Tester recognizing 100th Anniversary of Lions Clubs

Senator backs bipartisan bill to create $1 commemorative coin

(U.S. SENATE) – Senator Jon Tester is backing a bipartisan bill to create a commemorative coin recognizing the 100th Anniversary of Lions Clubs International, the world’s largest service organization.
 
Tester’s bill authorizes the U.S. Mint to produce nearly half a million $1 coins to commemorate the founding of the first Lions Club in 1917.  Lions Clubs International, which helps volunteers serve their communities and assist the blind and disabled, has 46,000 clubs and nearly 1.5 million members worldwide.

“Lions Clubs’ members make the Big Sky State a better place by serving their communities and supporting local schools,” Tester said.  “Volunteer service is a value that runs deep in Montana, and I look forward to honoring Lions Clubs for their commitment to public service.”

The commemorative coins will only be available in 2017 – the Lions Clubs 100th Anniversary – and their sale price will cover the cost of designing and issuing the coins.  There will also be a $10 surcharge to promote Lions Clubs’ efforts.

“Lions Clubs’ members work hard to make a difference in their communities,” said Dave Hajny, an International Director of Lions Clubs International and a resident of Ennis, Montana.  “This will help the Lions Clubs Foundation raise needed funds to support our work with youth, vision, and disasters in Montana.  We appreciate Senator Tester stepping forward to recognize our efforts as we celebrate our 100th Anniversary.”

Hajny also said that in 2011 Lions Clubs received $10,000 for flood relief in Roundup and that Lions Clubs of Montana are purchasing machines to correct children’s vision problems before they become too difficult to correct.

There are 77 Lions Clubs in Montana representing 1,972 members.   

Tester’s bipartisan Lions Clubs International Century of Service Commemorative Coin Act is available online HERE.

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