Contributed by Lion Mort

The 2011 eye camp saw about 200 people examined and 52 patients selected as good candidates for the intra-ocular lens implantation procedure. All procedures were successful, and the patients would be called back the next week for a follow-up exam.  

This joint eye camp program was initiated after a visit in April 2007 by Ambikanagar Lion Dr. Neelkanth Byakod to the De Anza Lions PM meeting in Cupertino, CA. During the visit Lion Byakod invited the De Anza Lions to enter into a partnership with his club by sponsoring an annual free eye camp, to serve those who had no other option for such eye care. Were it not for this program, the disadvantaged people in this particular area of west India (near Goa, but inland) would have little chance having their sight improved in such a dramatic way. 

The De Anza Lions responded positively and enthusiastically to the opportunity.  Since Lion Byakod’s first visit to the club, he’s been back a couple of times to update the De Anza club and share Lions fellowship. This program is a fine example of the true spirit of Lionism, a great program that furthers the Lions core mission of helping those with sight issues, and our timeless motto, “We Serve.”

By Lion Jeff Ludlum

Thanksgiving Food Drive provides food baskets for 160 families in the community.

The DeAnza Lions want to thank Safeway , the community, the DeAnza Lions and the LEO club of Monta Vista High School volunteers for making our Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive this past weekend a huge success.

With food and cash donations, we are able to provide Thanksgiving food boxes to 160 families in our community, including low income families with kids in Hughes Elementary and Merritt Trace Elementary schools as well as the Sunnyvale Support Network for battered women, Even Start Program and others. Excess food donations were taken to the Sunnyvale Community Services to supplement their food bank.

2011 has been another tough year for many people in our community. It is with much gratitude that the DeAnza Lions Club acknowledges the donation of food and funds of well over $ 12,000 during this year’s food drive. 

We thank each and every volunteer, especially the members of the LEO club, and the owners of the Safeway Stores, for donating time, energy, goodwill and money to this worthwhile cause.

Happy faces and kind words of thanks met the Lions who delivered the gift baskets. 

A big Thank You again to the patrons of the Safeway Stores for opening their heart and wallets to help people in need.

Happy Thanksgiving!

A second Blanketeering night for DeAnza Lions

If “happiness is a warm puppy”, 3 dozen little “puppies” (children in need) will be happy when they receive the blankets that were made with love and proudly donated to Project Linus by our group of thirteen.

On November 3^rd, 13 lions – old and new, spouses, family and friends – met at Lion Al and Barbara Knox’s home for an evening of peaceful joy. After a brief introduction to Project Linus and their mission (visit www.projectlinus.org), the lions armed themselves with the necessary tools and were let loose. It did not take long before the pile of cute fleece cuts was transformed into blankets, 27 blankets to be precise.

As the original goal of 35 blankets was not quite achieved by wrap time, many attendees asked to be able to take some pre-cut blankets home to be completed within a week.

The Nov 3 Blanketeers

Respectfully submitted to you all with joy, Lion Leslye

A special presentation of a donation to the Lions Club was given by two young girls, the daughter of a Lions Club member and her close friend, recently at the PM meeting. The girls cleaned houses, sang, and sold products that they created to make some money. $32.00 to be exact, and decided to donate rather than spend it on some dolls they wanted to buy. We are so proud of the young Lions-to-be!

Founding members of "SS Helpers" give their presentation

The young ladies donation came appropriately (and creatively) packaged

Some people arrived early for breakfast, stayed and played bridge. Some friends and Lions came for breakfast and dinner to support our club. We had a total of over 50 people for dinner seated around two large tables in the back where they could stay longer and socialize.

Senior friends of Ann Ratner from Chai House Retirement Home came for brunch, thus helping the DeAnza Lions. They said they had a great time and wanted to know when the next fundraiser would be.

Lion Steve and his wife Ellen had a nice conversation with some 20 women of a Church Group, who were having breakfast. One member of that group expressed an interest in joining the DeAnza Lions club. They also supported our fundraiser that day.

Thanks again to all those who supported DeAnza Lions Club in our effort to raise money for our community projects.

Report submitted by Lion Steve and Ellen Ratner

Lion Cliff Govaerts, who worked so hard on Flag Days in the past, is smiling down on us.  Go Lions!! 

Report submitted by Lion Mort

Flag Days, 2011, with Lions Walt, Anne, Yvonne and Mort

Report by Kent Vincent

Leo Advisor Andrew Goldenkranz and DeAnza Lion Kent Vincent

Members of the Cupertino De Anza, Almaden Super and Cupertino Host Lions Clubs joined forces at Stevens Creek Quarry in Cupertino on Saturday, May 7 for the 51^st annual Fish-A-Thon for disabled children and adults. The event provided an extraordinary outing for 108 special needs individuals having Down’s syndrome, cerebral palsy, blindness or similar disability. With the help of Lions volunteers each participant experienced the joy of catching their own fish and taking home a memorable photograph with their catch, which the Lions cleaned and iced for them. A lunch was provided for some 400 participants, their families and volunteers by the Cupertino Host Lions, which sponsored the event. Participants were drawn from Lions sponsored organizations such as Via Services/Camp Costanoan, Parents Helping Parents and the Santa Clara Valley Blind Center, as well as invitations to Special Education classes throughout the community. The Fish-A-Thon is a great example of Lionism at its best and a heart-warming experience for each volunteer.  

Report by Lion Kent Vincent

Commence:  6:40

Present:  Lions Carl, Vijay, Jeff, Howie, Al, Barbara, Kathy, Fimbys, Ratners, Mike Ringer, Eli, Mort, Anne,

Coppes, Leslye Noone.  Guests:  Bob Ferber, Lois Ferber

Flag salute – Sydnie Ludlum

Happy dollars!

Crab feed final earnings figures:

17,576.69, gross net, split w/ Rotarians, 8788.42 was Lion’s take

Below expected, but not bad.  55% net on cash out.

Golf 11360.81 Net for golf tournament (6k below budgeted net)

20,149.15 total raised, to-date.

June 12th, budget meeting, in Al’s garage

New Officer list for 2011 / 2012 – check it out.

Fund Raiser at the Country Inn, 5/23.  www.holderscountryinn.com

Guest speaker:  2nd Vice district governor Bob Ferber

For the Good of the Pride:Check out the shirt selection on our site (shirt options for summer time)

Mort heading up flag day presentations.  3 of them:

• May 24 – Garden Gate
• May 27 – Hughes
• May 31 – Eaton

Sydnie and Mort presented the Ratners picture awards for such a great charter night.

Community Outreach going very well.  (OneSight) 11 students from Campbell middle school

8 students from SJ City College

2 adults

Visiting SJ Family Shelter on Monday

Foursome photos from the golf tournament are available.

Adjourn:  7:40