history > 75th Anniversary Celebration Banquet

"Oak Cliff Lions Club Celebrates Rich Legacy of Serving Others for 75 Years"

Oak Cliff Lions Club Past Presidents and Lions International President Dr. Tae-Sup Lee (guest speaker). Pictured in order from left to right. First row: PDG Marion Snider*, Tom Young*, Gordon Rea, Dr. Parmer Richardson*, Fred Ferguson, Sam Monzingo, Bill Lewis, PDG Bill Melton, Dennis Jeter, Bennie Brigham, Dr. Bill Lawhorn, Mark Snyder. Top row: Dr. Burt Bryan, Dan Cunningham, Steve Levine, John McCalib, Jerry Adkins, Carolyn Dunnigan, Steve Elwell, Dr. Tae-Sup Lee, Bonnie Breazeale, John Dodd, Judge John McCall, Sr., PDG Wayne Meachum, Robert Hirsh, Michelle Metzger and Stonell Greene.  

On the evening of April 14, 2004, the Oak Cliff Lions Club celebrated the 75th Anniversary of the Club's Charter, with a Gala Banquet at the Dallas Renaissance Hotel.

The most notable special guest was the current Lions Clubs International President, Dr. Tae-Sup Lee. Other guests included Past International President Ebb Grindstaff of Ballinger, Texas, incoming Lions International Second Vice President Jimmy Ross of Quitaque, Texas and numerous Past District Governors and distinguished guests from all across Texas.

In honor of Dr. Lee's visit, the Oak Cliff Lions Club made a $1,000 contribution to the Lions Club International Foundation and presented numerous recognitions from the city, county, state and national governmental bodies. One highlight of the evening was a reading of a congratulatory letter sent from President George W. Bush.

Capping off the fifteen week "75th Anniversary" celebration, the evening began with a concert by the Nitty Gritty Band during the reception. The night included the announcement of the eighteenth and final Cornerstone Lion, Past International Director Dr. Dick Self. Songs were sung by Lions Iris Smith, Gordon Rea, Michelle Metzger and PDG Wayne Meachum. A special version of "Happy Anniversary" was led by Lion Paula Craig as a large birthday cake was presented in the middle of the room and cut by Dr. Lee, Lion President Stoney Greene and other visiting dignitaries.

"What the Oak Cliff Lions Club Means to Me", was presented by Lion Dennis Jeter who served as President of the Club during the 50th Anniversary celebration. Lion PDG Bill Melton served as Emcee for the Banquet. 

The evening culminated with the retirement of the old Club banner, an explosion of confetti and a signing ceremony by visiting dignitaries and current members of the Oak Cliff Lions Club on the new Club banner.   

President Stoney Greene expressed a special thank you goes out to all the members of the Founders' Day Committee and the Chairperson, PDG Bill Melton. He also thanked Lion Darla Wisdom for coordination of the Banquet, Lion Iris Smith for decorations, Lion Jo Ann Holt for publicity and Lion Second Vice President Amy Alburtis for ticket sales.