By Al Benson
Tom Voigt of Aurora is the Aurora Lions Club’s Distinguished Service Award winner for 2025.
Voigt was surprised with the award at the club’s yule party Friday, Dec. 12, at Monarch Landing in Naperville. He was accompanied by his wife, Susan.
Aurora Lion Michele Morey made the presentation. She said, “This year’s Distinguished Service Award is being presented to a member whose steady commitment, thoughtful leadership, and quiet service have had a profound impact on our club — Tom Voigt.
“The award honors Lions whose dedication and service embody the very best of ‘We Serve,’ the Lions’ motto. Tom’s leadership, humility and unwavering passion — especially for helping children through vision care — truly set him apart.
“Tom has played an essential role in the development and success of our children’s vision health program, one of the most meaningful services we provide. Although vision screenings had occasionally been offered at pancake breakfasts, it wasn’t until May 2023 that our club conducted its first full, dedicated screening event — a milestone that marked the beginning of vision screening as a core service.
“The groundwork for this program began even earlier, with initial planning in 2022, when ideas for a stronger, more robust program first took shape. Tom was a key contributor from the very beginning, helping build the framework, refining the process and offering thoughtful input at every stage. His insights, practicality and deep commitment to serving children were instrumental in turning a concept into a vibrant, ongoing service.
“As the program grew, Tom became one of its most consistent and dependable volunteers. He has attended nearly every meeting and screening, and when it has been difficult to find volunteers, he could always be counted on to be there. Because of his reliability and dedication, hundreds of children have received screenings they might otherwise have missed, strengthening our connections with schools, families, and community partners.
“He was also instrumental in developing our successful bowling fundraiser. He has also been an active board member and a dependable presence at many other club activities — from farmers markets to the pancake breakfast — always helping quietly, humbly, and without seeking recognition.
“This work matters. At each screening, roughly 20–30% of the children we see are referred for additional vision services from a doctor. Those are real issues being identified early — and real children whose lives are being directly improved. Tom’s commitment has played an important role in making that impact possible.
“Please join in enthusiastically honoring Tom Voigt, a Lion whose service, heart, and dedication make him more than deserving of this year’s Distinguished Service Award.”