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City of Industry Lions Club
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Melvin Jones
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Melvin Jones (1879-1961)
Founder of Lions Clubs International
Melvin Jones was born on January 13, 1879 in Fort
Thomas, Arizona, the son of a United States Army captain who commanded a troop of scouts. Later, his father was transferred
and the family moved east. As a young man, Melvin Jones made his home in Chicago, Illinois, became associated with an insurance
firm and in 1913 formed his own agency.
He soon joined the Business Circle, a businessmen's
luncheon group, and was shortly elected secretary. This group was one of many at that time devoted solely to promoting the
financial interests of their membership. Because of their limited appeal, they were destined to disappear. Melvin Jones, however,
had other plans. "What if these men," he asked, "who are successful because of their drive, intelligence and ambition, were
to put their talents to work improving their communities?" Thus, at his invitation, delegates from men's clubs met in Chicago
to lay the groundwork for such an organization and on June 7, 1917, Lions Clubs International was born.
Melvin Jones eventually abandoned his insurance agency
to devote himself full time to Lions at International Headquarters in Chicago. It was under his dynamic leadership that Lions
Clubs earned the prestige necessary to attract civic-minded members.
The association's founder was also recognized as a leader
outside the association. One of his greatest honors was in 1945 when he represented Lions Clubs International as a consultant
in San Francisco, California, at the organization of the United Nations.
Melvin Jones, the man whose personal code "You can't
get very far until you start doing something for somebody else" became a guiding principle for public-spirited people the
world over, died June 1, 1961 at 82 years of age. For information about the Lions International Melvin Jones Memorial
in Fort Thomas, Arizona, USA, click here.
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Melvin Jones Fellowship
The Melvin Jones Fellowship is the backbone of Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF), providing 70 percent of the
foundation's revenue. A recognition of humanitarian work, an MJF is awarded to those who donate US$1,000 to
LCIF or to people for whom a donation was made by others. Melvin Jones Fellows receive an attractive lapel pin, a plaque and
a congratulatory letter.
Melvin Jones Fellows who make additional US$1,000 donations to LCIF, or in whose name US$1,000 donations are made, become
part of the Melvin Jones Fellowship Progressive program. Progressive Melvin Jones Fellows are awarded a new lapel pin and congratulatory letter for each subsequent US$1,000
donation. (The first lapel pin is a one-diamond yellow gold pin. For each US$1,000 donation thereafter another diamond is
added to the pin.)
To apply for a fellowship, complete the MJF Application form (LCIF-42M). For the recognitions available, download the LCIF Recognition Programs form (LCIF-42R).
Contributions can be made by individuals (including non-Lions), clubs, or districts. Contributions can be made in
one sum, or in installments of a minimum of US$100 over a five-year period.
It is possible to make a donation and choose the MJF recipient later. Write "Melvin Jones Fellow to be named later" on
the check or bank draft.
When an individual's or group of individuals' personal donation(s) are accumulated for a club's use to select a Melvin
Jones Fellowship recipient, LCIF needs the signed consent of the donors. When a club's donation(s) are accumulated for a fellowship
recipient to be selected by the district, LCIF needs the signed consent of the club. Please include such documentation with
the completed MJF application that is sent to LCIF Donor Services.
Melvin Jones Fellows are honored each year at the Melvin Jones Fellow Luncheon
on Thursday during the International Convention. The luncheon also typically includes a presentation of awards to 100 percent Melvin Jones clubs and to individuals
who have supported LCIF and the showing of a LCIF video.
For more information on Melvin Jones Fellowships, contact LCIF Donor Services Department at 630-571-5466, ext.404 or
e-mail us.
MJF FAQs:
- The Fellowship was established in 1973 and the Progressive program began in 1986 in response to Lions' request for a way
to extend their commitment to LCIF.
- Donations through MJFs provide 70 percent of the Foundation's annual revenue.
- There are 100 levels in the Progressive program.
- Most of the funds raised during the first Campaign SightFirst were through MJF donations.
- There are 266,399 MJFs worldwide and 47,692 PMJFs
- The MJF luncheon began in 1984 and has been held at each convention since
- All MJFs are invited to the annual luncheon and their names are on a rotating computer list of donors in the MJF
room at International Headquarters
- The MJF is LCIF's highest honor
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STATEMENT FROM LION STEPHEN H. BUDZAK
Recipient, 2009 Melvin Jones Award
City of Industry Lions Club
Whenever I pause to take stock of my life, I find
that I have so much to be thankful for: my beautiful
wife of 35 years, my 4 grown children, 2 grandchildren, and many wonderful friends.
That we have been blessed with good health; that we
have been fortunate enough to have traveled to countries around the world; that we have been able to visit and be a part of
4 Summer Olympic Games to see how peoples from all backgrounds can unite in a common goal; and to have attended numerous World's
Fairs. Yes there is much to be grateful for, and ever since I became a Lion-thanks to my friend, mentor, and sponsor,
Lion Bob Preston, I have found a new calling .....that of a desire to give back, to make a difference in whatever
way I can to those less fortunate.
While awards and honors are nice and its a good feeling
to be recognized by your peers, and of course I sincerely appreciate being chosen for the Melvin Jones Fellow Award, the very
highlight of my life as a Lion was when the District 4-L2 "Lion of the Year" Kenny Shu, came up to me after he received the
award to tell me that he received it "thanks to me".
By working together and succeeding as we did along
with IPDG Judy Powell to accomplish a common goal, that of helping the Blind Childrens Center in Los Angeles....that alone
was enough reward.
I am proud to be a Lion.
City of Industry Lions Club Melvin Jones Award winners (L
to R): Steve Budzak, Bob Preston, the late Phil Moyer, Steve Stolar.
CITY OF INDUSTRY LIONS CLUB
MELVIN JONES AWARD RECIPIENTS
Current Members (Date Received)
Stephen Budzak (2009)
Walt Doctor* (02/27/1997)
Robert O.F. Preston (01/11/1994) Clifford L. Sterling* (09/19/1996)
Steven G. Stolar (02/23/1995)
Former Members
Rafael Cifuentes (04/19/1991)
Donald G. Flowers (07/24/2001)
Edward P. Hernandez (11/13/1995)
Evan L. Hinson* (09/23/1994)
Christine L. Ohrmund (06/20/2001)
Alfred B. Ohrmund (05/08/1989)
Clifford L. Sterling* (09/19/1996)
Deceased
Donald G. Flowers* (07/24/2001)
Phillip L. Moyer* (01/12/2007)
Richard Nitcher* (09/03/1993)
Dominique Sorcabal* (09/21/1993)
*=Received award as a member of La Puente Lions Club prior to 2004 merger with City
of Industry club.
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