2025 Post-Convention Report: Thursday Kickoff
Over the next few months a series of convention reports will be published to share the experiences of many lions who attended the 2025 District 37 Convention held May 2nd and 3rd in Helena MT. If you have stories or photos to share, please send them via the “Submit Club News” option on the website.
The pre-convention gathering was held on Thursday Evening at the Speakeasy 41. It was well attended and a great way to kick off the Irish Theme of the 2025 District 37 Convention!
By Lion Peggy Tobin2025 District 37 Post Convention Report – Friday Morning
Over the next few months a series of convention reports will be published to share the experiences of many lions who attended the 2025 District 37 Convention held May 2nd and 3rd in Helena MT. If you have stories or photos to share, please send them via the “Submit Club News” option on the website.
The program began Friday morning prior to the official opening of the convention with several Officer training sessions and lots of options for enjoying all that Helena has to offer its visitors.
Officer Training Sessions:
- 9:00 am – Club Officer Training (Executive Room)
- 10:00 am – Zone Chair Round Table (Governor Room)
- 10:30 am – Treasurer (Executive), President (Judicial), Secretary (Legislative)
Optional Helena Adventures:
- 9:00 am – Capitol Tour or Mt. Helena Hike
- 11:00 am – Trap Shoot
- 12:00 pm – Vigilante Parade
- 1:30 pm – Mt. Helena Hike (second option)
- 2:00 pm – Trolley Tour
Officer Training:
Lions Exploring Helena:
Great News for Montana Lions Clubs: Online Raffle Credit Card Payments Now Allowed
Thanks to a new law passed during the 2025 Montana Legislative Session, nonprofits and charitable organizations across the state, including Lions Clubs, can now accept credit card payments for online raffles as of June 1, 2025.
This long-overdue change was made possible through the leadership of Senator Ed Buttrey, who introduced and championed the HB 141 to modernize Montana’s raffle laws. Previously, state law restricted online raffle purchases to debit cards only, a limitation that posed a significant barrier for organizations trying to raise funds in the digital age.
For years, Lions Clubs and other nonprofits had to explain to supporters why their credit cards weren’t accepted, a frustrating experience for donors and a lost opportunity for local clubs trying to fund service projects. In today’s world of contactless payments, e-commerce, and mobile devices, this debit-only rule simply didn’t make sense.
With the passage of this new law, Lions Clubs running online raffles can now:
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Accept both debit and credit cards for raffle ticket purchases
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Expand their fundraising reach to more supporters
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Provide a more convenient experience for donors
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Increase overall revenue for service projects in their communities
This is a win for service, flexibility, and common sense.
We extend our thanks to Sen. Buttrey, the 2025 Legislature and all those who supported this effort to bring Montana’s nonprofit raffle laws into the 21st century.
If your Lions Club is planning an online raffle, now is the perfect time to take advantage of this change.
If you need want information about getting your club’s raffles online, reach out – I’d love to visit about what we’ve done.
By Lion Steve DogiakosUpcoming Training for 2025-2026 Lionistic Year
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Memorial Day in Sidney
Sidney Lions, in partnership with the VFW Auxiliary and the Boy Scouts, post 120 flags each Memorial Day at 7am. These flags fly throughout the day, while a parade of flags, a program and lunch at Veterans Memorial Park, highlight the day. At 4pm, Lions has the honor of refolding each of these flags.
Sidney has a unique program called “The Flags of Honor” coordinated by the VFW Auxiliary, where family members can donate their loved ones flags. Currently, there are approximately 750 flags being stored in the humidity controlled room at the park. Each Memorial Day, 120 flags are displayed, on a rotating basis. This project is a wonderful way to honor all veterans! And Sidney Lions is proud to serve.
Winnett Lions Spring News
Our club has had a busy couple of months. We put on a spay and neuter cat clinic for the abundance of cats that have been a problem for the town folks. Veterinarian Nancy Belk volunteered her services and Lion members were the ‘cat catchers’ for her. We were able to do 45 cats in one afternoon.
PDG Melody did eye screening at the Amish colony and the Roundup elementary and pre-school kids.
The club donated $1000 for parade of green at convention giving to Leader Dog, MT Sight and Hearing, Ronald McDonald house, and MT Diabetes.
Five of our officers attended the Officers Zoom training.
Our big project was making Main Street beautiful again by purchasing and planting approximately 250 flowers in sidewalk pots and haystack hanging baskets.
The Winnett Lions furnished Lion insurance for the basketball and softball tournaments.
We will be doing a ‘Color for Cancer’ walk in June with putting together raffles, and will be promoting sales of luminaries.
June 2025 Newsletter
Please notice that we are trying something new this month with the District 37 newsletter. Instead of one multiple-page newsletter, we have broken the articles into separate blog posts and you can select individual posts to read or still download the entire newsletter to explore.
We are currently going to have the publication of the newsletter at the beginning of the month and another email notification mid-way through the month if there are additional posts to share.
You can reply to this email to give us feedback on the new format. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!!
From the Governor’s Desk – DG Raleigh Peck-June 2025
From the Governor’s Desk – DG Raleigh Peck – June 2025
Good morning, Lions of District 37,
As we near the close of this Lionistic year, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to each of you for helping make it a strong and impactful year for Montana Lions. Your dedication to service and community continues to inspire.
While we’ve had many successes to celebrate, I must also acknowledge a few disappointments. As many of you know, we began this year with the loss of the Great Falls Electric City Lions Club, and as of today—May 30th—we have now also lost the Missoula Southside Lions Club. While it’s reassuring that many members from both clubs have transferred to nearby clubs, these closures still weigh heavily.
By DG Raleigh PeckDistrict Governor Elect Message – June 2025
From Your District Governor Elect – Corinna Christensen – June 2025
Dear Lions of District 37,
What an incredible time we had at the Montana Lions Convention in Helena this May! My heartfelt thank you to the Helena Lions, Helena Gold Rush Lions, and Townsend Lions for putting on a fantastic and well-organized event . Your hospitality, energy, and commitment to Lionism made for a truly memorable gathering. If you have not attended a convention – or have not been to one in a few years – consider attending next year in Columbia Falls. It is already shaping up to be a memorable event.
By DG Corinna Christensen
President’s Message – June 2025
Make Your Mark with International President
Fabrício Oliveira
Dear Lion,
“We serve” is more than just a motto. It’s a way of life for Lions and reflects our mission to the world. Lions are known for our dedication, service, kindness — for going above and beyond for people in need.
So let’s continue to do what we do best — serve our communities. And remember, with more members, we can do even more service, so invite others to join your club and the incredible work you do. This is how we will make our mark and keep serving those who need us the most.
At your service,
Fabrício Oliviera
International President
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