When golfers tee off for the Blair Lions Club's annual outing, they'll not only get an enjoyable round of golf, but help the organization continue it's longstanding tradition of helping Blair youth.
The Blair Lions Club's 14th Annual Flight-4-Sight Tournament is scheduled for a noon shotgun start May 21 at River Wilds Golf Course. Teams can register until May 13.
Proceeds from the tournament will benefit the Blair Community Schools Food Bank Program, recognition of Blair Schools staff, youth diabetes and sight camps, Lions Club Park projects, eye exams and eye glasses and local scholarships, among other programs.
Lions Club International focuses on three core causes — eye health, diabetes and hearing.
The Blair Club has also focused on eye health and diabetes. For many years, the club has stepped in to help Blair Community Schools test elementary students' eyesight.
“Our eyesight program that we use, and the money we get from these fundraisers, is used to rent or buy special computerized eye equipment that is really state of the art,” club member Dick Loftus said. “They can take this little camera, focus it on your eyes and they can tell immediately if you need some kind of follow up.”
Loftus estimated between 700 and 800 kids are tested each year. Of those, 10 to 12% need some type of follow up.
The club has also helped provide funds to pay for eyeglasses for those who can't afford them.
Longtime club member Roger Howland said the golf outing and the club's annual peaches and pears sale helps raise awareness for the club and its efforts to help the community.
“We feel very blessed that the community has stepped up,” he said, adding they also appreciate the help from area businesses that provide sponsorships.
