By Al Benson
“I challenge you to keep up the good work.
“Have fun.
“Aurora Lions roar for another 100 years!”
That was the charge to the Aurora Noon Lions Club Thursday, July 28, from Lions Clubs International past international director Robert “Bob” Block.
Elected at the Lions’ 102nd international convention in Milan, Italy, in 2019, Block was the keynote speaker in the Aurora Noon Lions’ centennial banquet at Gaslite Manor Banquets in Aurora.
The special anniversary party was designed to reflect on past community service and the Club’s future.
The event featured a filet mignon and chicken dinner, 17 gift basket raffles, two $100 prize drawings, a 50-50 raffle and memorabilia displays.
The party marked 100 years from July 28, 1922, when the Noon Club was chartered by International Association of Lions Clubs, predecessor of Lions Clubs International.
Party attendees included approximately 70 Club members, guests, and officials of the City of Aurora government, and Lions Clubs International.
Arvid Meyer of Aurora, Noon Lions immediate past president, was emcee of the program.
The event opened with a welcome from Meyer followed by posting of U.S. and Lions’ flags by Boy Scouts of Blackhawk Troop 11 of Wesley United Methodist Church in Aurora.
Scoutmaster Rick Scalzo led the color guard of Scouts Jaden Scalzo, Eddy Deems, and Ethan Deems.
Noon Lion Joe Beary of Aurora led the room in singing “God Bless America.”
Club past presidents Paul Buddy of Aurora and Gerry Spirk of Morris were partners in leading the pledge of allegiance.
After the pledge, Meyer led a moment of silence to honor deceased Lions’ members.
Salvation Army Aurora Corps Capt. Joaquin Rangel offered an invocation.
Guillermo Trujillo, Aurora deputy mayor, read a January proclamation from mayor Richard Irvin that declared July 28, 2022, “Aurora Noon Lions Club Day” in Aurora.
Trujillo drew applause when he added that he may become a future Noon Lions member.
Other Aurora officials attending were Edward Bugg and Shweta Baid, Ward 9 and Ward 10 aldermen.
Club achievements and history were recounted by Susan Koepke of Aurora, 2022-2023 club president.
A highlight was a World War II war-bond sales drive by Noon Lions that raised $250,000 for a B-17 bomber.
In recognition, the Air Force named the plane “City of Aurora.” Noon Lions responded by selling $300,000 in war bonds a year later.
Community-service projects included providing lighted canes for blind residents, a $100,000 donation to a sensory garden at Pioneer Park in Aurora and a $25,000 donation to help found an eye research center at the University of Illinois-Chicago.
Recently, Koepke said, the Club has focused on eye exams and eyeglasses for persons in need.
Additionally, Club pancake breakfasts and pizza/pasta dinner fundraisers support Ukrainian refugees, a $500 scholarship to a Waubonsee Community College student and grants to Marie Wilkinson and Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantries.
Koepke concluded her remarks with a surprise presentation to Noon Lion William “Bill” Poss of Aurora.
The 30-year member received $500 from fellow members in honor of his longtime support of the Club. For decades at his Luigi’s Pizza and Fun Center in Aurora, he was host to membership luncheon meetings, fundraisers, and community events. He retired in June after closing his business.
Lions Clubs International District 1-J governor Jim Kiser praised Noon Lions for their community service. He concluded by awarding membership-anniversary awards to members. Honored were Gerald Spirk, Morris, 35 years; Bill Poss, Aurora, 30 years; Doug Needham, Plainfield, 25 years; Kathy Long, Aurora, 20 years; and Al Benson, Aurora, and Jimmie Delgado, Oswego, each 15 years.