Media Release
Chicago, Mar 26: District 1A in Chicagoland, the Mother District of Lionism, held its 50th district convention at the Westin Chicago Northwest, Itasca recently.
The events started on Thursday evening having dinner with international guests ID Nicolin Carol Moore and Rudy Moore from Trinadad, Tobago.
Friday evening had Parade of Banners presenting to governor Pat Duda by clubs in the district and entertainment by My Blue Heaven, a musical group. This years’ theme for the convention was, “The Roaring Twenties, A Roaring Good Time.”
There were 10 hospitality rooms organized by some clubs in the district with drinks, food and music. All participants enjoyed variety of food and danced to the music. District 1A is one of the most diversified districts in the US.
On Saturday morning, there was First Plenary Session followed by Bloody Mary Toast to celebrate clubs who have 5, 10, 15…..100 anniversaries. Governor Pat Duda raised the toast for these clubs’ anniversaries.
At the governor’s banquet in the evening Lions Clubs International Foundation recognitions were announced and they were honored. Dr Austin Prabhu, received his 71st Progressive Melvin Jones Pin from State of Illinois LCIF chairperson past international director Bud Wahl. He is the first one to reach this level in the State of Illinois.
Governor Duda also gave away International President Dr Naresh Aggarwal’s Certificates of Appreciation to outstanding lions who helped the governor to succeed in her mission. Dr. Austin Prabhu received one certificate for his untiring work to improve District 1A.
On Sunday morning there were elections for governor, vice district governors, Lions of Illinois Foundation Trustee and endorsement to International Director from District 1A. Dr Austin Prabhu was declared elected to the position of LIF Trustee from District 1A.
District’s prestigious awards for Citizen of the Year and Lion of the Year Awards. Once again Dr Austin Prabhu was named for District 1A Citizen of the Year 2018 at Award. Past council chair Dennis McMillan read his bio and Governor Pat Duda presented the award.
Dr Austin Prabhu thanked all the lions and citizens of Forest Park for giving him the opportunity to serve and he dedicated his award to all lions the district. He also thanked all the delegates who voted for him to be the district trustee for Lions of Illinois Foundation for the years 2018-2020. Dr Racoba was named as the Lion of the Year.
In 1996, Dr Austin received District Lion of the Year Award. Naming the street in Forest Park as, ‘Honorable Dr Austin Prabhu Way’ will be held on Saturday, May 26, 2018 in Forest Park.