The Hood River Lions Club was founded in 1937, with Phil Galluzo as its first president.
It has been the sponsoring club for the Columbia Gorge Lions in 1948, Odell and Upper Valley Lions in 1971, Hood River Lioness in 1973 and Hood River Eye Openers in 1976.
The club has a memorable fund-raising history. It once sold light bulbs and brooms. It did a Radio Auction starting in 1964, and later operated newsprint recycling trailers positioned at Hood River’s two grocers.
In partnership with other Lions clubs, the Hood River Club each year helps organize the Lions Follies, which raises funds for support of the Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation, the club’s partner in screening county school children each year for vision challenges.
Current officers (some shown above) and responsibilities:
Dave Waller, President
Nancy Pavlenko, LCIF Liaison
Pam Webster, First Vice President
Greg Simpson, Retention
Beth Flem, Two-Year Director
Pam Chandler, Secretary
Membership (Tom Yates)
Tony White, Tail Twister
Past President – Kristin Reese
Treasurer – Dave Henne (Doug Roof)
Lion Tamer – Ralph Kupersmith (Elaine Johnson)
Safety – Leonard Wood
1-Year Director – Doug Roof and Shirley Voyles
2-Year Director – Elaine Johnson