January 6, 2010
Lions of Odell Earn 501(c)3 Status

On January 6th, 2010, the Lions Clubs of Odell started a partner organization called the, “Lions of Odell Community Foundation, NFP”.  This foundation will be a sister organization to the Lions Club of Odell.  For many years, the club considered the possibility of making this move and in early 2009, began the process of incorporation as a 501(c)3 organization under the IRS tax laws.

The purpose for this move according to Lions Vice President, Paul Birkett, is “to better fundraise by being able to offer 100% tax deductibility for all donations.” The clubs previous tax status as a 501(c)4 exempted it from federal income tax liabilities, but donations to the organization were not tax deductible. “Any time we would request assistance or donations from larger companies, their first question was whether or not we had 501(c)3 status.  When we said no, so did they”, Birkett said.

The new Foundation will have its’ own board, which, according to its’ bylaws must be made up of at least 50% Lions Club Members in good standing.  Board members receive no compensation for their participation and serve a 2 year term. New board members are elected by the board.

“We’re excited about the potential benefits of this new designation. In a small village like ours, the philanthropic burden falls on too few people.  This will allow us to begin pursuing donations from some of the larger companies that our community members work for and patronize like Walmart, Caterpillar and more.”

December 15th, 2009
The Wishing Well Grants Christmas Wishes

Donations came pouring in this year just in time to fund the Christmas Angels Program in Odell.

On __________, Lions Club President Melissa Foster accepts a $500 donation from Misty Owen, owner of the Wishing Well Cafe in Downtown Odell.

August 31, 2009
Thetford agrees to head new Not for Profit

David Thetford accepted the Odell Lions Club’s nomination to be the Chairman of the Board for a new Not for Profit Foundation sponsored by the Odell Lions Club.  “We were looking for someone with the right character, knowledge and desire to fill this position.  With his extensive experience in the financial industry and proven leadership skills, David was the perfect choice.”, explained Lions Club President Melissa Foster. As Board Chmn, Thetfords first responsibilities will include guiding the formation of the new not-for-profit, establishing the by-laws, articles of incorporation, and making sure that everything is filed correctly.

Thetford moved to Odell with his wife Catherine in _________ and resides on the very edge of town on Prairie Street. Many know the home as __________________.  Thetford retired as Lt. Commander from the Navy in ______________ and began a career in the financial industry. Thetford is a compliance specialist and telecommutes most days for his position as Securities Compliance Principal Analyst at Wolters Kluwer Financial Services headquartered in Minneapolis, MN.

April 25, 2009
Birkett in Line to be Lions District Governor

Wendi Birkett today accepted the nomination of the entire Lions Clubs District 1K to be 2nd Vice District Governor.

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