Lions Club International

Since 1917, Lions have served the world's population through hard work and commitment to make a difference in the lives of people everywhere. With 1,399,199 members serving in more than 44,500 clubs in over 185 countries and geographical areas, Lions Clubs International is the world's largest service club organization. Lions are recognized worldwide for their service to the blind and visually impaired.

What do Lions Do?

Lions Clubs International serves people throughout the world.  Globally, Lions clubs are known for their commitment to blindness prevention.  Second only to the Lions' devotion to aiding the blind and visually impaired is a dedication to serving young people and their communities.

Lions International Objectives

To Create and foster a spirit of understanding among the peoples of the world. To Promote the principle of good government and good citizenship. To Take an active interest in the civic, cultural, social and moral welfare of the community. To Unite the clubs in the bonds of friendship, good fellowship and mutual understanding. To Provide a forum for the open discussion of all matters of public interest; provided, however, that partisan politics and sectarian religion shall not be debated by club members. To Encourage service-minded people to serve their community without personal financial reward, and to encourage efficiency and promote high ethical standards in commerce, industry, professions, public works and private endeavors.

The History of the Grafton Lions

In the fall of 1937, Mr. Leo Affeldt came to Grafton representing International Lions Clubs. The matter was discussed with a number of businessmen of the community.  After a number of informal meetings,  the required number of members (twenty-one) were found to start the Grafton Lions club.   The first Charter night meeting was held on Wednesday, February 2, 1938 at the Grafton Hotel @ $1.50 per plate.   Mr. A. H. Mintzlaft was elected President and Carl J. Erdmann the Secretary, Treasurer and Bulletin Editor.

As with any new organization it had its rough times during World War II and the club went dormant.  In 1946 Chester Bell, the district governor of 27A at the time, came to Grafton to get the club started again.  Most of the old members got together with a few new members and 23 members were available for a second Charter night.  Due to the lapse of time it was thought best to issue a new Charter and the Washington Park Lions Club of Milwaukee was the new sponsor.  Charter Night activities were held at the Cedars in Cedarburg on August 26, 1946. Carl Erdmann was the first President of the newly organized club and Ralph Houseman, Secretary, Treasurer and Bulletin editor.

Today the Grafton Lions club has over 90 active members and last year donated over $25,000 to a variety of local, state and international charities.