cowan were co-chairs. Other committee members included Austin Founder Lions Mark Hastings, Brittany Hendrickson, Sam Ruiz, Ann Ward and Robert Watson; NFLA members Raul Allegre, Stevie Lee, Chris McNelley and Dan Neil; and Center for Child Protection’s Anne West.

“We are pleased with the number of community teams and sponsors who are returning year after year. Great Smokey Mo’s BBQ, friendly competition and the opportunity to meet former National Football League players make this a fun event, and everyone has a great time,” Labunski said.

Co-Chairman Jim Overton, left, emceed the Awards Luncheon. Event Chairman Cameron Labunski, second from left, Co-Chairman Tommy Cowan, holding plaque, and NFL Alumni – Austin Chapter President Raul Allegre, right, presented awards during the luncheon.

Austin Founder Lions Jim Overton, left, and Cameron Labunski and NFL Alumni – Austin Chapter President Raul Allegre, right, presented the $250 Russell Korman’s Fine Jewelry, Diamonds & Watches gift certificate to raffle winner Jerry Conway, holding gift bag. Conway’s Austin Sonic Drive-In Team was one of the First Place winners.

Austin Founder Lions Club Past President Michael Cowan, right, was the lucky winner of the raffle for a case of Tito’s Handmade Vodka. Lions Jim Overton, left, and Cameron Labunski and NFL Alumni – Austin Chapter President Raul Allegre congratulate Cowan on his win.

The Austin Sonic Drive-In Team won top honors on the Blue Field at the 2018 Sporting Clay Shoot-Out.

Newcomers DBR Engineering won first place on the Red Field at the 2018 Sporting Clay event.

The Labor Finders Team took second place in the Blue Field.

The University of Texas Cowboys Team won second place in the Red Field.

The TAB Technologies Team came in Dead Last in the tournament.

Even more photos...

Lions Club Presents Sportsmanship Awards

Mark Hastings — Thu, 10 May 2018 17:00:00 GMT

The Crockett High School Volleyball Team received the 2018 Girls’ Team Sportsmanship Award presented by the Austin Founder Lions Club. Lion Greg Harkrider, back left, and Austin Independent School District Athletic Director Leal Anderson, back far right, presented the trophy to team representatives Danielle Crawley, team captain, and Hope Espinosa, team captain, both holding the trophy and check. The two juniors are joined by Principal Kori Crawford, front left; John Altes, JV assistant coach, back center; and Lorie Henry, Crockett Head Coach, back right.

The McCallum High School Football Team received the 2018 Boys’ Team Sportsmanship Award presented by the Austin Founder Lions Club. Lion Greg Harkrider, left, and Austin Independent School District Athletic Director Leal Anderson, far right, presented the trophy to team representatives J.B. Faught, holding the trophy, and Maxwell Perez and Tyrell Washington, holding the check. Principal Mike Garrison, back left, helped congratulate the team, which is coached by Tom Gammerdinger, back right.

Two Austin high school teams and their coaches were honored today (May 10, 2018) by the Austin Founder Lions Club, the oldest continuously operating Lions Club in the world. Sportsmanship Award trophies were presented to the McCallum High School Football Team which is coached by Tom Gammerdinger and to the Crockett High School Volleyball Team coached by Lorie Henry. Greg Harkrider, chairman of the club’s Sportsmanship Awards Committee, along with Austin Independent School District Athletic Director Leal Anderson presented the trophies and $500 checks to the coaches and team representatives. Roger Wallace, KXAN News sports anchor, was the keynote speaker.

"For more than 30 years, the Austin Founder Lions Club annually has recognized local high school boys’ and girls’ athletic teams for their good sportsmanship," said Leonor Marques, club president. “Club members believe teaching good sportsmanship is an important component of team sports. Our awards are intended to encourage good sportsmanship and recognize those teams and their fans who demonstrate it consistently throughout the year,” she added.

Sporting Clay Shoot-Out Raises Record Amount

Mark Hastings — Sat, 10 Jun 2017 14:57:38 GMT

5-F Mechanical Winning Team

Sonic Drive-In Winning Team

On June 9, 2017 at Capital City Trap & Skeet, the Austin Founder Lions Club hosted the club’s seventh annual Sporting Clay Shoot-Out . A total of 25 teams competed in two fields. Prizes were awarded for First, Second and Dead Last in both the Blue and Red fields. Winning teams were sponsored by Austin Sonic Drive-In and 5F Mechanical Group.

