Former Auroran, William C. “Bill” Poss, received Lions Clubs International’s Milestone Chevron Award for 35 years of service.
Poss, 72, was given the award by Aurora Lions Club president Randy Brown at the club’s May 15 membership meeting at Paulie’s Pub in Aurora.
“Congratulations on completing 35 years as a Lion!” said Lions International president Fabricio Oliveira, Catolé do Rocha, Brazil, in a statement. “To commemorate and recognize your years of service I am presenting you with the Milestone Chevron Award.
“Your commitment to service as a member of our association is both honorable and commendable, as you have touched the lives of so many people. From the smallest project to the largest undertaking, your many years of service have made an incredible difference in your community.”
Poss said, “Memories of participating in annual candy-day fundraisers standout.” He recalled receiving numerous thanks from donors for Aurora Lions’ service activities.
Aurora Lions president, Randy Brown, said, “We are grateful to have Bill Poss as a valued member of Aurora Lions Club. Bill has donated his time, talents, physical space (Luigi’s Pizza and Fun Center) as well as financially for 35 years, that’s an incredible legacy. Thank you Bill!”
Poss received the club’s distinguished service award in 2001.
A longtime Aurora resident and restaurateur, Poss owned and operated Luigi’s Pizza and Fun Center on Aurora’s West Side before retiring to Kissimmee, Fla.
As an Aurora Lion, he hosted numerous club functions. In addition to biweekly membership luncheons, they included pancake breakfast fundraisers, Christmas parties for hearing-impaired area students and presentations by local football and basketball coaches.
In 2019, his operation became a temporary staging area for law-enforcement authorities investigating a mass shooting at the nearby Henry Pratt Co. plant, where six people died.
Founded in 1922, Aurora Lions Club (formerly Aurora Noon Lions Club) is celebrating its second century of community service. With the motto “We Serve,” Lions volunteers focus on supporting causes including hearing and vision impairment, hunger, the environment, diabetes and childhood cancer.
Open to men and women interested in community service, the club meets at noon on the first and third Thursdays at Paulie’s Pub, 444 N. Eola Rd. in Aurora. Prospective members are invited.
Call 630-921-1307 or visit auroranoonlions.org for more information.
Lions Clubs International is the largest membership-based service organization in the world. More than 1.4 million members in more than 49,000 clubs are serving in 200 countries and geographic areas. Since 1917, Lions have improved health and well-being, strengthened communities and supported those in need, locally and globally. Learn more at lionsclubs.org.
—Al Benson