Celebrating 50 Years of Saving Sight

On Saturday, June 12, Missouri Lions from across the state convened in Columbia, Mo. to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Missouri Lions Eye Research Foundation and Heartland Lions Eye Banks. During the event, guests were treated to a presentation by Dr. Garth Russell, one of the Eye Bank's first employees, who guided them through a history of eye donation.

Check out our anniversary luncheon photo album or watch "50 Years of Saving Sight," our slideshow celebrating the partnership between the Foundation and the Missouri Lions. If you would like a copy of either for your club, please contact Nicole Plegge at nplegge@mlerf.org or at 800-283-1982, ext. 115.

Our Biggest Screening Event is Around the Corner

Want to play a role in helping to save the sight of children in St. Louis? From August 6th through 8th, the Foundation is hosting our annual Back-to-School Children's Vision Screening at the Saint Louis Science Center.

The screening is absolutely free to families and can help detect the most common causes of childhood blindness. Last year, we screened more than 175 children, and with an extra day scheduled this year, we're on track to double that number in 2010.

We're on the lookout for some great volunteers who can help promote the event, greet families and handle paperwork the days of the event. If you're interested, please check out our volunteer page and sign up as a Sight Ambassador.

Celebrating the Life of PDG Charlie Covington

On June 18, 2010, the Missouri Lions Eye Research Foundation lost one of our strongest allies in our battle against blindness when PDG Charlie Covington passed away after a long illness. PDG Charlie of the Columbia Host Lions has long been associated with the Missouri Lions, not only by serving as District Governor, but through his role as the Foundation’s Chairman of the Board for nine years between 1980 and 2003. Read more...

 

Missouri Lion and Transplant Recipient Stresses the Importance of Donation

He's a volunteer with Midwest Transplant Network, a speaker with Gift of Life and has helped the Eye Bank at Lions conventions. Bel-Ray Lions member and heart transplant recipient Lion Phil Duncan has been a vocal supporter of eye, organ and tissue donation since his heart transplant in 2007. Take a moment to meet this amazing volunteer and learn how he spreads the word about donation across the state.