Maritess Verin-Wynkoop President, Chicago One World Centennial Lions Club

By: Ryan Tejero

 

Just recently chartered on April 25, 2017, Chicago One World Centennial Lions Club (COWCLC) is a newly-formed Lions Club, under the auspices of District 1-A Governor Lion Ernie Lapid, Region 2, Zone 2B Chair Lion Ben Zoleta, and sponsorship of Chicago Filipino American Lions Club, led by President Lion Yoly Zoleta.

In alignment with the Lions Club International’s mission, this organization seeks to empower volunteers to serve their communities, meet humanitarian needs, encourage peace and promote international understanding through the Lions.

In its state-of-the-art vision, COWCLC was founded on the principle of being “the “hands and feet” not only of Lions Club International, but of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Its pioneering members expressed that, “We serve in the spirit of excellence and compassion for our community, our nation, and our world.We aim to reach the underserved and underprivileged and serve them with the highest level of dignity and respect. We will mentor our members to become strong leaders not only in the community we serve, but also in their own families and workplaces. Our Club environment inspires utmost participation, encourages personal satisfaction, and supports and molds effective leadership.”

COWCLC’s line up of projects include the following: (1) Engaging the Youth, focusing on Pediatric Cancer. This project area covers: “Toy Drive,” where the organization collects toys for the benefit of children who are suffering from cancer. (2) Vision, focusing on Lions saving sight. This project area covers: educating communities on the importance to taking care of your eyesight through school visits; providing venues for eye screening through “Saving Kids Sight” a simple, non-invasive and cost-free vision screening performed on young children 6 months to pre-school age, most of which can be corrected; Chicago Lighthouse and Lion Leader dogs. (3) Hunger, focusing to address the global poverty affecting children, families and neighbors. This project area covers: Feed my Starving Children, Greater Chicago Food Depository, and Pacific Garden Mission – a homeless shelter. (4) Environment, focusing on guarding the health of our planet. COWCLC is still deliberating on the specific projects in this area. (5) Diabetes, focusing on raising awareness of this illness. This project area covers Strides Events, which is expanding access to care through screening and treatment programs, and improving quality of life through diabetes camps and community recreational programs. In the pipeline are schedules of Diabetic screenings.

As part of its fundraising events, COWCLC will hold its Charter Night. It is a special event in celebration of the Club’s initial acceptance into the world of Lions, and induction of its officers and members. This event will also coincide with the project, “Toy Drive,” where guests will be encouraged to bring a toy or stuffed animal to benefit pediatric cancer patients at Advocate Children Hospital in Chicago.

Another fundraising event is through the Flipgive.com. This is an online store open to anyone who enjoys to shop for their favorite brands. COWCLC earns up to 50% cash back on purchases using this online store. The link to the store is https://www.flipgive.com/campaigns/ 79939-chicago-one-world-centenniall i o n s – club/store?fundraiser_id=325092#con tent.

Currently heading COWCLC as its founding president is Maritess Verin-Wynkoop. She is a Dialysis Nurse at Fresenius Kidney Care in the Austin Community. Maritess migrated to the US in 2001. Her humble beginnings started by working as a Nanny/housekeeper from 2001-2003, Certified Nurse Assistant from 2003 to 2006, Certified Phlebotomist/Lab Technician 2005 – 2010, until she became a Home Health Nurse from 2010 to 2017, and eventually as a Dialysis Nurse from 2015 to present.

Maritess obtained her professional preparation here in the US. She became a Certified Nurse Assistant at Samland Institute of Technology, Wright College; Phlebotomy at Malcolm X College; Associate Degree in Nursing (graduated in May 15, 2009), and currently taking her Master’s Degree, with specialty in Family Nurse Practice at Chamberlain School of Nursing.

Maritess is married for 12 years now to Craig Wynkoop, who works as the Director of Mobile Sales at Joseph Electronics. Their children are: Yasmin, 29 years old and works at Rand-McNally; Mikela Tasha, 23 years old and a college student; Julian Wynkoop, 23 years old and works at Joseph Electronics, Joseph, 18 years old and graduating from high school. and Bea, 16 years old and a sophomore student.

Maritess is a proud Filipino descent of Tabaco, Albay. She attended the Philippine College of Commerce, with a major in Accounting (undergraduate). She worked as a flight attendant, with Philippine Airlines from 1978 to 1985. Her other work places include The Manila Hotel, 1985 to 1986; Cebu Plaza Hotel, 1986 to 1990, Siemens, 1992 to 1998 and Isla Communications, 1998 to 2000.

As an outstanding community leader, Maritess has a long list of memberships in both professional and community organizations. She is a member of American Nurses Association, Illinois Nurses Association, American Phlebotomist Association, Chicago One World Centennial Lions Club, and Lions Club International. Maritess has gained numerous awards and recognition in her work and community involvement. This includes: Top Sales – Siemens 1994; Top Sales – Siemens 1995; Top Sales Manager – 1996; Mrs. Illinois 2015 – PIWC; Champion-Pro-Am; Latin–2nd National Dance Sport Championship Chairman’s Cup 1998, and First Runner-Up–Pro-Am Latin National Dance Sport Congress & National Championship Chairman’s Cup 1998.

With her leadership in COWCLC, Maritess shares her sentiments to the Filipino American community in Chicago: “It is a great honor and privilege to lead a group of likeminded and caring people who have hearts and passion in serving our community both locally and internationally. It is my hope that our Club will be able to improve the lives of the people especially the children in our neighborhood and communities. We would like to put our words into action, and action to results. As the Lions saying goes, “When there is a need, there is a Lion.” We want to be there, in real time, ready with our hands, with compassion and dignity to serve humanity. It would also give us great pleasure, if the community can work with us hand-in hand to address the issues of our communities. I encourage everyone to join us in any way, whether as a volunteer in our service projects, or by donating, or by shopping with a cause, to help us realize the goals that we have set. For future volunteers, donors/sponsors and supporters please check out our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/cowclc/ for volunteering, and donation opportunities.” Maritess can be contacted via email: twynkoop58@gmail.com.

Maritess Verin-Wynkoop Charter President, COWCLC

The COWCLC officers, with charter president Maritess Verin- Wynkoop, sitting at far right.