In addition to the 25 participating Teams, Event and Station Sponsors and additional event raffles contributed to the financial success. “We increased our net revenue thanks to the continued support by both past and new sponsors and generous participants,” said Jim Overton, AFLC President and Event Chairman. “As a result of our event supporters, we are pleased to donate $10,000 to our primary beneficiary of the event, the Center for Child Protection” he added.

“We held this event in conjunction with the NFL Alumni – Austin Chapter and wish to recognize the involvement of some 22 NFL Alumni who hosted each of the 20 shooting stations as well as the more than 100 volunteers – many from the Austin Founder Lions Club and Center for Child Protection – who worked in various capacities from early morning until mid-afternoon to support the event. We could not have done it without their support. This event continues to grow each year, and we are pleased with the number of community teams and sponsors who are returning year after year. Great Smokey Mo’s BBQ, friendly competition and the opportunity to meet former National Football League players make this a fun event, and everyone has a great time,” Overton said.

Austin Founder Lion Cameron Labunski co-chaired the event with Lion Tommy Cowan. Other committee members included Austin Founder Lions Gaylord Armstrong, Mark Hastings, Leonor Marques, Sam Ruiz, Ann Ward and Robert Watson, NFLA members Chris McNelley, John Haines and Dan Neil and Center for Child Protection’s Anne West.

Jim Overton, president of Austin Founder Lions Club and chairman of the club’s Sporting Clay Shoot-Out Committee, presented a $10,000 check to Tama Williamson, chair of the Center for Child Protection Board. For more than 25 years, the center has been the first stop for children entering the justice system because of suspected sexual abuse or for serious physical abuse as well as for children who have witnessed a violent crime. Children and their protective family or caregiver go to the child-friendly, specially equipped facility in Travis County for evidence gathering, forensic medical exams, counseling and intervention. Only law enforcement and Child Protective Services may make referrals, and services are provided at no charge.

Jerry Conway, left, won the Flurry Drawing for a wildlife print by Dripping Springs artist Ragan Gennusa. The prize was awarded by John Haynes, back left, Tommy Cowan and Jim Overton	Volunteers make it happen.

Smokey Mo's Team - 2nd Place	Austin Lanehart Electric - 2nd Place

Thanks to Our Wonderful Sponsors!

Clay Sponsor

TAB Technologies

Gold Sponsor

Silver Sponsors

Allen Financials Services

IBC Bank

KB Homes

SpawGlass Contractor, Inc.

Lunch Sponsor

Smokey Mo's Bar-B-Q

Shell Sponsor
Kemen Ammunition
5F Mechanical Group, Inc.

Breakfast Sponsor

Dunkin' Donuts
Hat Creek Burger Company

Sign Sponsor
Austin Architectural Graphics

Team Sponsors

Station Sponsors

Allen Financial Services
Austin Lanehart Electric
Austin Sonic Drive-In
Center for Child Protection
Tommy Cowan, F.A.I.A.
Deer Creek Ranch
Ellis & Salazar
5F Mechanical Group, Inc.
Flintco, LLC
Haddon+Cowan Architects
IBC Bank
J.T. Vaughn Construction, LLC (2 teams)
KB Home
Labor Finders
Lone Star Materials
Siemens Industry, Inc.
Smokey Mo’s BBQ
SpawGlass
Structures
TAB Technologies
TDIndustries
Tom Green & Company Engineers
Wiss,Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc.

Bill Anderson, State Farm Agent(4 stations)
Architecture Plus
Austin Architectural Graphics, Inc.
Austin Founder Lions Club - President Jim Overton
Austin Screen Printing
Austin Sonic Drive-In (2 stations)
Blackmon Mooring
Bridgepoint Consulting, LLC (2 stations)
Ken Crone, State Farm Agent
Central Road and Utility
Deer Creek Ranch
In-N-Out Burger®
James E. Roberson & Co., P.C.
J.T. Vaughn Construction, LLC
NFL Alumni Association – Austin Chapter
PDG J.P. Kirksey - District 2S3 and AFLC Board Member
Scott Arnold - AFLC Board Member
TAB Technologies
Texas Lions Camp (provided by Lillie Gilligan, AFLC)

2017 Sportsmanship Awarded to Two High School Teams

Mark Hastings — Thu, 11 May 2017 18:00:00 GMT

On May 11, Austin Founder Lions Club presented Sportsmanship Award trophies to the Akins High School boys’ Baseball Team which is coached by Gene Salazar and to the Anderson High School girls’ basketball team coached by Katrina Hall. Greg Harkrider, chairman of the club’s Sportsmanship Awards Committee presented the trophies and checks to the coaches and team representatives. Gaylord Armstrong, a club member and former national champion baseball player, was the keynote speaker, and he shared his insights about the importance of good sportsmanship.

