EL CAJON VALLEY HOSTS LION’S NEWSLETTER
April 27, 2026, Members: _32__ Guests: _8__
Facebook: El Cajon Valley Host Lions Club
Volume 2026 _______________________________________Issue 11
CALL TO ORDER: _Ron Nevels_____________________________________
Invocation: Mark Clifton____________ Pledge of Allegiance: Pennie McMahon_____
Patriotic Song: _Chris Bramwell___ Song: _God Bless America__________
HELEN KELLER QUOTE BY: _Don Anthony_________________
GUESTS:
| Heartland Fire Dept | Heartland Fire Dept | Heartland Fire Dept | Heartland Fire Dept | El Cajon PD | ||
| Rob lash | Jermy Kraus | John Nevin | PDG Scott Leslie | Greg Scherquest | Chief J. Larson | Joshua Bilben Family |
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COMMUNICATIONS/ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Gunsmoke Event Fundraising
The Gunsmoke event significantly increased revenue and attendance through strategic sponsorships and auction enhancements.
Record fundraising totals with increased attendance propelled the event’s financial success, netting $28,132 this year versus $17,551 last year.
Sponsorship money fully covered event expenses, allowing every ticket sale to boost net revenue coordinated by the team of Ron Nevels, Van Wilsey, Madelyn, and Julie.
The live auction brought in $6,850, up from $4,100 the previous year, due to added high-value items.
Silent auction revenue rose to $4,900 from $3,400, reflecting stronger donor engagement. Van Wilsey handled credit card processing for the Silent Auction, Live Auction, and Poker Tournament.
Attendance increased by 74 people, from 132 last year to 206 this year, filling tables and creating demand
Key personnel and volunteer contributions drove event execution and success, with leadership and operational roles clearly defined
Event captains Julie Sherman and Madelyne Nation managed planning, marketing, ticket sales, and facility contracts
Ron Nevels led ticket sales with over 20 tickets sold, supported by Lt. Joe Crawford and Dyan Jones for high sales efforts of 10 or more tickets sold.
The silent auction team, led by Penny with Colleen, Susie, and Carolyn, handled collecting, wrapping, and setting up gifts.
Check-in team included Gary Robinson, Yvonne Paris, and Paul Tremblay while Phil Smith managed publicity and photography
Warren McKenna secured drawing prizes, ran the poker tournament, and assisted with post-event cleanup
Operational highlights included effective contracts and sponsorship collaborations that enhanced attendee experience and vendor relations. Dick Nasif assisted in contract negotiations.
The casino tables ensured no table limits and encouraged guest wins, enhancing event satisfaction
Decorations and electronic payment integration via Eventbrite improved guest convenience and event ambiance
Special recognition for the few volunteers staying late to clean up demonstrated strong commitment and teamwork. Zach Nation assisted in set up and clean up.
CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS:
Saturday, May 16th, 2026 – Camp Jack Fundraiser
Friday, May 22nd, 2026 – Flag Day at Johnson Elementary is scheduled for 8:30 AM, with 838 flags distributed and a student ceremony.
Day at the Race planned for July 24, starting at 2 PM
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU
ROB RANSWEILER (4-30-70) CARTER SHORT (4-15-76)
April EXEMPT BADGE: Tom Hoban and Yvonne Paris
VICE PRESIDENT REPORTS:
1st VP Grant Thiem III: (Not here)
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2nd VP Kat Zeman: (Not Here) ______________________________________________
3rd Dyna Jones: _Last Tuesday, April 21st, The Club met with Leos at El Cajon High School __We collected $765 for ongoing projects. _We also collected $530 from the membership today. _____________________________________________________
MEMBERSHIP: Grant Thiem III: (not here) ________
LCIF: PP Yvonne Paris: _YES! It’s been 30 years since the first Camp Jack. Join us for dinner at the Coronado Yacht Club and support the Lions Club Camp Jack program; learn about the exciting program at Lions Camp Jack and bid on incredible cakes to help fund camp scholarships.
Saturday, May 16th, 2026
Coronado Yacht Club, 1631 Strand Way, Coronado, CA 92118
Social Hour @ 5:30 pm (No Host Bar)/Dinner @ 6:30 pm Program & Cake Auction to follow – Island Attire $80
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HAPPY DOLLARS/FINES: TT _Bob Moreau
| Dick Nasif | $20 | A new Hyundai Palisade SUV |
| Paul Tremblay | $10 | grandson’s undefeated basketball tournament win |
| Chris Bramwell | $50 | A new Porsche |
| Mike Raney | $20 | Lost Wallet |
| Yvonne Paris | $79 | celebrated the El Cajon Club’s 79th anniversary, enhancing member morale and historical continuity |
| Chris Bramell | $79 | Club Anniversary |
| Jim Sing | $20 | For the Leos |
PROGRAM:
Joshua Bilben
shared an inspiring life story that emphasized resilience in the face of adversity and honesty as a guiding principle.
Joshua detailed a journey from rural Alaska to business ownership in El Cajon, overcoming major health and career challenges
Transitioned from a youth hockey player with a Division 1 scholarship to a commercial fisherman and repo agent before entrepreneurship
Purchased and managed bars, including the Quarter Deck, balancing personal challenges, including his wife’s medical issues
Diagnosed with aggressive multiple sclerosis, undergoing five brain surgeries, and coping with ongoing symptoms
He emphasized mindset and resilience as critical to overcoming life’s setbacks and maintaining personal integrity
Advocated for honesty with oneself and others as a foundation for better societal interactions and success
Shared how finding the positive in bad situations, such as his shooting injury, transformed his outlook and purpose
Cited examples of friends overcoming adversity, underscoring that the mental approach determines life quality
Joshua’s story illustrated the human side of leadership and community involvement, encouraging others to find strength in struggles
Linked his personal health challenges to neurological conditions such as MS and Parkinson’s, hopeful for future medical advancements
Reinforced that resilience is a mindset choice that enables turning difficult experiences into growth opportunities
Concluded by inviting questions and thanking the group, fostering open dialogue and connection
UPCOMING PROGRAMS:
ATTENDANCE DRAWING: ___Susie Cline __ _ $ 30______
50/50 OPPORTUNITY DRAWING: _Mark Clifton _$_40_______
TODAY’S RIB TICKLER
Lead to serve and serve to lead
Together in service
AP Singh, International Lions President