Media Release

Chicago, Mar 30: District 1-A, Mother District of Lionism held its 43rd District Convention at the Westin Chicago Northwest Hotel, Itasca with colorful events.

Distrtict breakfast was chaired by International Director Dan O'Reilly from District 1-A. Sunday morning district officers elections were held and announced. Wes Salsbury elected for the office of Governor, Dr Austin Prabhu for the office of First Vice District Governor and Dave Hansen for the office of District LIF Trustee. Dr Austin Prabhu became the first First Vice District Governor for the second time in the history of Lionism in Chicagoland.

All three candidates made their acceptance speeches and thanked all the lions for their support in electing them.

During the breakfast, two bowls were arranged to collect donations to Japan Tsunami victims. More than one thousand dollars were collected in the bowls.  During the program Dr. Austin Prabhu auctioned First Lady Gail's shoes and collected two hundred dollars from the bid for Japan Victims Fund. After the session there was a cash raffle prizes announcement with a first prize of ten thousand dollars for the winner.  Six hundred tickets of fifty dollars each were printed and sold for this cash raffle by chairperson Chris Coleman.

In the earlier days, Convention started with Friday evening's Tailgate Party. This years governors theme was - "Step up to the Plate and Volunteer" - all connected to America's baseball game.  Nancy Faust - a famous musician performed that evening with her fabulous music talent on the piano. Grand ballroom with filled with registered lions, lionesses, leos and guests.

District Governor Steve Anton gave welcoming comments and the party began. There were eight hospitality rooms from various clubs and officers running for District offices. Live bands, singing, dancing, food, raffles were the main attractions.  Guests were hopping one room to another and having fellowship until 1:00 am.

Saturday morning there was Rookies (New Member) breakfast with their sponsors and International Guest - Past International President Al Brandel and his wife Dr Maureen Murphy from New York.  All past First Ladies met with current First Lady for a breakfast in a separate room and rest of the lions had breakfast at the Atrium.

First Plenary Session was conducted by Dr Austin Prabhu. District Chaplain Joan McMillan said the prayer and First Vice District Governor Wes Salsbury recited the Pledge of Allegiance. District song leader Past District Governor John Coleman sang first verse of America. Dave Derenzo and Dave Hansen gave Lions of Illinois Foundation report and LIF executive director Van Stone presented Foundation Life Time Service Award to Mike Smigielski for his hard work and dedication to the foundation. Then there were Lions of Illinois Foundation Awards presented. Bob Block presented Lions Clubs International Foundation Awards to five lions. Dr Austin Prabhu received his 9 Diamond Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow Award – highest diamond award in District 1-A since the lionism was born in Chicagoland.

Dr Janet Szlyk gave detailed presentation on Chicago Lighthouse for the Blind and Mike Smigielski gave the presentation on District 1-A signature programme - Vision First which was initiated district-wise by Dr Austin Prabhu in 2004 and so far screened more than 80 thousand Chicago Public School children and provided more than 60 thousand pairs free eyeglasses to needy students. During the session District Bowling Awards were also presented to the winners.

Second Plenary Session was conducted by Terry D'Souza, North Sector Coordinator. First Lady Gail Anton gave her remarks after the luncheon. She thanked all the lions for their support in making this lionistic year a successful one. She said they enjoyed visiting various clubs in the district and meeting dedicated lions to community services. There was a live auction of 15 beautiful baskets filled with all sorts of gifts and game tickets. Second part of the Second Plenary Session was conducted by Frank Kirar - South Sector Coordinator.

District Peace Poster winner was announced. There were nominations for Foundation Trustee, Second Vice District Governor and First Vice District Governor. Syed Wahaj made the nomination speech for Dr Austin Prabhu and Vissia D'Souza gave seconding speech. There was a mini cash raffle drawing after the session.
Fr. George Velloorattil, parish priest of St Bernardine Church, Forest Park offered Mass for Catholics and there was a service by Dr William Orr pastor of Grace Lutheran Church, Willow Springs for non Catholics.

After Religious services, there was a Wine & Cheese Reception at the Atrium.

District Governors Banquet was held at the Grand Ballroom with District 1-A style. Guests were seated in the hall and then District Officers entered the hall after emcee announcing their names with their spouses. Wes Salsbury was the chairperson for the event.

Dr Austin Prabhu recited Pledge of Allegiance, John Coleman sang patriotic song and Joan McMillan made the invocation. Lion, Lioness and Leo of the Year Awards were given away during the banquet.

Keynote speaker Past International President Al Brandel spoke on Lions activities around the world.  He praised lions for their service to humanity throughout the world. He made a special request to all lions to pitch in contribution to help Japanese victims of Tsunami and Nuclear Meltdown.

Presidents Council of Voluntary Service Awards committee member Dr Austin Prabhu awarded Lifetime Voluntary Service Awards to Al Brandel, Dr Maureen Murphy, Steve Anton and Dawn Grogan for their lionistic services to communities. After the banquet hospitality rooms were opened to guests.