Bluffton Lions Club & Bluffton Lions Foundation
The Bluffton Lions Club serves as a 501(c)(4) organization. Its sister organization, the Bluffton Lions Foundation, is a 501(c)(3) public charity.
About Lions
Since 1917, Lions clubs have offered people the opportunity to give something back to their communities. From involving members in projects as local as cleaning up an area park or as far-reaching as bringing sight to the world's blind, Lions clubs have always embraced those committed to building a brighter future for their community.
Today with more than approximately 46,000 clubs in 206 countries and geographical areas, Lions have expanded their focus to help meet the ever-increasing needs of our global community.
Our programs are continually changing to meet new needs and greater demands, but our mission has never wavered: "We Serve."
The Emblem
Throughout the world, Lions are recognized by the emblem they wear on their lapels. It consists of a gold letter "L" on a circular purple field. Bordering this is a circular gold area with two lion profiles at either side facing away from the center. The word "Lions" appears at the top, and "International" at the bottom. Symbolically, the lions face both past and future -- proud of the past and confident of the future. Lions wear their emblem with pride.
The Motto
The motto of every Lion is simply "We Serve". What better way to express the true mission of Lionism?
The Slogan
The slogan of the association is "Liberty, Intelligence, Our Nations Safety" (LIONS).
The Official Colors
The royal colors of purple and gold were selected as the official colors when the association was organized in 1917. Purple stands for loyalty to friends and to one's self, and for integrity of mind and heart. Gold symbolizes sincerity of purpose, liberality in judgment, purity of life and generosity in mind, heart and purpose toward humanity.
LIONS Clubs Objects
TO PROMOTE the principles of good government and good citizenship.
TO TAKE an active interest in the civic, cultural, social and moral welfare of the community.
TO UNITE the clubs in the bonds of friendship, good fellowship and mutual understanding.
TO PROVIDE a forum for the open discussion of all matters of public interest; provided, however, that partisan politics and sectarian religion shall not be debated by Club members.
TO ENCOURAGE service-minded people to serve their community without personal financial reward, and to encourage efficiency and promote high ethical standards in commerce, industry, professions, public works and private endeavors.
LIONS International Objects
TO CREATE and foster a spirit of "generous consideration" among the peoples of the world through a study of the problems of International Relationships.
TO PROMOTE the theory and practice of the principles of good government and good citizenship.
TO TAKE an active interest in the civic, social and moral welfare of the community.
TO UNITE the members in bonds of friendship, good fellowship and mutual understanding.
TO PROVIDE a forum for the full and free discussion of all matters of public interest, partisan and sectarian religion alone excepted.
TO ENCOURAGE efficiency and high ethical standards in business and profession; provided that no clubs shall hold our as one of its objects financial benefits to its members.
LIONS Creed
He achieves success who lives well, laughs often and loves much. Who gains the respect of intelligent men and love of little children; Who fills his niche, who accomplishes his task, who leaves the world better than he found it, whether by an improved poppy, a perfect poem, or a rescued soul; Who never lacks appreciation of the earth's beauty or fails to express it; Who always sees the best in others, and gives the best that he has; Whose life is an inspiration, whose memory is a benediction.