"For more than 70 years, the Austin Founders Lions Club annually has recognized local high school boys’ and girls’ athletic teams for their good sportsmanship," said Jim Overton, club president. “Club members believe teaching good sportsmanship is an important component of team sports. Our awards are intended to encourage good sportsmanship and recognize those teams and their fans who demonstrate it consistently throughout the year,” he added.

“The Akins baseball team was on every single ballot cast by the baseball umpires,” Harkrider said. He added that “this marks the fourth year that Coach Hall’s basketball teams have been recognized with the club’s sportsmanship award.

“These school teams have coaches who teach good sportsmanship and hold players and fans accountable to maintain these standards,” Overton said. “We are pleased to recognize the coaches, players and fans of these teams, and appreciate the model they set for others.”

Austin Founder Lions Help Spruce Up Texas Lions Camp

Mark Hastings — Sun, 02 Apr 2017 13:13:36 GMT

The Austin Downtown Lions Club enjoyed a very successful Work Day at the Texas Lions Camp on Saturday, April 1, 2017. Our group of 37 Lions helped trim bushes, prune branches, and do general clean-up work around the camp's swimming pool. The appearance of the area was noticeably improved and made more appealing for the youth scheduled to arrive for their summer camp in June, July, and August. Everyone who made the trip to Kerrville deserves a hearty pat on the back for a job well done. Special thanks goes to Craig Estes for providing supervision on site, and to Patti Robinson and her Leos for both their excellent work and for presenting a $500.00 check to the TLC. Thanks to the following individuals for their 'We Serve' attitude: Rudy Munguía, Craig Estes, Glenda Summers, Robert Watson, Sam Ruiz, Tommy Cowan, Bonnie Glasgow, Patti Robinson Lucas Parker, Irene and Kurt Krill, Greg & Veryon Thompson, Beverly Weeks, George Bocanegra, Bill Martin, Jim Overton, JP Kirksey. Also thanks to the following UT Lions, TSBVI staff and volunteers, and Leos: Diana Torres, Sandra Baldwin, Ellen Grimmett, Kodie Nagy-Montgomery, Will Williams, Earl Washington, Mike Curtis, Elyse Guilstorf, Erica Parks, Jay Washington, Andrew Walker, Kimberly Berry, Nancy Cespedes, Idalia Garcia, Ashley Pryor, Mya Gipson. Apologies for omitting anyone's name who attended.

Lions Club Recognizes Six Local Schools

Mark Hastings — Thu, 01 Dec 2016 19:00:00 GMT

At the December 1, 2016 weekly luncheon of the Austin Founder Lions Club, the club recognized six local schools which are named after members of the club. Representatives of each of the schools were in attendance and they were presented with a check for $500 for each school. They also received a document with details about the Lions members that the schools are named after intended for posting at the school so that every student there can have a better appreciation of how the school got its name.

Austin Founder Lions Club President Jim Overton, back, is pictured with representatives of Austin Independent School District facilities named in honor of AFDC Lions. Those who received the $500 award per school were, left to right, Gus Garcia Young Men’s Leadership Academy Principal Sterlin McGruder; Boone Elementary Principal Alan Stevens; Widen Elementary Principal Kim Royal; Cowan Elementary Assistant Principal Rebecca Phillips and student Noah Villareal; Pickle Elementary Principal Lauro Davalos; and Kocurek Elementary School Counselor Angela Vera.

Rose Day was a Great Success!

Mark Hastings — Fri, 21 Oct 2016 22:02:04 GMT

Patti Robinson delivers roses
Thanks for your support by ordering roses

On Thursday October 20 Austin Founder Lions Club members hand-delivered hundreds of dozens of beautiful long-stemmed red roses packaged in attractive florist boxes to happy individuals in Austin and the immediate area. Over 20 Lions and friends volunteered to make this fundraiser a great success. Many thanks to all of you who bought roses and to all of the volunteers.

Look for us again around this time next year and buy more roses and tell you friends how they can make someone's day and help charitable causes at the same time.

100 years of service profiled in the Statesman

Mark Hastings — Fri, 05 Aug 2016 21:55:51 GMT

In the August 4th, 2016 edition of the Austin American-Statesman was an article written by Michael Barnes, staff writer for the Statesman, which describes the 100 year history of the club and its service to the Austin community.

