Our History
The Citrus Heights Lions Club was chartered on September 7, 1949. Since that time members have worked hard to make a difference in the lives of residents from their community and around the world. Being a member of the Citrus Heights Lions Club provides each member the opportunity to learn more about their community needs. Their main objective is to provide service to others.
For more than fifty years the Citrus Heights Lions have been distributing food and clothing to local families, toys for kids, blankets, wheelchairs, crutches, etc. They collect used eyeglasses and hearing aids for recycling to those in need. They provide assistance to others who need their eyes examined and hearing checked. They participated in the Multiple Sclerosis Walk, Community of Caring project, Relay for Life and much more. Club members are rewarded by the feelings they get when they see the tears of joy and the smiles on so many grateful faces.
The club is very supportive of local youth groups and schools. They have come to the aid with physical labor and/or funds to assist the Citrus Heights Little League, Citrus Heights Boys Baseball, Girls Softball, Synergetic Baton Corps, Cub Scout Pack 204, High School Wrestling Teams, the Boy Scouts and so many more. They have also presented checks to schools for special academic programs that were needed, etc.
They have seen one of their major projects completed when the children’s playground in Rusch Park's “Lions Grove” was dedicated. Members of the club spearheaded the effort to raise funds to replace the playground equipment that was being taken out because it didn’t meet safety standards.
Club members were very proud when one of their members, Lion Jeanne Santangelo, was selected to carry the Olympic Torch when it came through Citrus Heights on its way to the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.
Citrus Heights Lions participate in Lion sponsored activities such as: White Cane Days, Youth Exchange, Peace Poster Contest, Student Speaker Contest, and Flag Day. They support District projects including Northern California Lions Sight Association, Lions Education Foundation, Community Coalition and Disaster Services, the Folsom Project for the Visually Impaired, Wilderness Camp for Deaf Children, the City of Hope, and Lions Project for Canine Companions for Independence.
Many of the club members have been involved at the District level as follows: District Governor, Cabinet Secretary, Constitution and Bylaws Chair, Lions Medical Emergency Assistance Fund Chair, Long Range Planning Chair, Sacramento Stand Down Liaison, Northern California Sight Association Members, Community Coalition and Disaster Services Chair, Zone Chair, Region Chair, Peace Poster Chair, MERLO Team, District Newsletter and the District Webmaster. One member developed the website for International Past President Kay K Fukushima.
The major fundraisers for the club are their annual Steak & Scampi Dinner held in April or May and their annual Carnival/Health Fair located at the corner of Auburn and Sylvan is held usually in June. If you happen to be in Citrus Heights in June, look for their carnival and be sure to drop by to give them your support. They are a dedicated bunch of Lions who really care about you and their environment.