CarMax donates $22,000 grant in support of Utopia Lions and camp

By Marilyn Chalmers

Last year before the Utopia Lions Club auction, then-President Carol Maxwell told Dick Freeman, who was in charge of the 2009 Auction, that he ought to contact car dealerships and see if they would donate a car. That’s all it took for Dick to get going on that project. He approached CarMax in San Antonio to see what they would or could do. When he mentioned that part of the Auction monies collected goes to the Texas Lions Camp in Kerrville, CarMax liked the idea. They got right on it, garnering more information, and had volunteers during the Lions Camp sessions last summer. CarMax donated $2,000 to the camp last summer, but that was just the beginning.

The volunteers fell in love with the Camp and are planning on working it again this summer. The Texas Lions Camp had also asked CarMax for a grant, On Saturday, February 6, Susan Merrifield, President, Inez Smith, Treasurer, and Tom Slaughter, 2010 Auction Chair, attended a Lions Club meeting, including members from all over the state of Texas, at the Texas Lions Camp in Kerrville. During the meeting, these three Utopia folks were introduced by the Camp. At this time, CarMax presented a check for $22,000 as a grant to the Texas Lions Camp. Dick Freeman received the credit for getting them involved with the Camp. They also gave Utopia Lions credit for getting it all going! The plan is in the works now for CarMax to send some employees to work the Auction in April as well as help with the Food Pantry! What a deal! Needless to say, it was a thrilling day for Utopia Lions Club!

We are so very appreciative of Club members like Dick Freeman that take the initiative, step out, and get involved in the areas of service for Lions Club. Thank you so very much, Mr. Dick Freeman! And, a big Utopia thanks to CarMax, also. We look forward to working with these fine folks who have taken the cause with us of……….we serve.