Welcome to the 2009/2010 Sight Team!

On June 6th, the Missouri Lions Eye Research Foundation held its quarterly Board Meeting. During the event, the Foundation expressed our sincere gratitude to those outgoing board members for their dedication to and support of the organization:

• PDG Keith Deimund, M1
• PCC Ron McMullin, M5
• PDG Howard Hawkins, M6
• CC Terry Boettcher, MD-26
• VCC Debbie Blumenberg, MD-26

We also welcomed three new board members for the 2009/2010 fiscal year:

• Lion Dr. Dan Obermark, M1
• CC Jesse Hathcock, M7
• VCC Marvin McAdams, M2

In addition to the Board Meeting, the Foundation also held its annual Educational Forum, which allowed new 1st and 2nd VDG's to learn more about the organization and how Lions in their district can support our sight-saving programs.

The Foundation looks forward to working with our new Sight Team members as well as Lions from around the state on exciting new projects throughout the next year!

Educating Others About Visual Impairment

By working together, the Foundation and the Missouri Lions continue to educate the public about the importance of sight preservation.

Kharim Strayhorn, Stephanie Burris and Debi Agee of the Springfield branch of Heartland Lions Eye Banks recently partnered with the Springfield Host Lions and the Republic Lions to teach children about the challenges the visually impaired face each day. The group visited two fourth grade classes to introduce them to the Eye Bank as well as hosted a blind pizza party where the kids could "see" what it was like to live with vision problems.

The pizza party, coordinated by Lion Judy Young of the Springfield Host Lions, was just one event of many that the local Lions and the Eye Bank host throughout the year as part of their community outreach.

Just Two Weeks Left to Meet Fundraising Goals for FY 08-09

A big thank you and congratulations go to the MD-26 Districts who have met and even surpassed their giving goals for the year!

The 2008/2009 fiscal year comes to a close on June 30, 2009. To find out where your district stands on your fundraising goal for the year, please check out the chart below. If you have any questions or would like to make a donation, please contact the Foundation development department at 800-283-1982, ext. 107 or info@mlerf.org.

Volunteer Opportunities Still Available at the Missouri State Fair!

Thank you to all the Lions who have already signed up to volunteer at the Foundation booth at the Missouri State Fair!

If you're interested in participating, there are still plenty of shifts open from August 13th through 23rd. As a volunteer, you will assist our staff at amblyopia and glaucoma screenings or encourage fairgoers to join Missouri's eye and organ donor registry.

To volunteer, please contact Annie Kuhl at 800.283.1982, ext. 107 or
akuhl@mlerf.org.

Join Us for the Biggest Amblyopia Screening Event of the Year

Volunteer opportunities are also available for the Foundation's Free Back-to-School Vision Screening event at the Saint Louis Science Center, July 25th and 26th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.

We are currently looking for volunteers to distribute flyers before the event as well as individuals who can assist us the days of the screening. For information, please contact us at 800.283.1982, ext. 107 or akuhl@mlerf.org.

Help us meet our goal of screening 700 children at this special 2-day event!

Upcoming Dates to Remember

Back-to-School Amblyopia Screening
July 25 & 26, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Saint Louis Science Center
5050 Oakland Avenue, St. Louis, MO

Missouri State Fair
August 13- 23
Sedalia, MO

Foundation Board of Directors Meeting
September 12, 9:00 a.m.
404 Portland, Columbia, MO

Foundation board meetings are open to all Missouri Lions. For more information, contact info@mlerf.org.