Awards
Melvin Jones Award
Melvin Jones was born on January 13, 1879 in Fort Thomas, Arizona, the son of a United States Army captain who commanded a troop of scouts. Later, his father was transferred and the family moved east. As a young man, Jones made his home in Chicago, Illinois, became associated with an insurance firm and in 1913 formed his own agency.
He soon joined the Business Circle, a businessmen's luncheon group, and was shortly elected secretary. This group was one of many at that time devoted solely to promoting the financial interests of their membership. Because of their limited appeal, they were destined to disappear. Melvin Jones, however, had other plans. "What if these men," he asked, "who are successful because of their drive, intelligence and ambition, were to put their talents to work improving their communities?" Thus, at his invitation, delegates from men's clubs met in Chicago to lay the groundwork for such an organization and on June 7, 1917, Lions Clubs International was born. It was stipulated that clubs were not to be social in nature nor were members permitted to promote their own business interests.
To view a complete list of Melvin Jones Award Recipients, click the button below.
Helen Keller Award
In 1925, Lions accepted the challenge posed by Helen Keller (who became blind and deaf in childhood) to help persons who are deaf as well as those who are blind.
Services provided by Lions clubs for persons who are deaf or hard of hearing include:
-
hearing awareness
-
hearing screenings
-
communications aids for persons who are deaf or hard of hearing
-
recreational camps for persons who are deaf or hard of hearing
-
support for the Deaf or hard of hearing community
To view a complete list of Helen Keller Award Recipients, click the button below.