Fellow Lions,
First I want to say how proud and thankful I am of how this district has pulled together to help those affected by the hurricane. I had planned on canceling our district convention all together, but the bylaws and constitution will not allow me. I know there have been many dates mentioned and I apologize for the confusion. New information is coming in daily, and I am working with focus to ensure first, the safety of our lions. A new set of dates has been set. Our District 31L's district convention will be held Friday, March 28, 2025, and Saturday, March 29, 2025, at Camp Dogwood. Unfortunately, due to family illness, International Director Debbie Cantrell will be unable to serve as our guest speaker to the event. I will be working with Past International President Sid Scruggs on finding a new speaker to attend our convention.
If you have already submitted payment for the convention, please leave your payment as is. As the date comes closer, if you are unable to attend, we will be able to process a refund at that time. Right now, we are focused on the safety of our lions and ensuring everyone's everyday life needs are met. Please keep in mind that many of our leaders involved in the planning of the convention live in the highly affected areas in the mountains.
As District Governor, I am required to hold four cabinet meetings during the Lions year. The first one was an enormous success back in July. Unfortunately, we will not be able to have the next cabinet meeting in person, but it will be held Saturday, November 16, 2024, at 6pm via Zoom. The link will be shared out to the district.
I am asking my cabinet members not to concern themselves with a report. It is important that all zone chairs attend the convention. After the cabinet meeting, I will be holding a zone meeting with all zone chairs. I would like a report on the clubs in your zone, how they are doing amidst the aftermath of Helene so we can direct our attention to those most in need.
My hopes and prayers are with each and every one of you in the district and a big thank you to all the volunteers who have stepped up to help see our district through this disaster. We are continuing to get aid from all over the state and the country.
An update on our grant: The $15,000 grant that was awarded to our district by Lions Clubs International Foundation, was spent to purchase food and delivered to the Asheville/Hendersonville area.
Again, my hopes and prayers are with you all, if anyone has any needs or suggestions, please email me at dawsonhart313@gmail.com or call me at (828) 302-6957. Thank you to the NC Lions International Family, PCCs, and PDGs for your guidance during this time.
District Governor Dawson Hart
The make a monetary donation for Western North Carolina Disaster Relief, click or tap here to visit the NCLF website and click on “DONATE TODAY” (under Brighter Visioins).
You will be redirected to the Zeffy page. Be sure to note that donation is for Western NC Disaster Relief.
You can also mail a check to (please note in memo WNC Disaster Relief):
NCLF (North Carolina Lions Foundation)
PO Box 39
Sherrills Ford, NC 28673
- District Governor Dawson has been given a $15,000 grant from Lions Clubs International for disaster relief efforts. He is actively coordinating the purchase and delivery of food to citizens who need it most.
- The disaster trailer from District 31N delivered supplies to the Hendersonville area on Saturday, October 5th.
Welcome to the home of the District 31L Lions Clubs in western North Carolina. We are glad you have taken the time to visit us here.
“Being a leader is not about the rank on your shoulder, it is about your ability to motivate others.” - Dawson Hart, DG
This coming year one of my goals is for clubs to focus in on service and fundraising for the global cause of pediatric cancer as well as our district project of the Marjorie McCune Community: Assisted and Independent Living and our state Lions project Camp Dogwood for the Blind and Visually Impaired located locally within our district lines. I challenge each club in the district to hold a fundraiser for each one of these projects on dates to be announced in the future.
I am looking forward to leading District 31L as your District Governor for the 2024-2025 Lions year. Past District Governors have been a source of great encouragement and have graciously mentored me in my time leading to the present. I will do my best to fill the shoes they have left and to be a voice of every Lion in this district.
Being a Lion has been an extremely rewarding experience working with the Blind and Visually Impaired as I am legally blind myself. Since becoming a Lion, I have met incredible people along the way.
If you are reading this and are not a Lion, take a day and come volunteer with us!
District Governor Dawson Hart
Marjorie McCune Community
The Marjorie McCune Community is a licensed Adult Care Home owned and operated by the Lions of Western North Carolina, and has a simple mission:
“To meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of our residents in a home-like environment, with independence, freedom of choice and dignity.”
Camp Dogwood
Since 1967, Camp Dogwood for the Blind & Visually Impaired has been a beacon of service to citizens from all over North Carolina. This summer destination provides a wonderful and therapeutic vacation retreat for persons with blindness and visual impairment.
Camp Dogwood is a recreational facility located on Lake Norman in Catawba County. It is the flagship of the North Carolina Lions organization.
VIP Fishing Tournament
The North Carolina Lions VIP Fishing Tournament will be celebrating its 40th Anniversary this October. This three-day event is the world's largest fishing tournament for the blind and visually impaired.
The event attracts more than 350 visually impaired persons, 130 sighted guests, and 300 volunteers to the Outer Banks each year for a fishing tournament and educational, recreational, and personal growth opportunities.
Volunteer with the D31L Lions!
Every member of the Lions Clubs of District 31L and those who volunteer for our many service projects know the feeling of purpose and meaning, and we are inviting you to be a part of our experience.
Volunteering gives you valuable experience to add to your resume for school or work! Click or tap the link below to learn more.
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