The Somers Lions Club was chartered in 1966.  Since that time the club has been involved in many projects that have benefited the citizens of Somers and local charity organizations.

The Somers Lions Club has helped our town and local school district by funding scholarships to four graduating seniors every year.  We helped to put the first set of lights on our Somers High School football field back in the 1980’s.  We have run the Somers Lions Club Track Meet, one of the largest scholastic track meets in New York State for over fifteen years.  We helped in the construction of many of the facilities in Reis Park, the town park in Somers.  Among these projects are the park pavilion, the band stand and the kiddies’ park.

For the past ten years, the Somers Lions Club has spearheaded the Independence Day Celebration in Somers by providing food, games, and entertainment for all the town residents.  Over the past three years, we initiated the “Taste Of Somers” which showcases local restaurants and their wonderful offerings.  Activities are planned throughout the day for residents of all ages.  The culminating event of the day is always the terrific fireworks display just after nightfall.

Every year the Somers Lions Club donates money to many local charities.  Some of the local charities we contribute to are The Friends of Karen, Guiding Eyes for the Blind, Blythedale Children’s Hospital, and Vacation Camp for the Blind.  The Somers Lions Club also contributes to Camp Sunshine, local Scout groups, Somers Senior Citizens, and the YMCA, as well as local families in need, just to mention a few.

During the course of the year, the Somers Lions Club runs several fund-raising events.  Every spring, our Pancake Breakfast is always a big hit.  We share the proceeds of the breakfast with the Somers Baseball, Softball and Lacrosse recreation programs.  Spring time also sees the Lions Club Carnival take place.  This event is always a popular event with the younger residents of Somers!

For several years our biggest fund-raiser has been our annual Camaro SS Raffle.  Each year, the club raffles off a brand new high performance Camaro.  The winner can either take the car, or a cash prize.  The lucky ticket is always drawn at our Independence Day Gala.  A new, and hopefully will quickly become our major funding raising activity, is our Somers Lens Cleaning Kits.  This project has been endorsed by LCIF and you will soon see our kits available for sale throughout the town, county, state, country, and internationally.  All proceeds from this fund raising endeavor goes towards Lions Club projects.  Please check us out at somerslionsclub.org.  

In September, the Lions will help to make the town’s Somers Library Day a success by providing the food and the “chefs” for this awareness raising event.  

In addition, our club takes on special fund-raising or hands-on projects to help local residents in need.  In the past year, we assisted a home owner clean their property of years’ worth of clutter.  The club’s techies have assisted a local resident with purchasing and setting up a voice activated computer system.

We work behind the scene by providing person power to helping people in need, often without fanfare or public exposure.  We seek to do these deeds as partners with organizations and volunteers from our community.

As I assume the presidency of this outstanding organization known as the Somers Lions Club, I am proud to represent the club in all of its community efforts.  The Somers Lions Club doors are always open to community minded individuals who are willing to volunteer their services for the better of their community and all those in need. 

Please ask about the Somers Lions in the community and you will find for yourself that ours is a caring, giving, and well organized club ready to serve the community when the need arises.

Regards,

Jim Chisholm, President

Somers Lions Club

914-224-7967