Welcome to the fifth edition of the “LCIF LEDGER.” As you may recall in the first edition I explained what LCIF is, what it does and how it accomplishes its mission. The important fact to remember is that we as Lions are key to the success of LCIF through fundraising and service projects. Local Lions clubs, districts and multiple districts are the vehicles for the good works of LCIF. In the second edition I recapped the monetary contributions of District 23-B to LCIF (nearly $1.1 million) and LCIF grants received ($160,000.00). In the third edition I recapped recent LCIF activity in Haiti which continues today and will carry on for many years. In the fourth edition I advised you of the status of installments to LCIF, the monetary donations from individual Lions, Lions clubs and the district, that have been made towards Melvin Jones Fellowships that have not been awarded.

 In this issue I will review Campaign Sight First II. CSF II was intended to raise funds to continue the projects of Campaign Sight First and to institute new vision and eye health initiatives. The goal of CSF II was to raise $150,000,000, with a stretch goal of $200,000,000, worldwide. The total raised worldwide was $205,555,910.39! In the USA, $39,160,690.67 was raised; in Connecticut (MD 23) $833,850.60; and in District 23-B $292,301.25. All exceeded goals set. These funds are being used to continue the treatment of River Blindness, set up eye hospitals, train ophthalmic surgeons and personnel and to continue education programs such as the Lions Eye Health Program (LEHP). New initiatives include the Pediatric Cataract Project (in conjunction with Bausch & Lomb), increased provision of Low Vision services and institution of optical labs and optical services to underserved areas. The goal, as it has always been, is to work tirelessly to eradicate preventable blindness around the world.

As you can see, we in 23-B, as well as in Connecticut and the USA, have been generous in our support of LCIF. Let’s continue that generosity by giving recognition to those who deserve it…award Melvin Jones Fellowships. Many of you already have money on account with the Foundation. And, as I’ve said before, the money that is donated goes to Lions at the club, District and Multiple District level, not to governments. That means that every penny goes directly to those who need the help. Let’s strive to continue this great legacy of Lions helping those in need by supporting LCIF.

 I am available to come to your club or zone meeting to give you more information on LCIF. I have some terrific videos that delve into the workings of Lions through LCIF grants. More information is also available on the web at www.lcif.org. Please e-mail me at mgenlot@snet.net or call me at 860-638-8616 to obtain your installment information, to get applications for Melvin Jones Fellowships and to set up a club visit.

Remember the annual New England “Melvin Jones Weekend” is February 25-27, 2011 at the Sheraton Hotel in Warwick, RI. That is an excellent venue for recognizing your awardee…Immediate Past President Eberhard Wirfs will be the guest speaker and will present the awards. Get started now to ensure the awards arrive well before the end of February. More details as to room rates and agenda will be forwarded shortly.

 As we approach the holiday season I trust that everyone will keep those less fortunate in their thoughts in order to make everyone’s life just a little brighter through the Lions Clubs International Foundation.