Lion’s Club hosts Las Vegas fundraiser raffle: Community service continues through pandemic

Published 10:51 am Saturday, July 25, 2020

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LAPLACE — The LaPlace Lion’s Club is raffling off a trip to Las Vegas to see the New Orleans Saints face the Las Vegas Raiders on Sept. 21, 2020.

The winner will receive three nights in a Las Vegas resort, two tickets to the game, or a VIP watch party pass for if no fans are allowed to attend the game. This includes a $200 food credit and a $700 airfare credit.

There will be a $1,000 concession payment if the winner chooses not to go to Vegas. Tickets are $20 each, and the winner will be selected by Aug. 25, 2020.

LaPlace Lions members John Guillot, left, and Carl Freeman, right, carry plate lunches to Twin Oaks Nursing Home to thank the healthcare workers who have cared for the elderly during the pandemic.

To purchase a ticket, please contact a Lion’s Club member or call Carl Freeman at 504-559-2275.

Proceeds help the LaPlace Lion’s Club serve the community. While the Lions are known for hosting the annual Krewe du Monde ball and parade, they also support a number of local service initiatives, according to club president Lance Bonadona.

“We do regular events at Twin Oaks Nursing Home for the residents and the staff,” Bonadona said. “We also help Louisiana Splash and Water Safety, an organization that provides water training to children and adults.”

Lion’s Club member Melynie Wright is the founder of Louisiana Splash and Water Safety. She provides swimming lessons to save lives and educate people of all ages and abilities.

Another LaPlace Lion’s Club member, Daniel Kurika, helps the organization provide vision screenings and eyeglasses to children in St. John the Baptist Parish.

The LaPlace Lion’s Club has remained active throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Bonadona.

In June, Lion’s Club members presented a $3,000 check to Darryl Clement and Sean Roussel of River Parish Community Theatre. Local theater groups fell upon hard times this year with the cancellation of summer shows, and this donation will provide critical financial support.

Daniel Kurika of the LaPlace Lions Club, right, receives a presidential award from Mike Hanley, left.

The LaPlace Lion’s Club also delivered “thank you” dinners to the hardworking healthcare staff at Twin Oaks Nursing Home this summer.

Officers were recently installed for the 2020-2021 LaPlace Lion’s Club Board. The inductees were Lance Bonadona – president, Stephen Flynn – first vice president, Jimmy O’Flynn – second vice president, Cheri Williams – secretary, Donna Flynn – treasurer, Bettye Jean Freeman – membership director, Nick Laird, marketing communications chairperson, Ruben Keating – lion tamer, Keith Rivere – board, and Chris Boucvalt – board.

Kurika received a presidential plaque for outstanding service and exceptional leadership. Jane Brignac and Colin Duhe received Gold awards and Mike Hanley received a diamond award, signifying their commitment to the club.

The Lion’s Club is looking for another service opportunity for the fall since the Andouille Festival was cancelled.

Bonadona said the Lions will continue to recognize excellence in the community at upcoming meetings.

“Every year we do a service award for area high school students and college students based on service. We’ll be awarding those at our next meeting,” Bonadona said.