“Leading with Heart: Service, Empowerment, and Community”
Fellow Lions and Leos of Montana,
April was nothing short of a whirlwind across Big Sky Country, and what a great reminder of the power of Lions in action. From one end of Montana to the other, clubs were busy serving their communities in ways both meaningful and fun.
Easter Egg Hunts brought smiles, and a little friendly competition, to kids and families. Environmental projects during our Lions Week of Service helped care for the places we call home. And with warmer weather peeking through, Lions Park projects are ramping up all over the District. If you drove by a park, chances are a Lion was nearby with a rake or mower.
District 37 Convention – Columbia Falls
The highlight of April was, without question, our District 37 Convention held at Cedar Creek Lodge in Columbia Falls. Thank you to the Columbia Falls Lions as well as the Kalispell Lions and Kalispell Sunriser Lions for hosting the event.
What a showing:
125 Lions and Leos in attendance
40 Clubs represented
33 Montana Lions Clubs present — 57% of the District
That is something to celebrate!
One of the most inspiring parts of the weekend was our LEOs. Several gave up their senior trip to attend the convention. That kind of commitment speaks volumes. Even better, they shared their plans to continue their journey as Lions after graduation. The future of Lions in Montana is in very good hands.
A Little Montana Meets Aloha
Friday night brought a special celebration honoring Debra Weaverling and her Hawaiian heritage with a lively Luau.
The evening featured:
Silent and live auctions
Nearly $14,300 raised
Proceeds benefiting Montana Lions Sight and Hearing Foundation and Lions Clubs International Foundation
And just when you thought it couldn’t get better, the night wrapped up with the incredible DLO 17-piece orchestra and a dance floor full of Lions who proved they can serve and swing.
Saturday: Business, Inspiration, and Learning
Saturday brought a great balance of Lions business and meaningful inspiration. We conducted nominations and elections for District Officers, held a special memorial service for 17 Montana Lions that had passed since we last met and heard outstanding presentations from:
Miss Montana & Miss Montana’s Teen
Leader Dogs for the Blind
Saturday afternoon kicked off with Speed Learning, a fast-paced and engaging session packed with ideas Lions can take straight back to their communities.
We also heard updates from Montana Lions Sight and Hearing Foundation, including their Side-by-Side drawing – in true Lions fashion the lucky winner was one of our own MT Lions.
Celebrating Service
The District 37 Convention concluded with a memorable banquet featuring an inspiring message from PID Deb Weaverling and recognition of several outstanding Lions across the District. Moments like these remind us why we do what we do.
Looking Ahead
If this year is any indication, you will not want to miss next year’s convention:
Choteau, Montana, April 16–18, 2027, Mark your calendars now!
Let’s Keep the Momentum Going
April showed us what is possible when Lions come together with purpose, energy, and a little bit of fun. As we head into the busy summer season:
Jump into your club’s projects
Invite someone new to serve alongside you
Share your stories and impact
Because when we stay engaged, we grow stronger—and our communities do too.
All donations accepted on lionsclubs.org support Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF), which is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt public charitable organization. Lions Clubs International (LCI) is a 501(c)(4) tax-exempt social welfare organization and is not eligible to accept or solicit charitable donations. All LCI administrative costs are paid solely through dues, while 100% of funds raised through LCI fundraisers goes directly into funding community projects.
Choteau, Montana, 
April 16–18, 2027, Mark your calendars now!
