Maxwell Frost: “I rise today to honor Lions Club International founder, Melvin Jones, for his legacy of volunteerism and community…”

“I rise today to honor Lions Club International founder, Melvin Jones, for his legacy of volunteerism and community service. Melvin Jones was born on January 13, 1879 at Fort Thomas, Arizona, and passed away on June 1, 1961 at the age of 82. He founded the Association of Lions Clubs in 1917, the same year they held their national convention in Dallas, TX. Melvin Jones abandoned his job at an insurance agency to devote himself full time to the Lions. He was a dedicated individual who gave back to his community and worked hard to improve the lives of others. Melvin Jones had a vision for the Lions to expand their focus to help meet the ever-increasing needs of our global community. Today, Lions International has over 1.4 million members in over 170 countries worldwide. As a proud member of the Oak Cliff Lions Club in Dallas, TX, I am pleased to celebrate their 75th anniversary and salute each member who graciously gives their time, skills and resources for our communities and internationally. As global members, Lions provide immediate and sustained relief in time of disaster and offer long-term assistance to those in need. Lions International has raised millions of dollars for various charitable causes, including sight conservation, diabetes awareness and cancer research. For over 85 years, Lions International has benefited countless persons by fulfilling the mission set out by Melvin Jones in the association's motto: 'We Serve.'”