Press Release

Chicago, April 25: 38th District Convention of District 1-A, Mother District of Lionism was held at Hotel Hilton, Naperville on April, 20, 21, 22 and 23.  636 registrants from all over the district attended this event and celebrated by having fun and fellowship. 

Immediate past district governor Austin D’Souza Prabhu inaugurated its First Plenary Session on Friday.  Retired Kernel and International Director from Lansing, Kansas State, Ernest Young Jr. was the guest of honor for this weekend.  Ann Elliot started this program by singing of US national anthem.  After the plenary session all attendees had a good fellowship by tasting various food items and drinks in several hospitality rooms arranged by clubs in the district.  Dance lovers danced to the music until 1:00 a.m.

Saturday morning there were several seminars and Austin Prabhu, sector coordinator for Sight First II Campaign had his presentation for the attendees.  In the afternoon during luncheon, Austin Prabhu, immediate past district governor was inducted into District 1-A Past District Governors’ Club.  Because of his fast driving history, he was given a helmet and a toy car with how to drive safely instructions.  During this luncheon there was Theme Baskets Auction to raise funds for the district, in which district earned 3,500 dollars.

After the auction, deserving lions were honored with Melvin Jones Fellow – highest recognition for a lion member from Lions Clubs International and Lions of Illinois Foundation Fellowships.  Last year’s First Lady and current zone chairperson Terry D’Souza was bestowed upon with a Melvin Jones Fellowship for her dedication in lionism. 

There were nomination and seconding speeches for the election of District Governor, Vice District Governor and District Foundation Trustee.  Austin gave his speech to nominate Allen Warshaw as the District Governor for the year 2006-07.   He requested all lions in District 1-A to extend their support to Allen to be the governor of Mother District of Lionism.

During evening banquet, Ernest Young Jr., chief guest gave a thundering speech and asked all lions to spread lionism in their communities by active participation, recognition for good work and helping the needy.  Some deserving lions clubs and individual lions were awarded with special awards.  Also awards were given for Lion of the Year, Lioness of the Year and Leo of the year.  After the banquet, all hospitality rooms were open for fellowship until 1:00 p.m.

Saturday session was started with singing of America the Beautiful by Austin Prabhu.  There were elections, breakfast and necrology service to remember lions that passed away during this year.  One member Gregory D’Lima, who passed away from Kala Sampath Lions Club, was also remembered during this service.  Winners in the election, Governor Elect Allen Warshaw, Vice District Governor Elect John Chisum and District Trustee Elect Allen Hanson gave their accepting speeches and introduced their goals for the coming year.   Last year’s two major programs, Vision First and Lions Open University initiated by Austin Prabhu saw a continued success this year.  For Vision First program, a check for 55,000 dollars was given to Lens Crafters Foundation to purchase an equipment to produce eyeglasses on the spot for less fortunate school students.  Vision First chairman Ronald Johnson made this presentation. 

There were 23 graduates this year from Lions Open University, who were bestowed upon with a medal of honor by guest Ernest Young, Jr.  In his speech, he appreciated the efforts of lions in continuing such prestigious programs to fulfill the needs.  There was a district raffle with 12,000 dollars first prize.  Convention was concluded with singing of God Bless America lead by Austin Prabhu.