History of The Bement Lions Club

The Bement Lions Club was chartered in 1941, only 24 years after Lions Club International was organized and 16 years after Helen Keller invited Lions to be "Knights for the Blind." There were 49 original members in the Club, and the Cerro Gordo Lions Club was recognized as Bement's chartering club. When it was organized, it was the largest men's service club ever organized in Bement. The first president was Harry Roberts, and the first Vice President was John Hardimon. At the Club's charter night on May 21, 1941, the meeting dates were set for the first and third Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. The Club has met at the same time and the same dates ever since.

The first chicken fry was held in 1955 in the City Park, as part of Bement's Centennial Celebration. For the first several years of the chicken fry, Lions Club members raised and donated the chickens for the feast. Now a local grocery store provides the chicken; however, the chicken fry continues on the second Saturday of each June. Over the years, thousands of hungry people have enjoyed eating chicken, cole slaw and baked beans.

In recent years, the Club has added a Spring Extravaganza, which is now the major fundraiser. That event, held every March or April in Ivesdale, allows the Club to help more people in the community. The Club also sells garbage bags every spring.

Throughout its history, the Bement Lions Club has been proud to sponsor youth programs in the community. The Club has played an integral role in youth baseball and softball programs, providing financial assistance for equipment, uniforms and insurance. Lion members have volunteered as league commissioners and coaches, as well as providing park maintenance for various youth programs. The Lions Club sponsors an annual Halloween costume judging contest and is the co-sponsor, together with Bement Health Care, of the annual Easter Egg Hunt.

Club members also provide Christmas baskets for local citizens in need of assistance and have provided help in many other community activities throughout the years. The Club also participates in State and International Lions Club activities and fundraisers, including Candy Day. Of course, the Club has stayed true to Helen Keller's call and has provided eyeglasses and screening for countless children and adults.

Today, over forty active men and women from Bement and surrounding communities, including Monticello and Ivesdale, are proud to continue the tradition of helping others. Furthermore, they have fun doing so.