Volunteer of the Year Awards

In 2011, the Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation implemented the annual Volunteer of the Year award, which is presented at each of the four Oregon Lions' District Conventions (R, O, G and E) and Multiple District 36 State Convention. 

This prestigious award is given to volunteers who have demonstrated outstanding service in partnership with the Foundation. The dedicated efforts of the thousands of Lion volunteers who help implement life changing programs to Oregonians in need, enable us to make a difference in communities statewide.

2011
Dale Bachman (District R, Springfield Lions Club): Dale was nominated for his key role as chair of the Sam Tyler Fund Committee, as well as his leadership of the Sam Tyler Fund fundraising efforts. This fund is administered through the Foundation and provides eye exams and eyeglasses to qualified residents in Lane County.  We are grateful to Dale's determination to grow the Sam Tyler Fund so that many more get the assistance they need. 

Sharon Elder, PDG (District O, Portland Cascade Lions Club): Sharon's active involvement in the Lions Eyeglass Recycling program, particularly in coordinating multiple mission trips to Mexico, has made a tremendous impact on thousands of individuals.  She was also served as the Foundation Sight and Hearing Chair for her club and is currently the District O Task Force Chair.  Sharon's boundless energy for helping Oregonians and those beyond our borders with eyeglasses is a special gift.

Art Carroll (District G, Odell Lions Club):  Art has been instrumental in coordinating the Mobile Health Screening Program (MSHP) throughout Hood River, with an emphasis on school screenings.  He has served on the MHSP Committee since 2009, has been the Foundation Sight and Hearing Chair for his club, and actively promotes the KEX Kids Fund in his area.  Art's passion for serving children is an inspiration to all.

Betty Dickson (District E, Klamath Falls Lions Club): Betty, a great asset during the Oregon Department of Education Vision Screening Pilot Project in 2010, led the recruitment and coordination effort of volunteers in the Klamath Falls County School District.  She ensured that every Klamath school had sufficient screening volunteers which enabled us to complete screenings efficiently and within the allotted time. Betty's assistance proved invaluable to the Klamath Falls screening success.

Gerald Caldwell (MD-36, Portland Lloyd Lions Club): Gerald has coordinated countless MHSP community health screenings, including several Veteran Stand-downs.  He has also been the Foundation's eyeglass transporter, moving hundreds of eyeglass boxes between Coffee Creek Correctional Facility, storage facilities and the Foundation headquarters in Portland over the years.  His tireless efforts enable us to fill requests for eyeglass mission trips.

Judith Grosesnick (MD-36, Eugene Downtown Lions Club):  Judith, a past Foundation trustee, spearheaded the development of our current strategic plan and led the effort for District R's first Foundation fundraiser, "Share Our Vision" Celebration Dinner, which raised over $6,500 for our programs. We applaud Judith's outstanding leadership in every aspect of her service to the Foundation.


2012

Pattye Norenberg (District R, Waldport Lions Club):  In 2011, Pattye volunteered to take the lead of reviewing the Lions In Service toll-free line on a daily basis after Lion Victor De'Prey sadly passed unexpectedly. The referral line averages 300 messages per month, with the majority of calls from Oregonians in need of eye exams and eyeglasses. Pattye listens to every detailed message then contacts the appropriate Sight and Hearing Chair or Club for potential assistance.  This daily commitment highlights her dedication to serve.

Penny Rich (District O, Beaverton Lions Club): Penny stepped up to volunteer at the Foundation twice a week after a part-time staff member left. Penny has been instrumental in processing KEX applications, MHSP data entry, assisting with the new Lions Eyeglass Assistance Program (LEAP), answering phones and many other projects. She believes that everyone should consider volunteering and finding that place where you feel your service is a valuable asset to the organization. "Put others before yourself and your will feel a great sense of purpose and satisfaction," she said. OLSHF greatly appreciates having Penny as a reliable and highly efficient volunteer member on the team!

Jan Stewart (District G, Pendleton Lions Club): Jan joined the OLSHF Board of Trustees as Executive Secretary in 2007. In spite of having a 200 mile commute to make the meetings, her attendance is nearly impeccable.  Jan retired from the board for over nine months to care for her daughter, however, she has returned as a trustee representing Eastern Oregon.  "I've always been excited about the Foundation, especially now with the new 2020 Vision Capital Campaign that will spread the Mobile Health Screening Program to more remote areas of the state." Her philosophy on volunteering: "Volunteer service is what feeds my soul." 

Tom Harris (District E, Keno Lions Club): Tom as participated in school screenings in Klamath Falls and Klamath County for the past five years. Beginning with the Vision Screening Pilot Project in 2011, Tom has coordinated dozens of Lions Club volunteers for over 30 screening events which screened over 5,000 students. He is currently working toward raising funds to ensure all the schools obtain regular screenings in Klamath County and outlying areas. In addition to working with school screenings, he has helped with numerous coummunity events including Veteran Stand Downs and the county fair. OLSHF commends Tom's dedication to serving his area with preventative health assistance.