The Lexington Downtown Lions Club was chartered April 6, 1972, and is known for its per-member White Cane contributions, sizable golf tournament profits and the influx of female members at the start of the 21st Century. Lynam visited Lexington in 1978 to charter two Lions clubs and three international directors have spoken to the membership at charter anniversaries. One club member was elected pre
sident of the N.C. Society for the Prevention of Blindness and three past district governors have held statewide chairmanships in our Lions organization. For many years the club has averaged over $100 per member in contributions to the N.C White Cane Drive. In 1990 a donation of $5,000 was given to the Eye and Research Center at Bowman Gray School of Medicine. In 2002, the club donated funds to build the Sensory Garden Fountain at Camp Dogwood. The fountain was completed in 2005 in honor of member PDG Jerry S. By 2005, club expenditures exceeded $50,000 for community projects and VIP assistance. During the past 37 years, the club has purchased over 400 life memberships in the N.C. Lions Foundation, presenting the framed memberships to distinguished Lions and community leaders. In 2008, the club donated $3500 to the Wake Forest University Eye Center for Research on Retenetis Pigmintosa. Included in our membership are seven holders of life memberships in the International Association of Lions Clubs, ten Melvin Jones Fellows, six John L. Stickley Fellows and one William. Woolard Partners in Service. There are currently sixteen women members.
