By Henry Dolive For The OklahomanThe motto of Lions clubs throughout the world is “We Serve,” and that appealed to Alwin Ning nearly 40 years ago as he sought a way to engage in public service. Ning and fellow members of the Oklahoma City Downtown Lions Club are marking the club's 100th year, and Ning said the mission of serving others continues. Dale Swiggett, club president this year, said while membership is down from past years, members remain committed to service and contribute to the community in a variety of ways. The club's current mission, he said, includes college scholarships, continued support for a playground at Lake Hefner and eyesight conservation. Swiggett said the Lions give $20,500 annually in scholarships to high school seniors entering college through the Hi-Lions program that honors one student every month, raising the bulk of funds with a golf tournament. They throw four parties a year for special-needs children and their families, and support the Lions Eye Bank. Ning, 76, reflecting on his 38 years as a member, said it gives him satisfaction “knowing we have done for the less fortunate, and for people in need.” As a child growing up in Hong Kong, Ning said, he was studying one night and heard a radio commercial seeking donations for a Lions Club service project. Years later, holding a master's degree in biochemistry and molecular biology from Columbia University and working for the Oklahoma state Health Department, Ning remembered that commercial. “It dawned on me that maybe it's my time to do something for the less fortunate,” he said. Rhonda Splitt, administrative manager and secretary, said the club donated $50,000 to Oklahoma City Parks and Recreation to replace the rubber flooring at the heavily-used Lake Hefner children's park, a project due to be completed next year. The Downtown Lions took the lead in establishing the park after the 1995 Murrah Federal Building bombing, with club members from throughout the United States, corporations and others contributing, and then to a renovation several years later. The Downtown Lions Club's office was located across the street from the Murrah Building and was heavily damaged. Splitt said the Lions spend at least $50,000 annually on regular projects, but also support special projects.Read more on NewsOK.com
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Sun, 10/23/2016 - 11:16pm
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