The Watkins Lions and Lioness Clubs were recently honored at the Friendship Ventures Annual Awards event with a Service to Others award. Through their belief and practice of the Lions International motto, “We Serve,” these Lions and Lionesses have brought meaning and purpose to the lives of children and adults with mental and physical disabilities. Accepting the award on behalf of the clubs were Jim Donnay, Jack Young and Mel Knudsen. For more than 10 years, the Watkins Lions and Lioness Clubs have supported Friend-ship Ventures by hosting summer ice cream socials, sewing curtains, providing travel and entertainment for seasonal staff, funding annual scholarships for local campers and maintaining an old resort cabin through Adopt-a-Cabin program. “They are the only service organization that sends us a monthly contribution,” said Ed Stracke, Friendship Foundation President. With support from service organizations like theirs, a positive impact is made in the lives of participants. Friendship Ventures has been enhancing the quality of life for people with mental and physical disabilities for almost 40 years. Nearly 2,800 people participate each year in the organization’s resident camp, respite and travel programs offered through Eden Wood Center and Camp Friendship. For more information on specific programs, volunteer and donor opportunities, or facility rentals, call Friendship Ventures’ main office at (800) 450-8376 or visit their Web site at www.friendshipventures.org.
