Early Lions Clubs in Blair County (1920s–1930s)

Lionism in Pennsylvania began on November 17, 1920, with the chartering of the Lions Club of Pittsburgh. This movement quickly spread to Blair County, a region centered around Altoona with a strong industrial heritage. Local clubs formed to address community needs, including early sight preservation efforts, laying the groundwork for a dedicated foundation. As new clubs formed across the county, the foundation’s reach and impact expanded alongside them.

• Altoona Lions Club: Chartered June 16, 1922. Early Altoona civic leaders rooted in the railroad-era boom; long-time support of vision screenings and community fundraisers.
• Bellwood‑Antis Lions Club: Chartered February 24, 1931. Depression‑era service club known for school and park partnerships and local recreation support.
• Williamsburg Lions Club: Chartered March 24, 1939. Longstanding community presence supporting local library and youth initiatives.
• Hollidaysburg Lions Club: Chartered March 21, 1945. Post‑WWII club focused on vision screening, youth programs, and community events.
• Roaring Spring Lions Club: Chartered April 2, 1953. Built and maintains parks/fields and raises funds through community events to support local service projects.
• Lakemont Lions Club: Founded 1953. Strong ties to Lakemont/Logan Township with park upgrades and ongoing support of sight‑related programs.
• Newry Lions Club: Chartered January 25, 1956. Created and maintains Newry Lions Park, hosting community events and supporting local service initiatives.

These clubs operated under District 14‑L (covering Bedford, Blair, Fulton, Huntingdon, and Mifflin counties), aligning with Lions’ “We Serve” motto to provide eye care in underserved rural and working‑class communities.

Founding of the Foundation (1929–1940)

The foundation traces its direct origins to 1929, when it was organized as a dedicated entity to centralize and expand sight conservation efforts from local clubs. In 1940, it received tax‑exempt status as a 501(c)(3) organization, enabling tax‑deductible donations for charitable, educational, and scientific purposes related to eye health.

Early activities included providing eye examinations, prescriptions for glasses, lens repairs, and other support for the visually impaired—services that continue to shape our mission today.

Growth and Key Milestones (1970s–2000s)

In the 1970s and 1980s, the foundation drew inspiration from Lions’ statewide and national initiatives, including the Pennsylvania Lions Sight Conservation and Eye Research Foundation (established 1979) and the global SightFirst program (launched 1990) to combat preventable blindness. Locally, this era emphasized screenings and public education.

Tax filings from 2002 onward show steady financial growth, with net assets reaching around $1 million by the early 2010s, supported by investments. The mission remained focused on proactive aid, mirroring broader Lions efforts through the Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF), founded in 1968.

Recent Developments (2010s–Present)

In recent years, the foundation has continued its impact with community support such as the 2020 donation to the Local Public Library for large‑print books and audiobooks. Leadership includes volunteers from local Lions Clubs, with PID Larry Edwards serving as President and PDG Michael A. Turek as Treasurer.

Financially, assets exceed $1.2 million as of June 2024, with annual revenues ranging from approximately $45,000 to $88,000, primarily from investments. The foundation remains volunteer‑based and continues to direct funds toward eye‑care assistance and community programs.

Based in Altoona, PA, the foundation partners with area clubs to address rural health challenges and provide vision support across Blair County.

Together, We Can Protect the Gift of Sight

We’re proud of our past and hopeful for the future. With your partnership, we can continue helping our neighbors see clearly—one person, one family, and one community at a time.