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Community & Clubs: Fish fry stems from long history of service

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Lions Club International says it is the largest service club in the world. Established nearly a century ago through the vision of Chicago area businessman Melvin Jones, the organization has spread its influence and charitable efforts to 209 countries.

While working to make a living and build a business, Jones joined a weekly luncheon group. Seeing the strength and influence of the men at the luncheons, he formed a business philosophy based on the idea that this type of entrepreneur is successful because of drive, intelligence and ambition. It was Jones’ belief that businessmen such as these can put their attributes and talents to work improving their communities.

The Lions Club was born on June 7, 1917. Jones would eventually leave his business to run the Lions Club full time. His credo became, “You can’t get very far until you start doing something for somebody else.”

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Why the name Lions Club? Jones felt the lion stood for strength, courage, fidelity and vital action. The name also quickly came to stand for fraternity, good fellowship, strength of character and purpose, but above all, the letters herald the true meaning of citizenship: liberty, intelligence and our nation’s safety.

In today’s more technological business and charitable environment, the Lions Club and its beliefs are just as germane to young professionals as they were in 1917.

A lioness, on the other hand, is noted for her protective nature and love of her pride. This is no different for the unique group of women who are the backbone of the Costa Mesa-Newport Harbor Lions Club. Chartered in 1992 as part of Lions Club International, the Costa Mesa-Newport Harbor Lions Club is determined to be effective in its efforts to help others. The club works tirelessly on its long list of projects and causes.

The group has about 50 members and a credo — and here are those letters again — of being loving individuals offering needed service, Lions. Its projects and benefactors include disaster relief, Boys and Girls Clubs of the Harbor Area, Alzheimer’s Family Services, Foundation Fighting Blindness, Orange Coast Interfaith Shelter, the SOS and Someone Cares food shelters, Gold Star mothers, Guide Dogs of the Desert and American Family Housing.

If interested, contact Jennifer Kelder at doc1chic@aol.com for membership information.

One of the signature events and main fundraisers of the Costa Mesa-Newport Harbor Lions Club is the annual Costa Mesa Fish Fry.

The 68th event will be held May 29, 30 and 31 in Fairview Park near Estancia High School.

Enjoy a weekend of music, carnival rides, games, a baby contest and the famous $10 fish dinners. For more information, visit https://www.cmnhlions.com.

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Upcoming Fundraisers:

TOUR DE OC: This cycling event raises money to provide unique opportunities for abused children through the Royal Family Kids summer camp.

The Tour de OC will take place April 18 at Newport Mesa Church, on the campus of Vanguard University, 55 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa. Registration begins at 6 a.m. Participants must pay the registration fee of $40 to $50 and raise $75 to $150 in pledges. For more information, visit https://www.tourdeoc.org..

CASA’S BLACK AND WHITE BALL: CASA, or Court Appointed Special Advocates, of Orange County is celebrating its 30th year with a gala starting at 6 p.m. April 18 at the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, at 1 Ritz Carlton Drive, Dana Point. CASA provides an advocate to abused and abandoned children to help them through the court and foster systems. The event is a key fundraiser for CASA of Orange County.

NFL quarterback Mark Sanchez will be the keynote speaker, Grammy winner Young MC will entertain and former NFL quarterback Paul MacDonald will be the master of ceremonies. The evening will feature live and silent auctions as well as drinks, dinner and dancing. For more information, call (714) 619-5155 or contact Matthew Wadlinger at mwadlinger@casaoc.org.

EPILEPSY WALK OF ORANGE COUNTY: Epilepsy Support Network of Orange County will hold its largest fundraiser of the year on April 25. Proceeds fund programs and services available at no cost to those braving epilepsy. It is the group’s goal to help those with epilepsy live a seizure-free life. The walk will begin at 8:30 a.m. at TeWinkle Park, 885 Junipero Drive, Costa Mesa. Registration is $40. Individuals and teams are welcome.

Enjoy a parade, a carnival with games, a silent auction, food and fun. For more information, visit https://www.epilepsywalkoc.kintera.org.

FIELD OF HONOR: The Exchange Club of Newport Harbor is presenting the 6th annual Field of Honor from May 15 to 17. The event includes a spectacular and inspiring display of 1,776 American Flags on the bluff overlooking Newport Harbor at Castaways Park off Dover Drive.

Visitors can walk among the flags and read touching memories. The flags are dedicated to those who are serving or have served in the armed forces. Donate by dedicating a flag to a beloved veteran. Proceeds will go to local nonprofits and the families of veterans.

Newport-Mesa Unified School District will have its special day on May 15, during which nearly 1,000 students can visit the site. A VIP dedication ceremony will be held at noon May 16.

To donate or dedicate a flag to your favorite soldier, sailor, Marine or guard, visit https://www.nhexchange.org or call Bill Bechtel at (714) 292-9301

The Daily Pilot wants to hear about your club’s or organization’s events so we can inform our readers. Contact DIANE DARUTY at dianedaruty@sbcglobal.net or (949) 322-7949 or DUNCAN FORGEY at Forgey5000@yahoo.com or (949) 548-4800.

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