by Dan Rothlisberger, President, Hamilton Lions Club
Thank you to Diane Thomas-Rupert for her letter about “non-profits” in Ravalli County. I was pleased to see reference to the less visible non-profits in the Valley such as the Hamilton Lions Club which is one of those “non-profits” without an office or paid staff and executives. Nevertheless, we are one of the longest serving “service clubs” in the State of Montana.
For those that don’t know, the Hamilton Lions Club raises money primarily from the Bingo Booth at the Ravalli County Fair; from an annual tournament at the Hamilton Golf Course; and from Lions mint sale boxes at various locations. All the money raised stays here in the Bitterroot Valley and supports a variety of programs including eye exams and eyeglasses and hearing aids for those that need financial assistance; large print books in valley libraries; the Dolly Parton Imagination Library; diabetes education; and other local programs including Bitterroot Striker Youth Soccer; HEARTism Community Center; Daly 1st grade swim lessons, and projects designed to improve the quality of life in our community such as benches and tables for the Ravalli County Fairgrounds.
Our motto is “We Serve” and we help our fellow citizens and our community where there is a need. This legacy has been going on now for 94 years and we hope to continue serving by reaching out to those that will take our place. Like other service clubs in this day and age, our future is based on membership; our future is based on You.
Please contact me for more information at 406-363-3879. Thank you.