Quilt For Auction to Raise Funds For MLERF
For Mildred Hobson of Columbia, MO, a life-long hobby of quilting has helped to honor her late husband’s memory and fundraise for the Lions. Mildred’s husband, Lewis, was active in Lionism throughout his life. Shortly after her husband’s death, Mildred began making a quilt in his memory.

When asked by her niece and nephew-in-law, Lions Martha and Barry Ruark, to donate the quilt to the Miller Lions Club for auction at the local annual festival, Mildred was glad to help out an organization that meant so much to her husband. The quilt will be auctioned over Labor Day Weekend by the Miller Lions Club. Proceeds from the quilt's auction will benefit the Missouri Lions Eye Research Foundation. We were lucky enough to meet Mildred and get a picture of her quilt when she visited Dr. Reiger at the Mason Eye Institute earlier in the month.

Children’s Eye Health Should Be Priority for Back to School
As summer vacation approaches near an end in August, the Missouri Lions Eye Research Foundation is taking extra steps to remind parents to make their child’s vision a priority on the “back to school” checklist. Along with Prevent Blindness America and other vision-related organizations, the Foundation will be promoting August as Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month. 

Throughout the month of August, the Foundation will encourage parents to take their children to see an eye care specialist for a checkup. Prevent Blindness America suggests that children should have a professional eye examination performed by an eye doctor at age 6 months, 3 years, and again at 5 years of age. Furthermore, the Foundation’s free statewide vision screenings through its Amblyopia Prevention Program are an excellent tool that can assist in the diagnosis of vision conditions. Although our vision screenings are not a substitute for a complete professional eye examination, they play a part in helping to raise awareness of the importance of children’s vision in our communities.

You and your Lions Club can help the Foundation by promoting Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month in August. Visit our web site to download promotional materials and to view upcoming vision screenings in your area.

Upcoming Events
September 9
Missouri Lions Eye Research Foundation’s Board of Directors Meeting at 9:00 a.m. The meeting will be held in the Foundation’s Library in Columbia, MO. All Lions and non-Lions are welcome to attend. For more information, please contact Annie Kuhl 314-428-4373 x107

September 16
USAT Halfmax Triathlon Championship at Innsbrook Resort (west of St. Louis). For more information or to volunteer please sign up online or contact Shandra Chapman.

Looking for more detailed information on our upcoming amblyopia and glaucoma screenings? Visit our screening calendar online.

Welcome New MLERF Board Members
The Foundation welcomed several new members to its Board of Directors in the new fiscal year starting July 1. CC Ron McMullin will continue to serve on the Board in his position as Council Chair and PDG Leo Bauerle will serve as a representative from District 26-I. Dr. Frank Reiger and Dr. Bernie Esser will serve in two of our four non-Lion positions.

PCC Don Noland was elected President of the Board, PDG Howard Hawkins is the new Vice President, DG Donal Knipp was elected Treasurer, and Lion Stan Rehn is the Board's Secretary.

Additionally, several new members were elected to the Foundation's Honorary Board of Directors including: PCC Dan Bernskoetter, PDG Wayne Cunningham and Lion Ron Pauley.

We look forward to working with you, the incoming Council of Governors and new Sight Committee members in the upcoming year!