ANTIQUE SHOW AND SALE
Our first "annual" Antique Show and Sale was held in the fall of 2001. it featured more than 25 dealers with the emphasis on top quality merchandise. Food was served by Lions members who also helped with setup and takedown for the show.
A team of two lions service about 15 counter mint boxes at local business establishments. Approximately $500 is collected yearly from this project.
This is one of our most popular fundraisers. We have a "brat wagon" which we take to various events in the community. Our "Brats," made from a local butcher shop with secret ingredients is a hit with everyone--"you can't eat just one." Our "Brat Wagon" can be seen in early June at the Schweitzerfest (the Highland Homecoming), all summer long at Peanut butter & Jam Fests each Friday on the town square (PBJ's feature live entertainment, lots of food, and good conversation on the square by the fountain every Friday June through August), at the Madison County Fair in Highland late in July. We annually raise approximately $6000 from brat sales.
A team of three lions work the engraving project throughout the year. With the help of two engraving machines--one computer driven-- they crank out signs, name tags, desk signs, etc. A local office supply store helps by taking orders. Many lions clubs in the area and several districts purchase name tags for their members and officers. For more information about our engraving project or to place an order, call (618) 654-6644.
Memorial Day each year finds nearly every Highland Lion working at our Biathlon. There are several events: 2K fun run, 2K walk, 5 mile run, individual biathlon and team biathlon (the biathlon part of the event is a 5 mile run and 15 mile bike ride). We annually expect in excess of 300 participants. Most years we find this event nets about $1500 . For more information about participating, call (618) 654-3041.
There is no problem getting most of our members out on the street for this event. Those from Illinois know what candy day is. If you are from outside of Illinois, Candy Day is Lions manning street corners and store fronts asking for donations for visually and hearing impaired people. 60% or more of the funds collected go to the Lions of Illinois Foundation to support their 15 programs including Camp Lion and the Infant Hearing Screening Unit. The remaining moneys stay locally to be used exclusively for vision and hearing problems.