SERVICE
by Ann Marie Kennon photos courtesy of Seth Herbeck / Facebook
A Club Like No Other THE LIBERTY HILL LIONS WANT YOU!
W
e have all heard the expression, “Live Here, Give Here.” For nearly 30 years, the Liberty Hill Lions Club has been doing just that; supporting many great causes, helping organizations and individuals, and enriching lives in Liberty Hill and surrounding communities. The club’s simple mission, and the mission of Lions International is simply, “We serve.” Since 1917, Lions clubs, which now number nearly 48,000, with 1.4 million members in 200 countries and geographical areas, have been meeting ever-increasing needs of the global community.
MEET THE PRESIDENT Seth Herbeck (photo right) is a perfect embodiment of that mission. As a small business owner, he joined the club to commit time and talent to helping the local community. After only three months as a member, his energy and enthusiasm for the people the club serves and the projects they promote got him elected President. “I had heard of Lions in a general sense,” Seth says. “Like Elks Lodges and the like. But when I learned about the mission, and the great causes they promote, I was blown away by what a great organization it truly is. I had to ask myself why everyone doesn’t do this.”
WHAT LIONS DO While each Lions club has its own service focus, there are five global causes of particular interest; diabetes, vision, hunger, environment, and childhood cancer. Each was voted on by members and is supported by the association and foundation. Seth says the origins of the Lions Club focus on vision and eye health go back more than 100 years, when chapters in the mid-west began collecting glasses for children who were struggling to read. “Glasses donations are still a large part
of our mission. We collect previously worn pairs that are recycled and distributed internationally, typically to 3rd world countries. There are several drop locations in Liberty Hill. We also work with the schools to provide new eye glasses to grade school children whose families are unable to afford them.” For other causes, the Club raises money via a few signature events. They partner with the Junior Diabetes Research Foundation for the Rip Roarin’ Ride cycling trip in the Fall, and the route takes riders from downtown through the Hill Country. Unfortunately, they had to postpone the 2020 event; Seth hopes to reschedule in Spring 2021. Flags Over Liberty Hill offers residents and businesses the opportunity to have flags delivered for all patriotic annual holidays; Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, etc. Seth explains; “For a fee, owners don’t have to do anything; we deliver and do the setup. I think the view across the city adds so much to those special days.”
DROP YOUR “PREVIOUSLY WORN” GLASSES AT THE LIBERTY HILL LIBRARY • 355 TX-332 LOOP OR LIBERTY HILL EYE ASSOCIATES • LIVE OAK PLAZA 14370 TX-29 22
N O V E M B E R 2020 LIBER T Y HILL D IGES T
