Fellow Lions and friends.

I had the privilege to participate in the installation of the officers of the King City Lions Club on June  16th, 2026.

That night, we celebrated more than new leadership. We renewed our commitment to service and to a tradition that has touched millions of lives around the world.

Over one hundred years ago, in 1917, Lions Clubs International was founded by Melvin Jones with a simple but powerful idea: people working together can make their communities better. From that vision grew the world’s largest service organization, now serving in more than 200 countries.

Our motto, “We Serve,” is remarkably simple, yet profoundly meaningful. Those two words remind us that leadership is not about titles or recognition. It is about action. It is about seeing a need and stepping forward to help.

Today, Lions Clubs International has launched Campaign 1.5, an ambitious initiative to grow our global membership to 1.5 million members. This campaign is not merely about increasing numbers. It is about increasing impact. Every new member brings new ideas, new energy, and new opportunities to serve.

Imagine the possibilities. One additional Lion may organize a food drive. Another may help preserve eyesight through vision screenings. Another may support youth programs, environmental projects, or disaster relief efforts.

The true power of Lions service is its ripple effect.

When one Lion volunteers, a family benefits. When a family is strengthened, a neighborhood becomes stronger. When a neighborhood thrives, an entire community is transformed. Small acts of kindness spread outward, often reaching people we may never meet.

Every hour we volunteer, every dollar we raise, and every hand we extend creates ripples that continue long after the event itself has ended.

To our newly installed officers, thank you for accepting the responsibility to lead. Your leadership will guide  our club’s mission, inspire our members, and help create those ripples of service throughout and beyond.

Remember that no one leads alone. Lions succeed because we work together—with dedication, compassion, and a shared purpose.

As we begin this new year, let us recommit ourselves to welcoming new members, embracing Campaign 1.5, and living our motto each day.

May we continue to demonstrate that even the smallest act of service can create extraordinary change.

Together, we are Lions.