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Guiding Eyes For The Blind, (GEFB), who train and provide service dogs to those with vision loss, was the featured program at the March Fulton Lions meeting, where Fulton Mayor James Rice was also inducted as a member.
“The Fulton Lions Club has supported Guiding Eyes for decades,” said Patrick Devendorf, club president. “That’s why we were pleased to make a $1,000 donation this evening. Helping them helps us in our mission to help the blind and hearing impaired in our community.”
Mary Oonk, GEFB co-central NY regional coordinator and puppy raiser, and Mark Hemans, a puppy raiser, spoke to the club about the program while showcasing Hemans’ puppy, Reggie, an 8-month-old black Labrador Retriever. “We are passionate about connecting exceptional dogs with individuals for greater independence,” Oonk said. “All our services are provided free of charge, so support from the Fulton Lions Club is greatly appreciated.”
Hemans explained that he will have Reggie for about 20 months, then he’ll be sent to the GEFB headquarters in Yorktown Heights for screening, training, and placement. The last puppy he raised just joined the Massachusetts State Police as a detection dog. For more information on GEFB, visit centralnyregion@guidingeyes.net.
The club also inducted Mayor James Rice that evening. Rice was sponsored by Lion Audrey Avery and inducted by Devendorf. “We’re delighted to have Mayor Rice join our club,” Devendorf said. “Our motto is ‘we serve,’ and Jim is engaged in community service every single day.”
The Fulton Lions Club, known for their Lions Loot Sweepstakes, (April 28), annual Duck Derby, and Mane Event Comedy Night, provides financial assistance for those in need of eyeglasses, eye exams and hearing aids to residents in the Greater Fulton area. For more information on the Fulton Lions Club, visit www.fultonlionsclub.com
