San Felipe, Baja, Mexico

Press Release – October 1, 2008
Article by Kathy Preppernau/Photos Robin Waters

As the Lions Club begins the fall season under the leadership of new president Hal “Paco” Clark, the club continues to grow by leaps and bounds towards Paco’s goal of 100 members by the end of his term. In the month of September we inducted 5 new members and have received applications from several future members adding to our membership of 90 at this time. This growth is exciting as we continue to serve the needs of the community of San Felipe.

Some of our fundraising projects such as our Penny Press sales have continued through the summer and as the season begins we now get into full swing. “The Paws” food wagon will the serving breakfast every Saturday morning at the Cachanilla Swap meet and will be at the Pete’s Camp Poker Run on October 11th serving breakfast early in the day then hotdogs and hamburgers, popcorn and snow cones later. Look for “The Paws” food wagon at many upcoming events this season.

The Lions Club Turkey Trot Poker Walk” will be held on November 15th this year and Trotters will visit 6 bars. Tickets are available at all participating bars, Fandangos, Bar Miramar, Fat Boys, Bandidos, Beach Comer and the Light House as well as from Lions Club members. The tickets are $25 or $250 pesos each and will include a drink at each bar (choice of a margarita, beer, soda or $1.00 off a bar drink), your playing cards at each location and a Spaghetti Dinner. The dinner will be donated by Cliff and Sues Los Arcos Restaurant and will be served from “The Paws” food wagon in front of Fandangos after the Trot. For those “Trotters” who want to enhance their chances, you will be able to purchase one extra card at your stop at Fat Boys. Door prizes, including frozen turkeys will be given away so you don’t want to miss the “Turkey Trot Poker Walk” on November 15th. You may just take home your Thanksgiving Turkey or maybe you’ll be the Lucky Winner this year.

Our biggest fundraising event of the year, the 3rd annual “Blues & Arts Festival”, is already scheduled. This will again be, The “Event of the Season” for San Felipe. The Lions Club has been working on this event since the close of last years successful “Fiesta” and this one will be even bigger and better, Blues & Arts lovers. Great bands, more artists and more fun. So mark your calendars now for March 28, 2009.

These fundraising events and our smaller ones as well, help us to help the people in need in our community.

The Lions Club and our main project, “The Sonshine Hacienda”, have grown together in this past year. The Sonshine Hacienda is a special needs work in progress to provide a home for children at risk because of abuse, neglect, abandonment or who have been orphaned. Pastor Gary Lewis, now vice president of the Lions Club, and his wife, Karen, head up this mission. When the project is finished it will provide a home for 50 children and help them to grow to be physically, mentally and spiritually stronger. Many donations for this mission have come directly from our generous Lions Club members and from other Lions Clubs in the US and Canada. $1,000 from the proceeds of the Turkey Trot Poker Walk will go to benefit the Sonshine Hacienda as well.

The Flying Samaritans is another project that the Lions Club is proud to be working with. This group of dedicated doctors, nurses and pilots fly here 3 times a year to give of their time and expertise, at their own expense, to help those in need in our community. Last week Lions members registered 44 patients who were then seen by Doctor Marquez with the assistance of local nurse, Blanc Hafcamp for prescreening at Central de Salud. On Friday the Flying Sam Doctors and nurses will see those patients selected and on Saturday will perform Orthopedic Surgery to help those with the greatest needs. We will also continue our Eye Glass Clinic’s to provide sight to those in need. Our first one will be announced soon.

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