Utica Lions and Lions International

Utica Lions Club of Michigan

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On a clear night in October, 1946, Dr. Edward Hensel held the first organizational meeting of the Utica Lions Club.  The meeting was held at a second-floor hall over a store front on Auburn Road in downtown Utica.  The first meeting went well, and the Utica Lions Club celebrated its charter night along with its sponsor, the Romeo Lions Club, in December, 1946 at Warsaw Park.

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Over the club's 78-year history, the general membership meetings have been held at a number of locations.  From its beginnings at Beck's Hall on Auburn Road, the club meetings moved to Shelby Inn, La Honda Lounge, Clinton Valley Inn and currently the American Legion Post #351 on Cass Avenue.

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In 1917, Helen Keller issued a challenge to Melvin Jones (founder and secretary-treasurer of Lions Clubs International) to provide "service to the community and assistance to the less fortunate."  This goal was the main thrust of the Utica Lions in 1946 and remains its focus in 2024.  The Utica Lions have a long history of fund-raising activities to provide money to support their objectives.  The 4th of July Parade in 1947 was the first major fund raiser.  With circus events at Ford Field, White Cane street sales, Shrimp Dinners, Vegas nights, Candy Cane Collection, Gun Raffles, and other campaigns, the club has joined with the general public to accomplish its dual purpose.

Our club meets at 6:00 pm on the second and the fourth Thursday of each month at the American Legion Hall, 46146 Cass Ave, Utica, MI 48317.  We welcome new members at each meeting where we have fun and do good.  Please join us soon! click here for a map to our meeting

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The Utica Lions Club raises funds to support Leader Dogs for the Blind, Lions Bear Lake Camp for the visually and hearing impaired, Kids Sight, Eversight, Utica Library, Utica Fire Department, Madonna University Hearing Center, Friends of Foster Kids, Pendrickton Center for children with multiple impairments, and scholarships for local students.