Pillager Lions The Pillager Lions have been serving their community for the past 25 years; and have donated nearly one million dollars during that time. Pictured above are some of the club's members at a recent monthly meeting. Front row, from left, Cindy Walgren; Jim Ausland, President; Doug Allen and Lynn Richardson, Treasurer. Back row, from left, Mary Bybee, Membership Chair; Larry Bybee; Wanda Allen; Paul Gropper; Shirley Smith and LeRoy Smith, Gambling Manager. Pictured in lower photo, club members discuss upcoming projects. (Staples World photos by Dawn Schimpp Timbs) The Pillager Lions Club is celebrating 25 years of service to the Pillager community.

Since they first started meeting in 1984, with a handful of charter members, the group has grown to approximately 30; and has raised nearly one million dollars along the way... all of which has been donated back to the community.

"We also make donations to the international organization, of course; but for the most part most of the money we raise stays right here in this area," said Jim Ausland, the club's current president.

Jim has been a member of the Pillager Lions for about 20 years; and has served as it's president for the past three years.

"I enjoy it; and I appreciate all of the things we've been able to accomplish right here in Pillager," he added.

The group meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m., at the Pillager Sr. Center.

At their meeting Dec. 9, the Pillager Lions took some time to reflect on the past quarter-century; and to discuss some of their current projects.

"The recent food drive went well," reported Mary Bybee, the group's membership chair. "We gave out 30 Thanksgiving baskets; and we're working on giving out the Christmas turkeys and hams. People have been so grateful," she added.

Mary joined the group in 1986; the first woman in the Pillager district and the second or third woman in the world to join the Lions.

"At first, the men weren't really sure if they liked it or not," Mary laughed, "But they've gotten used to it. Now, many of the Lions Clubs are co-ed."

Prior to joining the Lions, Mary had been a member of the Lioness Club, she shared. "There aren't any more of those left anymore."

Although some of the membership rules have changed over the years, the dedication to service has remained the same.

"We're very involved with Dollars for Scholars... we give out five $500 scholarships a year," Jim said. "We also give money to people that are in need; those who have gone through some sort of tragedy or hardship."

Like all other Lions clubs, the Pillager Lions continue the tradition of raising money for a number of projects, including sight and hearing projects; youth and children programs; funds for natural disasters; as well as many local needs.

"The Lions are probably best known for all of their contributions to eyesight programs," Jim said, mentioning the leader-dog program; and the eye glass bank. "I feel very proud to be a part of such a wonderful organization," he added.

Jim said he was grateful to the hard work and dedication of past Pillager Lions Club members; and mentioned a few names of some charter members, including Lloyd Brattlund, Glenn Hagg and Doug Spilman.

"We don't have any charter members with us here tonight; but one of our guys - Larry Bybee - joined when the group was just six months old," Jim said, "I think that's pretty close."

For some members, being a part of the Lions has become a family tradition.

"We've got three daughters Beth, Brenda and Laurie who are now a part of this group," said member Shirley Smith, who is married to Past President LeRoy Smith. LeRoy currently serves as the group's Gambling Manager, a job that Shirley has also held in the past.

"We hold a few fundraisers throughout the year; but most of our money comes from pull-tabs," said Jim.

They plan to hold a spaghetti fundraiser sometime in the new year; but in the meantime, the Pillager Lions are helping to make the Christmas season a happier one for some local families in need. Participating in the school's 'Festival of Trees' is also on their agenda.

"It's a good cause; and the tree will go to a family who can't afford to buy one on their own," said Mary.

In honor of their silver anniversary, the Pillager Lions are planning a formal celebration sometime in May, 2010.

To find out more about the Pillager Lions; or to inquire about membership, stop by their monthly meeting at the Pillager Community Center. The Pillager Lions have been serving their community for the past 25 years; and have donated nearly one million dollars during that time. Pictured above are some of the club's members at a recent monthly meeting. Front row, from left, Cindy Walgren; Jim Ausland, President; Doug Allen and Lynn Richardson, Treasurer. Back row, from left, Mary Bybee, Membership Chair; Larry Bybee; Wanda Allen; Paul Gropper; Shirley Smith and LeRoy Smith, Gambling Manager. Pictured in lower photo, club members discuss upcoming projects. (Staples World photos by Dawn Schimpp Timbs)