bu Jim and Phyllis Wilkins
During one of the first Lions Conventions held in Cedar Point, OH in June 1925 a very powerful speech was delivered by Helen Keller. We would like to share part of that speech with our Lions Club and Fairfield Bay friends.
“Dear Lions and Ladies: I suppose you have heard the legend that represents opportunity as a capricious lady, who knocks at every door but once, and if the door isn’t opened quickly, she passes on, never to return. And that is as it should be. Lovely, desirable ladies don’t wait. You have to go out and grab ’em.
I am your opportunity. I am knocking at your door. I want to be adopted. The legend doesn’t say what you are to do when several beautiful opportunities present themselves at the same door. I guess you have to choose the one you love best. I hope you will adopt me. I am the youngest here, and what I offer you is full of splendid opportunities for service.
The American Foundation for the Blind is only four years old. It grew out of the imperative needs of the blind, and it was called into existence by the sightless themselves. — The opportunity I bring to you, Lions, is this: To foster the work of the American Foundation for the Blind. — Will you not constitute yourselves Knights of the Blind in this crusade against darkness? I thank you.” (www.lcif.org/EN/aboutlions).
Almost 90 years later we can only imagine what the feelings were of those who heard Helen Keller’s entire speech that day, but we do know that the Lions accepted her challenge and our work ever since has included sight programs aimed at preventable blindness. If you would like more information about the Fairfield Bay Lions Club, please contact our membership chair Lion Robert Smith @ 253-0552 or Lion President Ed Roberts @ 884-3679.
FFB Lions meet the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month with dinner at 5:30 p.m. and the meeting @ 6 p.m. next meeting will be Thursday, Oct 23. Guests are always welcome and appreciated. BINGO is held each Tuesday evening with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. and the first game called at 6 p.m.