Members of the Voorhees-Gibbsboro Lions Club attended the induction of their charter in June of last year at Tavistock Country Club.
The Voorhees-Gibbsboro Lions Club is gearing up to celebrate a milestone of community commitment and service with a charter anniversary party on Tuesday, July 23.
The event – at Il Villaggio Restaurant in Cherry Hill – marks one full year since the local charter was started by Lions Clubs International.
“This party is a celebration that one year ago, the Lions organization officially started a new club designated to serve the Voorhees-Gibbsboro area,” said Mimi Hadi, the club’s secretary and founding member. “We are celebrating our first anniversary of officially serving this area.”
The evening will feature a dinner program, reflections on the club’s accomplishments, a preview of upcoming initiatives and remarks from district-level Lions leadership. Hadi described the event as “a night of reflection and inspiration.”
“We want guests to enjoy a dinner, hear about what we’ve done, and be inspired by our plans for the future,” she noted.
Hadi also explained that the event’s venue and timing were intentionally selected to accommodate members and sponsors.
“The summer can be a slower time for Lions events, so it’s easier to focus on celebrating our accomplishments,” she said. “Il Villaggio suits our group’s needs well and is located midway between our club and the Haddonfield Lions Club – our sponsor club – which makes it convenient for them to attend.”
The Voorhees-Gibbsboro Lions Club emerged in response to public demand after the original chapter, founded in the early 1950s, disbanded during COVID.
“There was a strong community push to bring back events like the annual pancake breakfast with Santa,” Hadi recounted. “We were getting messages on our Facebook page for years asking when it would return. That persistence made it clear there was a need to relaunch a Lions Club in the Voorhees-Gibbsboro area.”
While honoring the legacy of the former club, the new Lions chapter is introducing modern service opportunities. Over the past year, it has hosted multiple, free health-focused lectures at the Voorhees library on topics like diabetes, colon cancer and workplace motivation. The group has also supported local businesses through Dine & Donate events and collaborated with the Cathedral Kitchen in Camden.
“We are balancing traditions with new service projects,” Hadi offered. “Our goal is to meet today’s needs while continuing beloved community events.”
Kim Gill, the Voorhees-Gibbsboro club’s president, spoke to the broader significance of the Lions International network.
“Being part of Lions Club International gives me a sense of purpose,” she pointed out. “It allows me to channel my desire to serve others in a meaningful and organized way. I’m not just volunteering, I’m contributing to something global, impactful and deeply human.
“It has helped me grow, build relationships and see how even small efforts can transform lives.”
The local club has plans for additional lectures this fall on financial literacy, eye health and public speaking and it will continue partnerships with area organizations such as Hope Food Pantry. As always, it conducts vision screenings in schools and collects used eyeglasses for donation.
For the Voorhees-Gibbsboro Lions Club’s Vice President, Sapana Raval, the past year has been filled with both pride and purpose.
“In my year as vice president, the most rewarding experience has been witnessing the profound impact our club has had on the community,” she revealed. “From organizing community events to helping those in need, seeing our members’ enthusiasm and the gratitude of those we serve has been incredibly fulfilling.”
Raval hopes the club’s early momentum will lead to sustained growth and deeper community connections.
“I envision us initiating several impactful projects that address local needs like food drives, vision screenings and support for the food pantry and Cathedral Kitchen,” she added. “I also hope we’ll grow our membership and foster strong camaraderie among members.”
She added a heartfelt message for those planning to attend the Charter Party.
“This event is not just a celebration of our achievements,” she commented, “but also a reminder of the incredible journey ahead of us. Together, we have the power to create positive change in our community.”
As the only founding member with prior Lions Club experience, Hadi played a central role in forming the new chapter and guiding its operations.
“My role has been different compared to a typical club secretary,” she allowed. “In addition to recruiting members, I’ve taught them how to run meetings, plan events, manage finances and build partnerships, all while still maintaining the daily operations of the club.”
Despite the challenge of wearing many hats, Hadi said her most meaningful experience was helping a local child in need.
“A situation was brought to our attention by Child Protective Services about a child in South Jersey who needed an eye exam and glasses,” she recalled. “Helping that one child reminded me that you don’t need a large project to make a difference.
“Sometimes, helping just one person can be incredibly impactful.”
The Voorhees-Gibbsboro Lions Club is actively seeking new members. It encourages residents to attend a dinner meeting or volunteer at a service project to learn more.
“If you’re interested in joining a group that networks, socializes and gives back,” said Hadi, “we invite you to connect with us. And of course, the community is welcome to celebrate with us on July 23.”
To RSVP for the charter party or learn more, email voorheesgibbsborolionsclub@gmail.com.
