Local Lions Clubs earn top honors
District 1-G Governor Rob Wirth accepts the trophy for the Staunton Lions Club, winner for the largest per capita contribution for the tootsie pop drive. With DG Rob are LIF representatives Gideon Richeson, Steven Anton and Director Ron Fruit. (Submitted photo)
District 1-G Governor Rob Wirth accepts the trophy for the Gillespie Lions Club, winner of the largest per capita contribution for candy day. Pictured with DG Rob are LIF President Gideon Richeson, Vice President PCC Steve Anton and LIF Executive Director Ron Fruit. (Submitted photo)
Two local Lions Clubs won top honors in separate categories at the 105th Annual Convention of the Lions of Illinois, held May 14-17, 2026 in Bloomington, IL.
The Gillespie Lions Club won the Lions of Illinois Foundation Award for the largest per capita contribution for Candy Days 2025-2026. Candy Days take place in October, when Lions are found standing on street corners, in front of stores and in some cases, right in the middle of the street. Funds raised go to the Lions of Illinois Foundation to support Camp Lions for the blind/visually impaired and deaf/hearing impaired throughout the summer.
The Staunton Lions Club won the Lions of Illinois Foundation Award for largest per capita contribution for Tootsie Pop Days for the year 2024-2025. This event takes place in May and is run like Candy Days. Lions are out on street corners, in front of stores and yes, in the middle of the street again, accepting donations and handing out kid favorites, Tootsie Pops. The funds raised again go to the Lions of Illinois Foundation and help support the numerous programs and services they provide throughout Illinois.
In both cases, the Gillespie and Staunton Lions receive 40% of the funds they raise back from the Foundation to be used for sight and hearing projects in their local communities.
