The reaction from Lions across the state has been incredible since our state convention in Williamsburg. Individual Lions and Clubs have been in contact and are supporting our statewide project. Two hundred more balls have just been ordered and should arrive by July.
The response from children and families is amazing. Hearing their gratitude for the balls and how Lions want to be a part of their lives has been heart-warming. We are and will continue to make a difference in the lives of these kids and their families.
In late July / early August DBVI will be hosting a summer camp for up to 50 children and their families. They will also have a group of college bound youth at JMU and plans are underway for an outdoor sports event at Massanutten Water Park before the weather turns cold. Lions will be included at all of these events with the opportunity to visit with and hear their stories and dreams for bright futures. I expect that our mini soccer balls will be in high demand.
I have mentioned “Heidi” before in past updates. Last week she and her mother visited the Ferrum Lions Club who sponsored her ball. “Heidi” was able to share her story and her goals to live independently in the future. DG Andre (MD24-C) was also visiting that night. From what I understand, a seed was planted to start a new Lions Club in “Heidi’s” hometown with her mother being a charter member. For “Heidi”, she has com-pleted her application to Leader Dogs for the Blind. Hopefully she will hear back soon. In the meantime, she is planning to be at JMU later this summer with DBVI.
This project started out as a dream, it has turned into a reality, thanks to your interest and support. For clubs that have sponsored a ball, please be patient as we find children near your location. Our hope is to place balls as close to you as we can so that relationships can be formed with the families and children but we real-ize that in some circumstances that may be hard to do but we will try our best.
Elias the founder of “A Ball for All” is very happy with our progress. He told me that “it warms his heart” to hear about the lives we are impacting and that Lions are involved (Elias is also a Lion).