BIRDIES DON’T GO TWEET—THEY CHANGE LIVES

Imagine what just one penney could do!

John Deere and the PGA (Professional Golf Association) have created a wonderful opportunity for Charities to benefit from a professional golf tournament. More than any other charity perhaps, the opportunity for the Lions is huge given the numbers of members we have in Illinois. There is absolutely no reason why we shouldn’t be able to raise a minimum of $100,000 this year and $500,000 should be a reasonable goal for our Lions in future years. The formula is simple!

If every Lion and Lioness would be responsible for finding pledges of ONE PENNEY per birdie, over $400,000 would be raised for our Endowment Fund. At that rate, our Vision of creating “…a permanent vehicle for the delivery of programs and services for the visually and hearing impaired,” could become a reality sooner, rather than later. The visually and hearing impaired are calling on every Illinois Lion, Lioness, & Leo to commit to the task. Will you respond to their plea or sit upon the sideline? The choice is yours!

How does Birdies for Charities work?

Simply pledge one cent or more per birdie made by the PGA Tour Pros during the John Deere Classic.

A total of 1,863 birdies were scored during the 2007 John Deere Classic, and over 60 people guessed the exact number of birdies. Those who guessed the exact number of birdies participated in a drawing to determine the grand prize winner.

After the tournament, you’ll be mailed a notice of your pledge amount due. A grand prize will be given to the person who guesses the correct number. In case of ties, winners will be randomly selected.

Pledge forms must be received at the Tournament Office by July 11, 2008. To download a pledge sheet visit www.birdiesforcharity.com.

Contest rules:

· Only 1 grand prize awarded. Ties & other prizes determined by random drawing. Judge’s decisions final.

· All guesses must be on an official pledge card and received at the tournament office by July 11, 2008.

· Rules are available at www.birdiesforcharity.com .

· Winner need not be present to win

Prizes to be awarded in 2008 include:

A 2008 Buick Enclave
Two Tickets to any AirTran Destination (courtesy of AirTran Airways)
John Deere riding mower
John Deere walk-behind mower
WaterPark car wash 26 week VIPpackage
Over 100 other prizes to be awarded

Remember:

Every cent of every pledge Made to the Lions goes directly to the Lions of Illinois Foundation Endowment Fund. Plus John Deere Classic will add anoter 10% to all the pledges raised by the LIF!

The Partner Program

The Partner Program provides additional incentives to individual Lions and companies to make their charitable contribution. Donors make a straight donation (minimum $750) rather than a pledge based on the number of birdies made during the 2006 John Deere Classic Golf Tournament.

As a Birdies for Charity Partner, you will receive a number of rewards based on your level of donation. In 2008, they include John Deere Classic Tournament admission, parking, & donor recognition at the tournament. Donor’s names were also on a special donor board for everyone to view during the 2007 John Deere Classic. This is a great way to let the world know you, your, Club, or a sponsoring business donated for a worthy cause!

Bonus Bucks

In addition to receiving every penny of your pledge made to the LIF through Birdies for Charity, John Deere made an additional $100,000 as a bonus fund based on the percentage of pledges made in the name of the LIF. That made every donation worth more than 100%.

Take this opportunity to make a small investment grow into thousands

for our mission to serve the visually & hearing impaired.

Contacts

Each Lions District has a Head Bird, a Lion who can help you coordinate your giving and efforts to gather pledges. Each District’s Head Bird, listed below, will have answers to your questions about the program and access to forms for your use. In addition to the District Head Bird, you can also contact Van C. Stone at the LIF office at VCS@tbc.net. Or contact one of this year's Two State Head Birds listed below.

2008 LIF District Head Birds

1-A Lion Harry Barber, PDG

JBarber38@Comcast.net

1-B Lion Chris Luttrell

Lionbeluga@sbcglobal.net

1-CN Lion Lydia Ellis, PDG

lellispdg@yahoo.com

1-CS Lion Bruce Summers, PDG

BruceS_16@hotmail.com

1-D Lion Ken Bramer, PDG

lionkenbramer1d@yahoo.comt

1-E Lion Kathy Butterworth