SOLA Lions Club of Whittier

SOLA Lions Club of Whittier The SOLA Lions Club supports Special Olympics athletes for who they are: CHAMPIONS. SOLA is a Specialty Lions Club that serves Special Olympics only.

Special Olympics Los Angeles Lions Club of Whittier




The SOLA Lions Club supports Special Olympics athletes for who they are: CHAMPIONS. They are champions for stepping out on the track, field, pool, or court and competing, for putting smiles on others' faces, changing attitudes and teaching sensitivity, and for building a more accepting world for everyone. Over 50 members of our Club have the

opportunity to:

■Empower persons with intellectual disabilities and their families.
■Transform lives.
■Show the world the skills and talents of a group often overlooked in today's society.
■Volunteer and work with a great organization. The SOLA Lions Club was given its Charter on March 24, 2009, and had its Charter Installation on May 4, 2009, with International Lions Club President Al Brandel present. SOLA is the second Lions Club in the world to serve the athletes of Special Olympics. Our Mission

"To take an active interest and participate in the mission and vision of the Special Olympics. To help provide sports and training programs for any individual with intellectual disabilities and thereby improve their lives and the lives of everyone they touch."

Join us for a very special evening as we celebrate the passing of the gavel from outgoing President Linda Birch to incom...
06/17/2026

Join us for a very special evening as we celebrate the passing of the gavel from outgoing President Linda Birch to incoming President Crystal Dawes at the SOLA Lions Club's Champions of Service Installation Dinner!

This memorable night will honor the leaders, members, and community partners who make our mission possible while celebrating a new chapter of service, friendship, and impact. Together, we'll recognize the accomplishments of the past year, install our 2026–2027 Board of Directors, and look ahead to an exciting future under Crystal's leadership.

✨ Enjoy an evening of fellowship, inspiration, and gratitude as we come together as Lions, friends, and champions for Special Olympics athletes and our community.

📅 Thursday, July 23, 2026
🕔 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Friendly Hills Country Club
🎟️ Dinner Ticket: $50

RSVP to Lion Susan Sones at (562) 696-5200

We invite all Lions, family members, friends, and community supporters to join us for this joyful celebration of leadership and service.

Together, we honor the past.
Together, we embrace the future.
Together, We Are Champions of Service! 🦁💙💛

💙 A Great Night of Service, Partnership, and Community Impact! 💙Members of the SOLA Lions Club were honored to attend th...
06/14/2026

💙 A Great Night of Service, Partnership, and Community Impact! 💙

Members of the SOLA Lions Club were honored to attend the Charter Night celebration of the Whittier Host Lions Club and witness something truly inspiring.

Together, the Whittier Host Lions Club, the SOLA Lions Club, and Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) presented checks totaling $155,000 to the YMCA of Greater Whittier in support of its upcoming renovation project.

The project received major support through a generous contribution from Whittier Host Lions Club, SOLA Lions Club’s $5,000 donation, and a matching grant from LCIF. This investment will help strengthen a community resource that serves thousands of local residents, including many Special Olympics athletes and families.

For SOLA Lions Club, supporting the YMCA was a natural fit. The YMCA has long been a valued partner and resource for many of the athletes we serve through Special Olympics programs, and we are proud to help ensure these facilities continue to provide opportunities for health, recreation, inclusion, and community connection.

Representing SOLA Lions Club at the celebration were Lions Ruri Pierre, Penny Lopez, David Williamson, Carol Copley, and Ron Copley.

Congratulations to the Whittier Host Lions Club on their Charter Night celebration and on demonstrating the incredible impact that can be achieved when Lions work together to serve our communities.

SpecialOlympics LionsClubsInternational CommunityImpact WeServe

David Williamson Ruri Pierre

What a wonderful evening of fellowship and Lionism at our June SOLA Lions Club meeting!We were honored to welcome First ...
06/05/2026

What a wonderful evening of fellowship and Lionism at our June SOLA Lions Club meeting!

We were honored to welcome First Vice District Governor-Elect Imelda Beltran and her husband, William Rodriguez. Imelda shared her remarkable lifelong journey of service, leadership, and commitment to helping others. Her story was inspiring, and our members especially enjoyed an engaging Q&A session that sparked thoughtful conversations about the future of Lionism and what it means to truly serve.

We were also delighted to present Past District Governor Alberto Montes de Oca with certificates and recognitions awarded to him at the recent District 4-L2 Convention. Alberto continues to exemplify the spirit of service and leadership that strengthens our club and our district.

Adding to the celebration, we recognized our June anniversaries and birthdays, beginning with Lion Daylene Ripley, who celebrated her birthday on meeting night! 🎉

Thank you to everyone who joined us for another memorable evening of friendship, service, and community.

Our next meeting will be a special virtual gathering on Zoom on June 17, where we’ll take a look back at the past Lion year through photos, videos, and stories as we celebrate all we’ve accomplished together.

