Parks board threatens Lions' share

Philanthropy is an interesting word.

Its origins are Greek, from the word Philanthropos which literally means, “love of mankind.”

Seems like love for our fellow man has been in short supply these days. Nationally — well you know if you dare turn on the television and watch the evening news.

I’ve been fortunate to be a part of several organization in San Marcos I believe extol the very essence of love for their fellow man, one such group is the San Marcos Lions Club.

I haven’t been a member long, but it doesn’t take long before you realize the depth and love this non-profit has for its community.

You may know them as the folks that wear the brightly colored yellow vest seen giving out food during the Hays County Food Bank, food distribution days.

They’re the smiling faces you see giving out scholarships to graduating seniors so they can further their education.

They are the men and women that give money to nearly 100 local organizations without bias or prejudice. It’s an organization worth belonging to.

Recently, their ability to give so unselfishly has come under attack by a city organization that leaves me stunned — even more — angry.

The city’s Parks and Recreation board has decided to put in the cross hairs the Lions Club chief fundraising efforts — the tube rental.

The Lions Club tube rental has been something forged over many years where today it’s runs like a well-oiled machine. And because of that dedication, and years of hard work, it has become a fantastic generator of funds for the Lions. Funds the club uses philanthropically throughout the city.

Well, in recent days the parks board has decided they need a “bigger cut.” In fact, they’d like to see the entire process put up for competitive bid which could jeopardize the Lions ability to donate their funds to the organizations listed below. Think about it.

Think about it.

If the city were to award the contract to an outside entity do you think they will make contributions to organizations like the Hays-Caldwell Women’s Center? How about School Fuel or the San Marcos Education Foundation?

This is a terrible move by the parks board who I believe is flat wrong on this issue and should be ashamed.

My friend Marla Johnson, with the Hays-Caldwell Women's Center, said their records indicate the Lions have given $125,100 in the last two decades to the HCWC. Funds she said have gone towards the prevention of victims of family violence, sexual assault, dating violence and child abuse.

Let that sink in.

I support the Lions Club — lets hear you roar San Marcos.

These are just some of the organizations the Lions Club of San Marcos proudly supports:

Adopt-a-School; BSA Troop 112; Food Baskets; Lions Leader Dogs; Glasses and Eye Care; Spot-Eye Testing; Texas Lions Camp; high school scholarships; Teacher/ student recognition; SM PA Summer in the Park; City of San Marcos (COSM) Park and Rec Parks; COSM Summerfest; World Services for the Blind; Women’s CTR Food Donations; Angel Drops; Angel Tree; Beth Shalom Ministries; Blue Santa; Brown Santa; Burke Center for Youth; SM CISD AP Test; Blanco River Reg Recovery; Books are the Beginning; Community Action; CFPO Youth Sports; Capital Area Boy Scouts; CASA of Central Texas; Central TX Lifecare-WPC; Crime Stoppers; Family for Life; Giving Hope; Greenbelt Alliance; Greater SM Area Sen/Price Center; Greater SM Youth Council; Hands of Hope; Hays-Caldwell A&D Abuse; Hays County Child Protection/ Welfare Board; Hays County Jr. Deputy; Hays County Livestock Expo; Hays County Extension Service; Hays County Food Bank; Hays County Sheriff’s Victim Services; Hays Caldwell Women’s Center; Indigenous Culture Inst.; JC Hyers Lions International Camp; Learning Ally; SMCISD Family Math Night; SM Chamber of Commerce – Stem Fair; SM/ Hays Literacy Action; Martindale Community Library; Mathworks; Medical Explorers; Mermaid Society SMTX; MOPS; NAMI; PALS; Project Healing Waters; Redwood Community Ctr, Inc.; Salvation Army; Scheib Center; School Fuel; Sights & Sounds of Christmas; San Marcos Education Foundation Teacher Grants; SM Housing Authority Res Service;; San Marcos River Foundation; San Marcos Youth Soccer; San Marcos Youth baseball/softball; San Marcos Youth Service Bureau; SMCISD Reading is Fundamental; SMHS Drug Free SR Party; SMPD – Handbook for Success; Southside Community Center; TX Stream Team/Meadows Center; and Texas State University Autism Summer Camp.

lwinter

@sanmarcosrecord.com

Twitter: @LanceWinter