Vicky Fertig President, Chicago Filipino American Lions Club

By: Ryan Tejero

 

Lions Club is probably one of the oldest and the strongest international organizations that hits mankind. There are 48,000 Lions Clubs around the world from about 142 countries, with approximate 1.4million members who are doing service to their communities. In Illinois alone, there are more than 2000 Lions Clubs, and in the Filipino American community, there are 7 Filipino Lions Clubs in District 1A alone. District 1-A is ranked as the number 1 District in the whole world. And did you know that Lions Club International was first founded and organized in Chicago by Melvin Jones on June 7, 1917?

One of the most active and visible Lions Clubs in the Chicago Fil-Am community is Chicago Filipino American Lions Club (CFALC). Now on its 15th year, CFALC recently celebrated its Anniversary, with a huge party dubbed as the Governor’s Night. This event was highlighted by the installation of the new officers and induction of 10 new members. The Governor’s Night was held on Saturday, November 23, 2019 at Hilton Northbrook. No less than the District 1-A Governor Joni McMillan, graced the event and led the installation and induction ceremonies.

CFALC is strong and growing with 111 members currently. The new Lions who were inducted this year were: Darina Pella Buchinski, Corazon Escorpizo, Emma Azcarraga Katigbak, Nancy Legaspi, Teresita Poblete, Myrna Rankin, Berissimo Refugio, James Philip Sojor, Bryan Fluvio Vallecer, and Jess Zuno.

Leading CFALC is the amiable, charismatic and highly-respectable community leader Vicky Fertig. She vows to continue, with dedication and commitment, the legacy of serving the community through CFALC’s projects. The following are projects of CFALC: Diabetes Awareness Program – CFALC launched a fundraising event called Dance for Diabetes to raise money to support this project; Low Vision Programs for Students – CFALC conducted vision evaluation for kids held at St Jerome Catholic Church and St. Hilary Catholic Church, and Candy Day for the Deaf and Blind – CFALC solicited monetary donations in various public places. Other accomplishments of CFALC include: Supported the Leader Dog, which is a Lions Club project that raises money to purchase and train dogs as canine companions; Feed and Serve the homeless people; 5K Walk and Run, which is to raise awareness and funds for Hearing and Vision Projects; Donations to “Share A Love Project,” to benefit children with hydrocephalous in the Philippines, and Feed the Starving Children.

Vicky Fertig is known for her involvement in a number of fundraising events in the Chicago Fil-Am community. She is engaged in benefit pageants and fashion shows. This year, she was hailed as Mrs. Philippines PIWC 2019. She is the current president of CFALC, with her term ending in 2020. She is currently the Secretary of Ladies of Rizal USA.

Vicky completed her Doctor of Dental Medicine at the University of the East in 1978. In 1987, she formed her own dental practice in Makati and Quezon City, Philippines. In 1990, she joined the Faculty of College of Dentistry of the University of the East.

Vicky was married to the late Eugene Navarro, where they were blessed with 3 children: Mae Kristine; Jean Louise (married to Joseph Mabus), and Antonio (married to Mervie Fuerzas). In her spare time, Vicky enjoys the company of her three grandchildren namely: Andree Genelle, Agnes Mila, and Wilbur Eugene. After the passing away of her husband, Vicky was re-married to Arthur Fertig, and for over 20 years now, they have been blessed with a large group of friends, and a community, who support her through the years.

In her speech during the Governor’s Night, Vicky gave emphasis on using her leadership at CFALC as an opportunity to work with other Lions worldwide in showing compassion and commitment to the Lions’ creed of “We Serve.” Vicky also encouraged everyone in CFALC, both the officers and members, to work hand in hand with her, to pursue aggressively in promoting and soliciting support for the organization’s projects. She said, “we will reach our goals to change the lives of people and help make the world a better place through the power of service.”

Please connect with Vicky Fertig if you desire to serve the community through CFALC – Sagbayan9@gmail.com.

Vicky Fertig, CFALC President

Vicky and husband, Arthur Fertig

Vicky Fertig with Lions Club District 1-A Governor during the Governor’s Night Event at the Hilton Northbrook.