WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last night, the Lions Clubs International Century of Service Commemorative Coin Act, S.1299, passed the U.S. Senate by unanimous consent. The legislation, authored by U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), authorizes the U.S. Treasury to direct the minting $1 silver coins in honor of the Lions Clubs International 100^th Anniversary in 2017. The bill costs taxpayers no money, as the sale price includes the cost of designing and issuing the coins. S.1299 must now be passed by the U.S. House of Representatives.

"We will soon celebrate the 100^th Anniversary of an organization that truly lives up to its motto of ‘We Serve,’” Sen. Moran said, a 35-year member and former President of the Hays Lions Club in Kansas. “Lions Clubs have empowered generations of Americans to serve their communities and meet humanitarian needs. The Lions Clubs International Century of Service Commemorative Coin Act is a fitting way to honor the great charitable work of millions of volunteers since the organization’s inception. Proceeds from the coin will go toward Lions’ efforts to provide high-demand charitable services to the most vulnerable people throughout the world."

Lions Clubs International is the world’s largest service club organization with 1.35 million members in more than 45,000 clubs in 206 countries and geographic areas, including more than 270 clubs in Kansas. In addition to its efforts to conquer blindness, the organization has made a strong commitment to community service, disaster relief, and helping youth in Kansas and throughout the world.

“I want to thank Senator Moran – a fellow Lions club member – and all the members of Congress who are helping pass the Lions Clubs International Century of Service Commemorative Coin Act,” President of Lions Clubs International Wayne A. Madden said. “This act will support Lions Clubs global mission to help those with visual impairments or disabilities, youth and those affected by disaster."

The passage of S.1299, which was endorsed by the Special Olympics, highlights a century of charitable services to people in need and would raise critical resources for ongoing Lions programs for the visually impaired, disabled, youth and those affected by major disasters. Over the last century, Lions clubs have played a major role in the fight against blindness by preventing vision loss for more than 30 million people and saving the sight of more than 14 million children through eye screenings, surgeries, vaccinations and other treatments.

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