The Newtown Lions Foundation Sandy Hook Elementary Fund

History

The first Lions Club was made up from several independent Chicago business clubs, which consolidated in June 1917 to better serve their fellow man and help their community. This was the idea of a Chicago insurance agent, Melvin Jones. The idea quickly was adopted by others, and, just four months later, in October 1917, delegates from twenty-two clubs in nine states held the first convention in Dallas, Texas. The convention approved the “Lions” designation, a constitution and by-laws and made a start on objectives and a code of ethics.

The Newtown Lions Club, chartered in 1949, is one of 51 clubs in District 23A. There are over 2,000 members in the district, which is divided into four regions with two zones in each region. Each zone has between six and eight Clubs. The Newtown, Bethel, Brookfield, Danbury, New Fairfield/Candlewood, New Fairfield, and Southbury clubs comprise Zone 5 in Region Three. The Newtown Lions carry out the motto “We Serve” by supporting and participating in International, national, state and local community programs. 

The Newtown Lions Club Foundation became a 501 (c)3 organization in 2011. When the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy occurred the Newtown Lions Club Foundation organized a committee to administer aid through a fund raising campaign to benefit the victims, families, and first responders of these horrific events.  As the primary goal of this fund, the Newtown Lions is providing counseling services to the families and first responders of these horrific events through the support of the Connecticut Counseling Association. The Newtown Lions Club Foundation will pay for counseling cost not covered by traditional insurance carriers. Our Foundation will cover the counseling costs for families that do not have insurance. Our Foundation will help families find licensed mental health professionals in our area. Our Foundation is also studying the potential of Scholarships for the families of the victims as well as many other considerations to benefit the community.