Austin Lions Visited Texas Lions Camp

Mark Hastings — Mon, 27 Jun 2016 21:59:28 GMT

Austin Founder Lions visited THE camp! That’s the Texas Lions Camp in Kerrville on June 24 to experience a Friday night awards/graduation ceremony. Attendees report that it was a poignant experience which solidifies why you became a Lion.

Lions Club Presents 2016 Sportsmanship Awards

Mark Hastings — Thu, 12 May 2016 17:00:00 GMT

Lions Club Presents 2016 Sportsmanship Awards

Coach David Dupont, left, and the Men’s Soccer Team at Crockett High School received the Austin Founder Lions’ 2016 Sportsmanship Award Boys’ Team trophy and a $500 contribution to their school’s athletic department. A.I.S.D. Athletic Director Leal Anderson attended the May 12 luncheon.

The Travis High School girls’ basketball team, coached by Holly Tarter, left, received the 2016 Girls’ Team Sportsmanship Award and a $500 contribution to their school’s athletic department. A.I.S.D. Athletic Director Leal Anderson congratulated the two winning teams.

On May 12, Austin Founder Lions Club recognized two Austin high school teams and their coaches. Sportsmanship Award trophies were presented to the Crockett High School Men’s Soccer Team which is coached by David Dupont and to the Travis High School girls’ basketball team coached by Holly Tarter. Lion Greg Harkrider presented the awards and introduced keynote speaker William Graham, a former Longhorn defense and six-season starter for the Detroit Lions.

Graham gave a very inspirational talk about the importance of sportsmanship, which he said shows “character.” He stressed the importance of staying out of trouble in high school, and how character affects the ability to go to a good university and play sports at a higher level.

He encouraged the young team members to go to college and seek people with similar values, backgrounds and upbringing. He also advised them to not bring shame, hurt or disrespect to the coaches, parents, high schools and communities. He shared his personal story, and the importance of being able to say “no” and make good decisions – from high school to college to his days in the National Football League.

A.I.S.D. School Board trustees Julie Cowan and Lion Ann Teich and Athletic Director Leal Anderson, along with principals from Crockett and Travis High schools attended the event.

For more than 50 years, the Austin Downtown Founders Lions Club annually has recognized local high school boys’ and girls’ athletic teams for their good sportsmanship. The awards are intended to encourage good sportsmanship and recognize those teams and their fans who demonstrate it consistently throughout the year.

“The club asks various officials (referees, umpires, etc.) to vote on which teams demonstrate the best sportsmanship based on the behavior of players, coaches and fans,” explained Harkrider, chairman of the club’s Sportsmanship Awards Committee. “Each official picks the top three teams in the sport that he/she officiates during the year. A point/percentage system is used to compare the teams fairly,” he added.

This marks the second time that the Crockett High School Men’s Soccer Team and Coach Dupont have received the Lions Club’s prestigious honor. Dupont’s team received the honor in 2010.

Texas Lions Camp Featured on TV

Ann Ward — Sun, 01 May 2016 17:40:08 GMT

Time Warner Cable News’ Stephanie Manisero’s story on the Texas Lions Camp is available online. The piece profiles Analysia Huerta, a 15-year-old camper sponsored by Lion Tommy Cowan from the Austin Founder Lions Club. Analysia has attended two camp sessions for children with Type 1 diabetes. In the piece, her mother, Maria Madrigal, talks about the positive changes she has seen as a result of the camp. AFLC Past President Rudy Munguia is quoted in the printed version of the story. Spread the word about the great work of Texas Lions Camp.

Austin Lions Club Celebrates 100 Years of Service

Mark Hastings — Mon, 18 Jan 2016 17:12:42 GMT

Mayor Proclaims Jan. 18 as Austin Downtown Founder Lions Club Day

Austin Mayor Steve Adler has proclaimed Jan. 18 at Austin Downtown Founder Lions Club Day in recognition of the club’s 100th anniversary. Adler announced the proclamation at the club’s Jan. 9 Centennial Gala at The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, which kicked off a centennial year of activities.

In the proclamation, Adler notes the “great many improvements” the club has made in the “lives of all Austinites,” including:

* Opening of the Municipal Golf Course which became the first desegregated golf course in the South;

* Serving as “Knights of the Blind” by sponsoring and supporting many programs for the blind and visually impaired, such as Kidsight Vision Screening, the Lone Star Eye Bank and Leader Dogs for the Blind; and

* Providing scholarship for students attending the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired.

