About Our Club

Dedicated volunteers serving Dunnellon through vision care, hunger relief, and community programs — proudly part of the world's largest service organization.

Our Story

The Lions Club of Dunnellon is a proud chapter of Lions Clubs International, the world's largest service organization. Founded in 1917 by Chicago businessman Melvin Jones, Lions Clubs International was built on a revolutionary idea: that local clubs could harness the power of community to address the world's greatest challenges.

In 1925, Helen Keller challenged Lions to become "knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness." Lions answered that call, and sight preservation has been at the heart of our mission ever since. Today, with 1.4 million members in over 200 countries and territories, Lions continue to answer the call wherever communities need us.

Here in Dunnellon, our club carries forward that proud tradition. From free vision screenings for children to hunger relief programs and environmental stewardship along the Rainbow and Withlacoochee rivers, we show up for our neighbors. Our members are teachers, retirees, business owners, and young professionals — all united by the Lions motto: "We Serve."

Every project we take on, every meal we serve, and every pair of eyeglasses we provide reflects our belief that ordinary people can accomplish extraordinary things when they work together. That is the story of the Dunnellon Lions Club — and we are still writing it.

Our Mission

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Sight Preservation

Vision

Carrying forward Helen Keller's challenge, we provide free vision screenings, collect and recycle eyeglasses, and connect community members with affordable eye care. Sight preservation is in our DNA — it is the cause that defines Lions worldwide.

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Who We Are

Values

Integrity, service, and community are the pillars of everything we do. We believe in leading by example, treating every neighbor with dignity, and showing up when it matters most. Our values are not just words — they are lived out in every project and every handshake.

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Dedication

Commitment

Our members contribute thousands of volunteer hours each year, driven by genuine dedication to Dunnellon's well-being. Rain or shine, holiday or workday, Lions show up. That unwavering commitment is what transforms good intentions into real, measurable impact.

Our Impact

500+ Vision Screenings

Free screenings provided to children and adults across Dunnellon each year.

1,000+ Eyeglasses Collected

Recycled eyeglasses donated to those in need locally and around the world.

$50K+ Funds Raised

Dollars raised annually for community programs, scholarships, and disaster relief.

30+ Events Per Year

Community events, service projects, and fundraisers organized each year.

Leadership Team

The dedicated officers guiding our club's mission and daily operations.

James Whitfield

President

A lifelong Dunnellon resident and retired educator, James leads our club with vision and a deep commitment to community service.

Patricia Alvarez

Vice President

Patricia brings 15 years of nonprofit leadership experience and coordinates our flagship vision screening programs.

David Nakamura

Secretary

David keeps our operations running smoothly, managing communications, meeting records, and member coordination.

Linda Okafor

Treasurer

With a background in accounting, Linda ensures our funds are managed transparently and directed where they create the greatest impact.

Lions Clubs International

The Dunnellon Lions Club is part of a global family. Lions Clubs International is the world's largest service organization, with 1.4 million members in more than 200 countries and territories. Founded in 1917, Lions have spent over a century tackling the world's biggest challenges — from blindness prevention and hunger relief to environmental protection and childhood cancer research.

Through the Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF), our global network has awarded over $1 billion in grants to support humanitarian efforts worldwide. When you join the Dunnellon Lions Club, you become part of this extraordinary movement — a local volunteer with a global impact.

1.4M+ Members Worldwide

200+ Countries & Territories

49,000+ Local Clubs

1917 Year Founded