Lord Baltimore Lions member raises $4,700 for vision research
What was originally planned as a reunion of several friends for a challenging long-distance, five-day bicycle trip through upstate New York in late July evolved into a special opportunity to support a great cause, the Lions Vision Research Foundation.
Lord Baltimore Lions Club member Dr. Jeff Hilovsky was aware that the club’s usual summer fundraising opportunities were all but eliminated due to the COVID-19 virus, but the club’s work to meet community needs was still very real.
Interested club members were invited to donate or sponsor him on his planned ride, with any resulting monies donated to support the medical and research staff’s work on behalf of low-vision patients at the Johns Hopkins Hospital Wilmer Eye Institute.
Lord Baltimore Lions Club President Jack Bauer, said, “Lions from some other clubs became involved and contributed, along with supporters from the communities served.”
Through his efforts, Hilovsky raised a total of $4,725 for the Lions Vision Research Foundation.
During the ride, this trio of good friends logged 370 miles, starting at the Buffalo River/Lake Erie Junction, and concluded at the steps of the Capitol in Albany, N.Y.
“Learning so much about the historical significance of the Erie Canal and also passing through Seneca Falls, a landmark of the Women’s Suffrage Movement and the home of the Women’s Rights Convention in 1848 were among the highlights of this memorable experience,” said Hilovsky. “Even in these COVID-19 times, the people we met along the way were gracious and hospitable. Hopefully, there are plans for another trip next year possibly across Ohio or Michigan.”
At a recent club meeting, Bauer commended Hilovsky on his efforts and thanked all who contributed to this important cause that supports low-vision research and rehabilitation to minimize the problems caused by low vision and blindness.
For more information about the Lord Baltimore Lions, go to lordbaltimorelionsclub.com, call Lion Janet at 302-537-5175 or email Lion John at john.monahan13@gmail.com. To learn more about Lions Vision Research Foundation, go to www.lionsvision.org.