The club began Jan. 18, 1916, when 29 men came together in a "dingy, poorly lighted" meeting hall at 704 Congress, above Burt's Shoe Company, to sign a charter as The Austin Lions Club. A 30th charter member signed a few days later.

The Austin club actually pre-dates Lions Clubs International, which will celebrate its centennial anniversary in 2017. During 1916-17, Dr. William P. Woods, a surgeon of Evansville, Indiana, founded the International Association of Lions Clubs and organized about 30 clubs, including the Austin group. These clubs – including the Austin club – and several other organizations were invited to a meeting in Chicago on June 7, 1917, to consider the establishment of a single international organization of service clubs. Melvin Jones’ Chicago Business Circle elected to become a Lions Club, and three years later, the International Association of Lions Clubs reorganized as Lions Clubs International. The Austin club is the oldest continuously operating Lions Club in the world.

With a roster of 103, the club’s members include men and women from all walks of life, including judges; legislators; Austin Independent School District officials and board members; Travis County elected officials, former mayors of Austin; architects; certified public accountants; bank presidents; insurance executives; communications professionals; ministers; volunteers; veterans and others. Lions Clubs International is the largest service club organization in the world, with 1.4 million members in more than 47,000 clubs serving communities in more than 200 countries and geographical areas around the world.

With the motto, “Where There’s a Need, There’s a Lion,” service is the driving force for Austin Founder Lions and Lions all over the world. Austin Founder Lions serve in the areas of vision, the environment, youth and hunger.

Austin Downtown Founder Lions Club host Vision Screening

Mark Hastings — Sat, 22 Aug 2015 16:24:20 GMT

ADFLC Provides Vision Screening at El Mundo Back to School Fest

Austin Downtown Founder Lions screened more than 303 children during El Mundo Newspaper's Back-to-School Fest on Aug. 22 at the Delco Center. Some 91 children -- or 30 percent -- were referred for complete eye exams, and a number received on-site exams and glasses from the Essilor Vision Foundation's mobile van that was on-site. The event attracted 6,209 participants!

Lion Robert Watson uses the SPOT camera to check a young girl's eyes.

Some 6,902 individuals crowded into the Delco Center on Aug. 22, 2015 for El Mundo Newspaper's Back to School Fest. To qualify for a free backpack, children had to obtain three health checks. ADFLC's vision screening was one of four health checks available.

ADFLC members posed for a picture before the event started. Pictured left to right are: Gus Garcia, Glenda Summers, Ann Ward (seated), Beverly Weeks, Tommy Cowan, Ann Cowan, Robert Watson, Bob Walcott and Shirley Dillman, seated. Also serving but not pictured were Chaney Barton and Roberto Martinez.

Club recognized by Texas Senate

Mark Hastings — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 15:04:23 GMT

On April 20, 2011 the Austin Downtown Founders Lions Club was recognized by the Texas Senate for 95 years of service to the community. Senator Kirk Watson of Austin read a resolution on the floor of the Senate enumerating the many good works by the club during the close to a century of its existence and the gratitude of the Senate on behalf of all the citizens of Texas. The club was presented with a copy of the resolution and a Texas Flag which had flown over the State Capitol.

Austin Downtown Founder's Club joins the social media revolution!

Sat, 29 Jan 2011 21:39:35 GMT

Did you know that our club is on Facebook and Twitter? It's the way everyone is staying connected these days and we'd love for you to join us. Just click on the links above and add to the conversation!

Lion Mark Hastings, Owner of Hastings Communication Systems, manages our Facebook presence. You can see club meeting pictures there, communicate with other members, post your own thoughts and photos, and we'd love to have you there.

Twitter is the latest addition to our online outreach, and will be managed by me, Lion Vicki Flaugher. Follow us there and we'll follow you back.

Help us reach out to the next generation of Lions the way they are used to meeting - online! It's a lot of fun and keeps you connected.

Free Early Childhood Vision Screening

Mark Hastings — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 15:00:00 GMT

The Austin Downtown Founder Lions Club in collaboration with the Registered Opticians of Texas conducted a free Early Childhood Vision Screening on Saturday, January 30, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Hyde Park Christian Church (Rev. (and fellow Lion) Jacqueline Baker, Senior Pastor). Children, ages from 6 months to 4 years old were the targeted population for the screening, which aims to detect Lazy eye, eye turns, myopia, near and farsightedness, astigmatism, cataracts and differences in strength between the two eyes.

