Plainfield Lions Club Celebrates 100 Years of Service
Awards, community partnerships and new member induction highlight milestone event
The Plainfield Lions Club marked a major milestone April 4, celebrating its 100th Anniversary with a community gathering at Made@Plainfield honoring a century of service and volunteerism.
The club, chartered April 1, 1926, began with 20 members committed to improving the Plainfield community. Forty-eight guests attended the anniversary event, which included dinner and a program recognizing the organization’s history and community impact.
Past International Director Nick Xinopoulos delivered the keynote address, reflecting on how much the world has changed over the past century while emphasizing the lasting importance of service organizations. He highlighted early club accomplishments. Xinopoulos challenged attendees to consider what the community — and the world — might look like today without the kindness, compassion, and volunteer service provided by the Plainfield Lions over the past century.
On behalf of Lions Clubs International President A.P. Singh, Xinopoulos presented the club with the International President’s Friendship Banner and a commemorative 100-Year Service Patch. Plainfield Lions President Tom Iles also received the International President’s lapel pin with his theme, “Lead to Serve, Serve to Lead.”
The evening included the induction of new member Lori Johnson-Edwards, a former Leo Club member who recently moved to Plainfield.
Several members were recognized for outstanding service. Lions Bob and Lisa Savage and Lion Worth Donaldson received the International President’s Certificate of Appreciation, the fourth highest honor from Lions Clubs International. The Savages were recognized for decades of eyeglass collection and recycling efforts, including work supporting Lions eyeglass missions to Mexico, while Donaldson was honored for promoting the club through social media and marketing outreach.
Two Melvin Jones Fellowships — the highest recognition from the Lions Clubs International Foundation — were presented to Lion Wayne Carter, receiving his seventh fellowship, and Lion Worth Donaldson, receiving his fourth, for their humanitarian service and commitment to the community.
The club also recognized Lions Alex Gardner, Amy Shumaker and Nichole Schmitt with W.P. Woods Fellowships for dedication to service and volunteer spirit exemplifying the Lions motto, “We Serve.” — the second highest recognition from the Indiana Lions Foundation.
Community partnerships were also highlighted. “It takes the support of our community, businesses and partner organizations to sustain our charitable work,” Iles said. “Without that support, the Plainfield Lions Club would not have reached 100 years.”
In recognition of community impact, Iles and Ray Furner, trustee for Indiana Lions Speech & Hearing, Inc., presented the Richard T. Miyamoto Fellowship to Erin Shelley, a speech-language pathologist with more than 30 years of experience, including 20 years serving Plainfield schools. Shelley was honored for her dedication to helping students develop communication skills and confidence.
Iles and Pat Short, trustee for the Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, presented the Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired Fellowship to Plainfield EyeGlass World for partnering with the Lions to provide free eye exams and glasses to adults and especially children who otherwise could not afford vision care. Jay Flynn and Tracy Rolfston accepted the fellowship on behalf of the business.
Past District Governor Dick McKellar and Lion John Wilkins of the Zionsville Lions Club presented a $500 donation to Hope Healthcare in recognition of the Plainfield Lions sponsoring their club into Lions Clubs International membership. Wilkins noted that the Plainfield Lions Club’s continued support helps further Hope Healthcare’s mission of delivering compassionate, accessible care to uninsured and underinsured residents.
Jerry Smith, president of the Brownsburg Lions Club presented the Plainfield Lions Club with a check in honor of the Plainfield Lions Club sponsoring their club into Lions Clubs International membership.
The evening concluded with remarks honoring charter members Lowell Prewitt, Dr. James Stafford, Joseph Prewitt, and Otis Kirtley who presented a gavel made out of the Van Buren Elm tree to President Harry Truman. Their legacy helped establish a tradition of service that continues today and their names are still remembered by the Plainfield community.
As the Plainfield Lions Club begins its second century, members reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the community through volunteer service, partnerships and compassion — continuing a mission that has shaped Plainfield for 100 years.
