VERGENNES — The Vergennes Lions Club wrapped up the 2017-18 year with President Debbie Brace announcing winners of several fundraisers and planning the 2018-19 year. President-elect Paul Bessette will take the helm for the coming year. New officers were installed by past District Governor Larry Myott.
Memorial Day activities were quite successful this year with lots of balloons, flags and popcorn purchased by young and old alike. The winner of the car raffle was Bob Groff, of Panton, who quickly wrote a $250 check to help the club meet its goals of helping others. Caroline Butler won the second prize of $500 and Yuan LaPlume won the $250 third prize. The winner of the 50/50 Scholarship Raffle of about $1200 was Steve Welch of Ferrisburgh. 
At the last meeting, Welch, a Lions Club member, turned the check in to President Debbie Brace to go into the Scholarship fund (picture attached). Brace also mentioned that the club had donated a check to the VUHS Senior Class to help them raise funds for the John Graham Shelter. She also thanked the entire club for supporting her this past year and working so hard to meet their motto of “We Serve.” She presented small gifts to each of the Board of Directors.
Bessette mentioned several dates for Lions to keep in mind throughout the summer where help would be needed. Lion Jim McClay spoke about the Annual Charity Auction, which will be held at St. Peter’s Parish Hall this year due to construction at Vergennes Union High School. The auction will start at 5 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 1, for viewing and selling starts at 6 p.m. sharp. He reminded the members that gift certificates work really well, and that furniture does not. He encouraged everyone to get out to folks they do business with throughout the year and request something to help meet our budgetary goal. Anyone interested in making a donation can call McClay at 545-8181 to arrange pick up.
Bessette reminded everyone that without the support of community members in and around Vergennes, New Haven and the Bristol area the Vergennes Lions would not be able to help provide eyeglasses, hearing aids, accessible ramps, college scholarships, dictionaries for third graders, Food Shelf assistance, shelter support, Boys and Girls Club assistance, Bixby assistance, Vergennes Area Rescue Squad assistance and others.
Thank you Vergennes, New Haven and Bristol.