📊 2025 SOLA Lions Club Foundation Impact ReportBecause of the generosity of our donors, sponsors, volunteers, and commun...
06/03/2026

📊 2025 SOLA Lions Club Foundation Impact Report

Because of the generosity of our donors, sponsors, volunteers, and community partners, the SOLA Lions Club Foundation distributed $72,237 in grants to support Special Olympics athletes and programs in 2025.

🏅 Highlights from the year:
• Hosted 4 Special Olympics competitions
• Welcomed 200+ athletes and guests to our Athlete Holiday Party
• Maintained our commitment to 100% fee-free competitions
• Supported the YMCA renovation project used by Special Olympics athletes
• Funded a new bocce court for athletes of all abilities
• Launched the Kenya Mentorship & Inclusion Project
• Continued a tradition of service spanning 16+ years

Thank you to our partners, sponsors, volunteers, and Lions who help turn service into opportunity. Together, we are building communities where everyone can participate, compete, and belong.

💙💛

🦁💜 SOLA Lions Recognized at the District 4-L2 Convention 💜🦁This weekend, SOLA Lions are proudly participating in the Dis...
05/30/2026

🦁💜 SOLA Lions Recognized at the District 4-L2 Convention 💜🦁

This weekend, SOLA Lions are proudly participating in the District 4-L2 Convention in Arcadia, joining Lions from throughout Southern California to celebrate a year of service, leadership, and community impact.

We are especially proud that members of our club were recognized for their service and leadership at both the club and District levels. SOLA continues to make an impact far beyond our own projects, with members serving in key leadership positions throughout District 4-L2.

Representing SOLA at the convention were:

🔹 Ron Copley, Guiding Lion, helping strengthen and mentor Lions clubs.

🔹 David Williamson, District Tail Twister, bringing energy, fellowship, and fun to District events.

🔹 Ruri Pierre, District Zone Chair, supporting clubs and promoting excellence throughout her zone.

🔹 Linda Birch, SOLA Club President and District Marketing Chair, helping share the stories of service happening across District 4-L2.

A special highlight of the convention was welcoming Past International President Al Brandel, a longtime friend and supporter of SOLA Lions. His connection to our club and his dedication to the mission of Lions Clubs International continue to inspire our members as we serve Special Olympics athletes and build more inclusive communities.

We congratulate all of the Lions honored during the convention and thank District Governor Angel Peil and her leadership team for an outstanding event celebrating the power of service.

SOLA Lions remains proud to be the first Lions club dedicated to year-round service to Special Olympics athletes and competitions. Together, we continue to demonstrate that inclusion, friendship, and service can change lives.

Last night’s SOLA Lions Club meeting was full of energy, fellowship, and momentum.We were honored to welcome Cabinet Sec...
05/07/2026

Last night’s SOLA Lions Club meeting was full of energy, fellowship, and momentum.

We were honored to welcome Cabinet Secretary Mary Contreras, candidate for 2nd Vice District Governor of District 4-L2, along with PDG Chris Ormund and PDG Eduardo Oviedo, who shared thoughtful remarks about Mary’s leadership, service, and many strengths as a Lion.

Our club also heard wonderful updates about our recent Special Olympics basketball tournament and began looking ahead to the bowling tournament set for July 25. Volunteer recruitment is already underway, and we are excited to continue building support for local athletes and events.

Lion Ron Copley also provided an in-depth update on SOLA’s mentorship of the emerging Suba Champions Lions Club in Kenya. This inspiring effort is gathering steam as community members there work toward chartering a specialty Lions Club focused on raising awareness, promoting empowerment, and championing inclusion for people with disabilities.

From local service to international connection, SOLA Lions continue to show what it means to serve with purpose.

Join Us Wednesday, May 6! – SOLA Lions Club Meeting! 🎉🍽️You’re invited to connect, network, and enjoy a great evening wi...
05/06/2026

Join Us Wednesday, May 6! – SOLA Lions Club Meeting! 🎉🍽️
You’re invited to connect, network, and enjoy a great evening with SOLA Lions Club at
📍 Sage Restaurant & Lounge
🕠 Social Time: 5:30 PM
🕕 Meeting Begins: 6:00 PM

✨ We’re excited to welcome a special guest appearance by District 4-L2 Cabinet Secretary Mary Contreras—don’t miss this opportunity to hear from an inspiring Lions leader!

🍹 Bonus: Sage’s AMAZING Happy Hour runs until 7 PM—perfect for enjoying delicious food and drinks while connecting with fellow members and guests.

👉 Check out the menu here: https://sagewhittier.com/

🚗 Parking Info: Street parking available. Additional lot behind the restaurant (enter via Comstock Ave between Hadley & Bailey Streets)

Come for the fellowship, stay for the impact—and bring a friend!

💙

Here are a few pics from our fun day at Friendly Hills Country Club on April 20. Best day ever!
04/25/2026

Here are a few pics from our fun day at Friendly Hills Country Club on April 20. Best day ever!

Address

Whittier, CA
90601

Opening Hours

5:30pm - 8pm

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