District LCIF Co-Chairs PDG Lary Garrison & PDG Mike Tobin – November 25
District LCIF Co-Chair Lary Garrison – November 2025
This will be my last year as the Lions Clubs International Foundation Coordinator.
This has been one of my most satisfying positions serving Lions Clubs International. As I passed my 80th year on this planet it became clear that it was time to ensure the continued emphasis on District 37 receiving grants and supporting fundraising for OUR FOUNDATION! Please contact me with any questions or interest.
About 15 years ago our district supported LCIF moderately while also using grants sparingly. We occasionally received emergency grants as well as a few matching grants. With some emphasis on the variety of available grants clubs, District 37 started using them to remodel a Senior Center, purchase 100 state of the art readers used throughout Montana, purchase a state of the art ambulance, an emergency generator for a community shelter, a handicap fishing dock, youth diabetes camps, flood recovery, equipment for a food bank, and several Plus/Optix eye screeners.
By LCIF Coordinators
District LCIF Co-Chairs PDG Mike Tobin & PDG Lary Garrison -October 2025
District LCIF Co-Chair Mike Tobin – October 2025
As humanitarians, we respond whenever and wherever the need arises. Grants from our global foundation enhance our service. I am proud to report that District 37 has one grant application in progress and another in the works. Both are matching grants to help their local food banks. Currently the LCIF Board of Trustees have approved 114 grants, totaling more than US$9.3 Million in this Lionistic year. What could you do for your community with that kind of money? All you have to do is find the need and apply.
This month we recognize Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and the way Lions, Leos and others, empowered by LCIF funding, raise awareness, promote early detection and support care. What do you think your community needs are towards this awareness? Just look – you might be surprised what you find. Then when you find the need, apply for the grant. The District can have up to seven grants at the same time.
Yours in Lionism,
PDG Mike Tobin – PO Box 408, Sunburst MT 59482, 406-450-2780, [email protected]
PDG Lary Garrison , 703 Conway St., Billings, MT 59105, 406-855-6997, [email protected]
District LCIF Co-Chairs PDG Lary Garrison & PDG Mike Tobin – September 2025
District LCIF Co-Chair Mike Tobin – September 2025
THANK YOU DISTRICT 37 LIONS!
* District 37 was #1 as a single district donor to LCIF!
- District 37 Clubs and Individuals donated $59,281.50 in 2024-25.
- District 37 finished 2 LCIF grants totaling $117,356 in 2025-25.
- 3 Clubs qualified for a total of over $2,800 in Community Impact Grants!
* Two questions:
- How are you and your club going to support LCIF in 2025-26?
- What does your community need that may qualify for an LCIF Grant?
* Answers:
- Your club can do a special fundraiser for LCIF.
- You as a Lion can make a single or monthly donation to LCIF.
- You as a Lion can become a Legacy Society Member.
- Go to lionsclubs.org, click on “Donate”.
- Mail a check to LCIF, 300 W. 22nd St., Oak Brook, Illinois USA, 60523-8842
Yours in Lionism,
PDG Lary Garrison , 703 Conway St., Billings, MT 59105, 406-855-6997, [email protected]
PDG Mike Tobin – PO Box 408, Sunburst MT 59482, 406-450-2780, [email protected]
District LCIF Co-Chairs PDG Mike Tobin & PDG Lary Garrison -August 2025
District LCIF Co-Chair Mike Tobin – August 2025
District 37 IS #1!!!!!
Congratulations District 37!! You did it!! Of the eight single Districts in CA1, we have ranked 4th in LCIF fund raising for the past several years and District 50 ( Hawaii) as always been 1st. However, this past Lionistic year, (2024-2025) WE RANKED FIRST!!
District 50 had a goal of $41,686 and District 37 had a goal of $46,172. District 50 raised $55,887, a 134% increase of $14,201. We raised $59,281, a 128.4% increase of $13,109, beating Hawaii by $3,394. This is the first time in the History of District 37 that we reached our LCIF fund raising goal!!
THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH to all the clubs that donated $5,000 to qualify for the Community Impact grant of 15% and all those that are making personal monthly donations – it all adds up!
I believe this next year will be even better. I look forward to visiting with each of you and all the clubs. You all do make a difference in the communities in our District.
Yours in Lionism,
PDG Mike Tobin – PO Box 408, Sunburst MT 59482, 406-450-2780, [email protected]
PDG Lary Garrison , 703 Conway St., Billings, MT 59105, 406-855-6997, [email protected]
District LCIF Co-Chairs PDG Lary Garrison & PDG Mike Tobin-July 2025
District LCIF Co-Chair Lary Garrison – July 2025
District 37 – #1?
Of the 8 single districts in the United States, Montana District 37 has been #4 for the last several years while Hawaii District 50 has been #1 every year. But that may change this year!
District LCIF Co-Chairs PDG Lary Garrison & PDG Mike Tobin-June 2025
District LCIF Co-Chair Mike Tobin – June 2025
WOW, if you didn’t attend the District 37 convention you missed a great one. Thank you Helena Lions Clubs. I want to thank all that attended and helped this District attain and exceed it’s Monetary LCIF Goal ($47,000) for the first time since we became a single District. Thank you all so much.
Lions Are There When Disaster Strikes
Natural Disasters can strike anywhere at anytime. Communities throughout our District rely on Lions to assist in recovery efforts. Lions provide FOOD, SHELTER and HOPE. We have a tremendous capacity to serve, whether that’s though direct service, training or funding through an LCIF Grant. Have a great summer.
Personal Notes: Why does it seem the atmosphere is always cooler now? Your LCIF Chairs put out a challenge at the 2025 Convention – and it was accepted.
Yours in Lionism,
PDG Mike Tobin, P.O. Box 408, Sunburst, Mt. 59482
406-450-2780, [email protected]
PDG Lary Garrison, 703 Conway St., Billings, Mt. 59105
406-855-6997 [email protected]