Thirty children were screened, three were referred to a pediatric ophthalmologist for further testing and four more were told that their children may need more screening as they grow older. Other findings that came to our attention during the period of preparation and doing the actual screening are that 50% of children who have difficulty learning can attribute it to some kind of vision problem and that 50 students attending Pearce Middle School in Northeast Austin currently need glasses. Lion J. P. Kirksey provided us with information for getting glasses for those students.

The Club thanks the Austin Travis County Health Department (Carole Barash, PIO officer), Any Baby Can (Marcela Lizcano, children's health intervention and screening officer) and Lion Sam Johnson and his assistants who conducted the screening on behalf of the Registered Opticians Association of Texas for their assistance in making the screening a success. All of them were magnificent. And last, but certainly not least, a tip of the hat to the fellow Lions who CONTINUE TO GIVE new meaning to the Lion's motto "WE SERVE".

Julien C. Hyer Lions Youth Camp (by Lion Allan Chase)

Mark Hastings — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 21:05:50 GMT

The Austin Downtown Founder Lions Club had a fantastic treat and honor. From July 13^th to the 16^th we hosted the Julien C. Hyer Campers from 18 foreign counties. The camp, which is based in the Dallas area, invites and hosts the campers for over one month in the great state of Texas. This Lions club initiative happens every summer and has for 35 years. First organized in 1973 and begun in 1974, this camp is a great opportunity for the Lions to bring over from Europe, Asia and Africa (and sometimes Australia) students 17 to 20 years old, and show them what a great country the United States is. Of course, Texas is the best place to stage that experience. They start out in Dallas and become familiar with their host families there and then go and spend close to a week at Lake Texoma at the home camp. From there they came to stay with us until the 16^th of July, and then returned to Dallas….from there they spent a week in Lubbock, so they were able to experience much of the TEXAS experience during their visit.

After being “dormant” for several years, the camp directors called a few years ago and asked if our club would like to host the camp in Austin for one day. We agreed and Lions Bill Campbell and Rudy Munguia helped guide the campers through a tour of the State Capital which they enjoyed immensely. The following year after the camp directors called and asked for a little more time in the Austin Area, Lions Sam Buford and Allan Chase agreed to co-chair the planning of their visit and one day became two which became three and this year it became four days. Next year it may become all week! It is a great opportunity to mold the impressions of the future leaders of many other countries. It is an opportunity and a responsibility.

For the past two years, our generous club has agreed to pay their expenses to come down to Austin for the four days, and that includes the bus, the bus driver, and incidental expenses during the trip.

The campers arrived by bus at Barton Springs Pool on Monday the 13^th where they spent the day. Lion Sam Buford had arranged and matched the host families to the campers. The hosts met the campers they were matched with for the first time that afternoon and took them to their homes. The next morning the hosts dropped off the campers at the State Capital for a tour arranged by Lions Scott Hendrix and Rudy Munguia followed by lunch at the annex cafeteria. From there the campers went to the Bullock State History Museum for a tour and a movie. The hosts picked them up in the afternoon. On Wednesday morning the hosts delivered their campers to Barton Springs Pool (used as a staging area). The bus then took them to San Marcos where they spent the day tubing and relaxing on the San Marcos River. The bus delivered them back to Barton Springs Pool where their hosts picked them up. That evening several hosts families spent time with their campers eating Mexican food or swimming in Lake Austin or country & western dancing. On the last day the campers were taken by their hosts to the UT campus for a tour arranged by Lion Alan Ford. From there they came to our weekly luncheon where they became the program. The highlight of the lunch was when each camper introduced themselves and told us the best part of the week. They then left us to return to Dallas but not before stopping in Waco and touring the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum. where they spent the day tubing and relaxing on the

Many Lions, too numerous to mention, helped out this year, and it is hoped that we have even MORE involvement next year. The generous hosts that opened their homes and wallets to these campers should be commended….looking forward to July 2010!

Sportsmanship Awards

Mark Hastings — Thu, 07 May 2009 17:00:00 GMT

The Austin Downtown Founder Lions Club presented its 2009 Sportsmanship Awards to Lanier boys basketball team and the McCallum girls volleyball team.

The awards were presented at the club's weekly meeting today. In attendance were the team members and their coaches. A traveling trophy was presented to each team and the athletic departments of each school received a $500 check from the club.

These awards recognize local school athletic teams and their coaches for their sportsmanship and fair play. Local umpires and referees vote for the recipients of the awards. It is open to all sports and is presented to one boys team and one girls team. This club is proud to have presented this award for many years.