Oswego resident among 30,000 Lions roaring into Chicago June 30-July 4
Jimmie Delgado of Oswego, a member of Aurora Noon Lions Club, will attend the 100th Lions Clubs International Convention June 30 to July 4 in Chicago.
Delgado is one of more than 30,000 Lions expected to participate in the global event that will draw representatives from more than 120 countries and geographic areas around the world.
An Aurora Noon Lion since 2006, Delgado serves as club treasurer, on the club's board of directors and at fundraisers. He also serves on the board of directors of Waubonsee Community College in Sugar Grove.
This Aurora University graduate is controller at Fox Metro Water Reclamation District in Oswego.
"It is exciting to gather with so many Lions from other countries," Delgado said. "It's a great reminder that Lions are not only making a difference in our local community, but also around the world."
Chartered in 1922, Aurora Noon Lions Club members make an impact in the community through service projects, such as an annual fishing clinic and Christmas party for hearing-impaired students. Noon Lions recently co-sponsored a Lions Club at Waubonsee Community College in Sugar Grove.
Proceeds from past fundraising events have been contributed to Aurora Salvation Army, local food pantries and a vision clinic at VNA Health Care medical clinic in Aurora.
The Aurora Noon Lions Club has about 30 members and meets on the first and third Mondays at noon at Luigi's Pizza, 732 Prairie St. in Aurora. Prospective members are welcome. Call (630) 921-1307.
Convention highlights include a spectacular Parade of Nations featuring 10,000 Lions from around the world, many in native dress, who will march along with floats and marching bands.
Convention delegates will attend workshops, learn about important issues facing communities globally, elect international officers, vote on constitutional amendments and help set the future direction for Lions Clubs International.
Highlights of the convention will include:
• A spectacular Parade of Nations with 10,000 Lions from over 120 countries, many in native dress, along with bands and colorful floats. The parade will begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday, July 1 and will take place on State Street in downtown Chicago. The parade route is approximately one mile long.
• Presentation of the 2017 Lions Humanitarian Award, the highest honor of the association, to Stan Brock, founder of Remote Area Medical, on Tuesday, July 4. The award includes a $250,000 grant from Lions Clubs International Foundation for continuing humanitarian activities. Previous recipients include Doctors Without Borders, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and Mother Teresa.
• Recognition of the young winners of the 29th Lions International Peace Poster Contest and "Our World, Our Future" essay contest for blind and visually impaired students.
• A colorful flag ceremony with the flags of Lions nations from around the world on Sunday, July 2.
• Election of Doctor Naresh Aggarwal, Batala, Punjab, India, as the 2017-18 Lions Clubs International president on Tuesday, July 4.
• World-class speakers and entertainers including the Beach Boys on July 1, former U.S. Vice President Al Gore on July 2, former U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki Moon and the band Chicago on July 3, and Grammy Award winner Patti LaBelle on July 4.
Presiding over the convention will be 2016-17 International President Chancellor Robert "Bob" Corlew of Milton, Tenn. Corlew has led the association through the third year of the Lions Centennial Celebration, and has helped Lions surpass their global challenge to benefit 100 million people through service projects impacting youth, vision, hunger and the environment.
Lions Clubs International is the largest service club organization in the world. Some 1.4 million members in more than 47,000 clubs are serving in more than 200 countries and geographical areas around the globe.
Since 1917, Lions clubs have aided the blind and visually impaired, championed youth initiatives and strengthened local communities through hands-on service and humanitarian projects.
For more information about Lions Clubs International, visit lionsclubs.org.