Terrell Lewis
Wednesday, June 17, 2020 2:27 pm

Lions President John Kobland presenting a check to Outreach President, Hope Wittmer. Smiles below the masks! Pictured left to right: Bernadette and Steve Smith, Volunteers; Linda Ratschan, Outreach Manager; Hope Wittmer, Outreach President; Lions Pres. Jo

On June 8, 2020, the Lake Lure Lions Club made its annual donation to the Hickory Nut Gorge Outreach located at 2556 Memorial Highway, Lake Lure, NC. Lions Club President John Kobland presented the check to Ms. Hope Wittmer, President of Hickory Nut Gorge Outreach. John noted that Hickory Nut Gorge Outreach is unparalleled for helping those in need in the Gorge and COVID-19 has made those needs even more persistent and challenging. Hope responded by thanking the Lions for their donation, and how proud she is of the many persons and organizations who have stepped up to provide financial assistance. The Lions are pleased to assist with the demands of the COVID-19 pandemic and stand ready to help Outreach with manpower wherever possible during the coming months.

The Lions main motto is "We Serve." Its primary mission is, "To empower volunteers to serve their communities, meet humanitarian needs, encourage peace and promote international understanding through Lions clubs." Much of this is done through service and fundraising activities and donating to nonprofit organizations and causes, among which Hickory Nut Gorge Outreach, "serving needs with love and compassion," is one of the principal groups. The club also donates to other nonprofit causes, including aid to visually impaired persons and programs and local fire and EMS departments, provides scholarships to qualified local high school students, and assists other worthy initiatives.

If you are interested in joining the Lake Lure Lions Club, feel free to reach out to John Kobland at his email address jkobland@gmail.com. His presidential term expires at the end of June 2020 but he will continue as Membership Chair for the club and would love to hear from you. The club generally meets twice a month, at the Mountains Branch Library and at La Strada Restaurant. Beyond helping the community, members have a lot of fun and camaraderie.

If you are interested in assisting Hickory Nut Gorge Outreach, please contact Linda Ratschan, Outreach Manager at 828-625-4683. She would really like to hear from you as well. The Outreach is a heartwarming and highly efficient nonprofit organization, full of good and helpful people. Love lives in Lake Lure!