United Way’s Fun in the Sun program, an award-winning summer learning initiative, offers enriching experiences to hundreds of students and families in Santa Barbara County. The program gives 350 students the opportunity to enhance their academic, behavioral and social skills. In alignment with this initiative, the Goleta Lions Club is offering sight and hearing screenings for the children attending the Fun in the Sun camps throughout this month.

While traditionally offering screening services during the school year, they can now expand outreach into the summer. As part of its mission, GLC is dedicated to offering programs related to sight, hearing and children’s causes. The objective is to promote early detection and treatment of sight and hearing conditions in children, as these issues can adversely affect their social, developmental, and educational well-being.

As part of their community outreach, the Goleta Lions Club uses state-of-the art equipment to screen over 3,000 local children annually for sight and hearing loss. As an extension of their efforts, they will provide the same comprehensive sight and hearing screenings to children participating in the Fun in the Sun camps.

For over two decades, United Way has offered the Fun in the Sun with the involvement of 80 service delivery partners, over 20 funding partners, and more than 600 volunteers. The program has expanded its curriculum to include academic enrichment, a mindfulness program, STEAM activities, mentorship opportunities, environmental education and field trips.

The Fun in the Sun program aligns with the goals of the Goleta Lions Club, as both share a commitment to bettering the lives of children within the community, the Goleta Lions Club noted in a news release. This partnership allows the Goleta Lions Club to extend its reach and offer their screening services to children who may have limited access to resources.

The annual adaptive surf clinic held last week, organized by Blind Fitness and supported by the Goleta Lions Club, was a resounding success. The event offered a special opportunity for individuals of all ages who are blind or have low vision to partake in the exhilarating experience of riding waves, under the guidance of skilled surf instructors. With a couple dozen attendees and the aid of numerous volunteers, the clinic was a vibrant, inclusive, and successful event!

Blind Fitness, founded by Brianna Pettit, is dedicated to overcoming the unique challenges faced by individuals with vision impairments in accessing outdoor recreational activities. The organization offers guided outdoor fitness events, such as monthly walks/runs, surfing, cycling, kayaking, and hiking excursions. Blind Fitness emphasizes community involvement and encourages sighted individuals to volunteer and support visually impaired participants during their fitness activities, including the recent surf clinic

The Goleta Lions Club, a social and service organization known for its commitment to programs related to sight, hearing, and children’s causes, showed its support for Blind Fitness by providing lunch at the Santa Claus Beach surf clinic. Beginning at noon, numerous Lions volunteers ensured that all attendees were provided with a meal and enthusiastic support. This event is one example of how Lions show their dedication to events that promote worthy causes. The club actively engages in events and initiatives that benefit the community, and provides financial support to local nonprofit organizations, such as Blind Fitness.

The collaboration between the Goleta Lions Club and Blind Fitness in organizing the surf clinic is an example of the positive and meaningful impact that can be achieved through community partnerships. The surf clinic created a nurturing and inclusive space where individuals with visual impairments flourished, participating in an experience that might have been otherwise inaccessible. This event empowered participants and helped to dispel preconceived notions about what is possible for those with disabilities.

About Goleta Lions Club: The Goleta Lions Club is a service club based in Goleta, California dedicated to improving the lives of individuals in the Goleta and Santa Barbara area. Through volunteer work, community-wide screenings, and various activities, the club strives to make a positive impact and support those in need.
Website: https://www.goletalionsclub.org/

About Blind Fitness: Blind Fitness is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people who are blind or have low vision through sports, recreation, and physical activity while educating the public of their abilities. Blind Fitness provides services to those with vision loss that make fitness and recreational activities more accessible and convenient.
Website: https://blindfitness.org/

Marjorie Large from the Witmark Group visited the Goleta Lions Club meeting at Frog Bar and Grill to talk about marketing and planning some exciting events for the club in 2023 and beyond. More information on the Witmark Group can be found at www.witmarkgroup.com

The Zone Level Student Speakers Contest was held on Wednesday March 15 in Ventura, CA and our Goleta Lions Club Student Speakers Winner Riley Welch won the Zone Level Contest. Congratulations to Riley on this outstanding accomplishment. Special thanks to Goleta Lions Members Dave, Amanda and Zack who attended to cheer her on.

The Goleta Lions Club held a Thank You Luncheon for our generous sponsors of the 2022 Goleta Holiday Parade. The event was held at Frog Bar and Grill at Glen Annie Golf Course. A great lunch was served and certificates were handed out to each of the sponsors in attendance. A great time was had by all.

The Goleta Lions Club held its Student Speakers Contest at Rustys Pizza in the Turnpike Shopping Center. We had three guest judges including Mr. Santa Barbara Drew Wakefield, Bob Locke Attorney at Law and Javier Quezada from Community West Bank. Riley Welch from San Marcos High School won the contest and Kay Taylor-Ng was the runner up.