NEWS RELEASE
On March 7-8, 2025, the Von Braun Lions Club (VBLC) hosted the Lions Club MD-34A Annual Convention at the Robert “Bob” Harrison Senior Advocacy and Wellness Center. Lion Dr. Wilma Ruffin was the chairman of the convention, which served as a platform for the Lions Club to conduct important business, recognize members, and strengthen their commitment to service. The highlight of the event was the keynote address by Lions Club International Director, Jay Moughon.
On Friday evening, after registration, attendees participated in “Dancing with the Lions,” a fundraising effort for STRIDES, a Lions Club initiative for diabetes education. This event was a partnership with The Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Epsilon Gamma Omega Chapter’s Sisterhood Line Dancing Squad and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System AAMU Nutrition and Health Team and Diabetes Education Program. These organizations provided music, instructions, and demonstrations for the attendees. Lions, families, and guests walked, skipped, and danced to promote physical exercise as a means to manage Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. After the STRIDES Dance, refreshments were provided. This event was both enjoyable and inspiring.
Saturday’s program included a business meeting with delegates and members from across North Alabama. District Governor Renie Bright (Guntersville Lions Club) welcomed everyone and introduced the distinguished guests. Mr. Bryan Primm, Director of Outreach for Madison County District 6 Commission Office, welcomed the attendees to the Center. The VBLC presented 100 toiletry bags and additional items to a representative from First Stop of Huntsville, the agency with which the VBLC partners to serve the homeless. The business meeting continued with the election of District officers for the 2025-2026 year. After the elections, the attendees enjoyed four Speed Learning sessions: Mission Possible, Alabama Lions Vision Mission, Recruiting and Retention, and Living with Multiple Sclerosis.
After a delicious lunch, the meeting continued with DG Bright delivering the State of the District Address. International Director Jay Moughon then presented the keynote address with words of appreciation and inspiration. This convention was an opportunity to acknowledge and appreciate the contributions of Lion Leaders who have made a valuable impact on the district. Lion Dr. Wilma Ruffin (Von Braun Lions Club) received a Distinguished International President’s Award for her inspiring leadership and for guiding and uplifting fellow Lions. International Director Jay Moughon presented the award. Only 25 of these awards are presented internationally each year. Lion Wilma served three terms as president of the Von Braun Lions Club and is currently serving as Membership Chairman, Zone Chairman of District 34A, and Chairman of the MD-34A Convention. District 34-A serves the counties of Blount, Cherokee, Colbert, Cullman, DeKalb, Etowah, Franklin, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marshall, Morgan, and Winston.
The Von Braun Lions Club sponsors a Leo Club at Mae Jemison High School. The objective of the Leo Club Program is “to provide youth with an opportunity for development and contributions, individually and collectively, as responsible members of the local, national, and international community.”
Lions and Leos make a difference every day, everywhere we serve. With the support of our international association and global foundation, the Von Braun Lions are changing lives, communities, and the world we share. Some of the VBLC service projects include vision screening, collecting, purchasing, and donating eyeglasses, feeding the homeless at First Stop, collecting and donating toiletries to the needy, distributing food boxes at Christmas to the elderly, and partnering with other service organizations. For more information about the Von Braun Lions Club, visit us on Facebook. We Serve!