Farmington Evening Lions Club News

This story begins with the forming of a caring partnership:

While doing a presentation to a business group, PCC Wesley met Shelly Diede, who became a member of the Farmington Evening Lions Club.  Lion Shelly introduced us all to her passion, the Children’s Hope Foundation.  As we learned more, it became clear that this was a very worthwhile cause for us to support. 

The rest of the story:

On April 19, 2025, The Farmington Evening Lions Club presented a check to the Children’s Hope Foundation.  The event was attended by about 20 club members dedicated to aiding children in San Juan County who face medical challenges.

Wesley Brown, Farmington Evening Lions Club President, said pediatric cancer is one of the Lions’ global causes.

Debbie Joslin, Children’s Hope Foundation Executive Director, accepted the $5,000 check from Brown. 

“Fantastic. This is awesome,” Joslin said. “We help children in San Juan County who have cancer, heart disease, brain tumors, birth defects … help them access their medical care.”

Joslin said it was a new partnership and they look forward to it continuing for many years. The Children’s Hope Foundation helps with travel assistance cards, end-of-life care and children’s funeral expenses.

We look forward to a continued partnership with Children’s Hope Foundation for a very long time.

Farmington Evening Lions Club attended the Boots & Bling dinner

A dinner, held on October 3^rd, was sponsored by the Children’s Hope Foundation.  It was to honor all donating sponsors of the Children’s Hope Foundation.  This is a way that the Children’s Hope Foundation brought together its sponsors and to thank them and show them what the donations support.

We were introduced to some of the children that have been and are being helped by the Foundation.  Their stories really touched our hearts and taught us about the struggles that they and their families face.  We encourage all Lions to seek out a foundation in your area to work with in supporting this awesome cause. 

 Entertainment for the dinner was the Bar D Wranglers.  As usual, they provided an evening of fun, laughs, and music to enjoy. 

 Farmington Evening Lions Club presents $7,669.40 to Farmington Public Library

Lions Club, library partnered on 2025 Read and Roar Car Show

Article courtesy of David Edward Albright Tri-City Record

Community spirit roared through Pancake Alley as the Farmington Evening Lions Club presented a check for $7,669.40 to the Farmington Public Library. The donation represents proceeds from the 2025 Read & Roar Car Show, a joint fundraising effort between the Club and the Library.

With laughter, gratitude and a giant ceremonial check in hand, the celebration marked not only a successful fundraiser but a growing partnership fueled by horsepower and heart.

As Lions Club President Wesley Brown handed the check to Karen McPheeters, Farmington Public Library Director, McPheeters said, “I like the big check. I think we did really well this year.”

“I think we did a great job,” Brown said, inviting Roger Sheak and Phil and Belinda Kennedy to join the group photo. “Because they’re the ringleaders in this … if it wasn't for them, we would have never started the car show.”

“I’m gonna say, since we're partners, we worked for it,” McPheeters added, “in the sense of fundraisers.”

The second year of the car show surpassed its inaugural year in funds raised. The organizers were a “godsend,” McPheeters said.

“I have always wanted to do a car show ever since we got the grass in, which was like 2003 or 2004, and that opportunity came, and boy, it was, it was wonderful,” she said.

“Roaring for Lions and Reading for the Library” was their motto.

“Well, I enjoy it. I like giving away money, especially to our community,” Brown said.