Chicago Global Lions Club

By: Ryan Tejero

 

One of the newest organizations in the Chicago Filipino American community is the Chicago Global Lions Club (CGLC). Born with the vision of becoming a global leader in community and humanitarian service, CGLC has a mission to empower volunteers to serve their communities, meet humanitarian needs, encourage peace and promote international understanding through Lions clubs.

While Lions Clubs are sprouting everywhere in Chicagoland, it is best to look into the organization’s membership and its ability to sustain its vision and mission. It’s hard to invest your volunteer time and personal sacrifices, and let them go to waste.

On July 9, 2021, CGLC its Charter Night at the Allegra Banquets in Schiller Park, IL. Two CGLC members provided vocal performances: Irelyn Arana and Cathy Samson. CGLC is looking to increase its 54 founding members after the charter night. Inducted during the Charter Night were the founding officers composed of President Myrna President, First VP Melanie Carlson, Second VP Geraldine Gaden, Secretary Flor Castil, Asst. Secretary Cristina Pumarada, Treasurer Wynne Lynn Fadrowski, Asst. Treasurer Gina Del Rosario, Auditor Vishnu Mahant, PRO Josirene Sanglay, Membership Committee members Lodi Po, Glenn de Guzman and Rosalina Shea, Tail Twisters Zalma Corl and Kinjall Mahant, Tamer Santiago Dela Cruz, LCI Coordinators: Robert Chavez, Anthony Andaleon, Administrative Club Officer Vishnu Mahant, and Service Coordinator Melanie Carlson.

Even before its Charter Night, CGLC had already started its community and humanitarian initiatives. First, the group had spearheaded its Adopt-A-Park Project. The goal of this project is to help keep community parks clean. On June 19, 2021, from 9:00-11:00AM, CGLC volunteers rounded up James Park by 2100 Oakton St in Evanston IL and picked up unwanted plastic and paper materials rolling around the park. This is just a beginning as the group wants to identify other parks to clean around Chicago neighborhoods. This project was co-chaired by Glen De Guzman and Robert Chavez.

True to its humanitarian mission, CGLC members flocked last July 17th for two hours as volunteers at the Feed My Starving Children in Schaumburg IL. They joined the many other volunteers from different community organizations and private citizens to pack food items that were intended to be distributed to millions of children and families around the globe. This project is co-chaired by Edi Aquino and Maria Rose Sugerman.

Flor Castil expressed her sentiments in joining CGLC. She said “as a Lion Secretary for several years under various leadership, it’s been quite an experience. It is gratifying to one’s heart to serve my co-Lions and the community. If you are one of those who want to be a blessing to others, then join us to serve humanity.” Please email Flor at azihllitsac@yahoo.com for inquiries about CGLC.

CGLC members posed after a day of rounding up and cleaning James Park in Chicago.

Members of Chicago Global Lions Club led by its President Myrna Mahant (searing far right) during their Adopt-A-Park initiative in James Park in Chicago on June 19, 2021.