The Denver Club provides leadership for a variety of entities.

Upholding the Pillars of the Community

Lions who serve on this team contribute their diverse gifts of education and professional expertise in overseeing the management and governance of Savio House, the Denver Lions Foundation, Rude Park Day Care Center, and The Rocky Mountain Lions Eye Institute Foundation. These are the Club projects that represent the Club's proud "Pillars of the Community."

Goals of the Key Leadership Team

1. To educate Club members about each project and the areas of specific expertise that are important and necessary to the operation of each of these "Pillars."

2. To provide information that will enable Club members to pursue their interest to become informed and actively engaged with these projects.

3. To encourage Club members to pursue their service to Lionism through participation as a member of one of the boards overseeing these projects.

Those individuals interested in volunteering should contact a member of the Key leadership Team, concerning a position in one of the following organizations:

Rocky Mountain Lions Eye Institute Foundation

The Rocky Mountain Lions Eye Institute (RMLEI) and The Rocky Mountain Lions Eye Institute Foundation (RMLEIF) are a joint venture between Colorado and Wyoming Lions Clubs; but truly an overwhelming result of the foresight and work of Denver Lions. This is a significant reason for our Club members to be aware of the history and the leadership opportunities that are available.

The key leaders of RMLEIF are its Trustees, Lions from Colorado and Wyoming, who constitute its governing body. Two trustees from each Lions district in those two states are elected by delegates to the Lions district conventions to serve three-year terms. All Denver Den members are eligible to serve as a Trustee from Lions District 6C (the Denver metro area). A direct way to become involved is to serve as a volunteer greeter at the Eye Institute.

Recruitment of board members varies. Trustees are term limited, to two 3-year terms plus any partial term, so there is turnover on the board, and periodic new member opportunities. If there is no volunteer waiting in the wings when a trustee leaves the board, the outgoing trustee may recruit Lions from their district who possess appropriate skills and professional expertise. Trustees are elected at district conventions, thus being well known and/or having the backing of others in the district is helpful. Lions may tour the RMLEI facility, and are welcome at RMLEIF Board of Trustees meetings.

The Denver Lions Foundation

The Denver Lions Foundation, non-profit 501 c 3 was established in 1952. By Club Charter, all members of the Lions Club of Denver are automatically members of the Denver Lions Foundation. The purpose of the foundation is to support the charitable activities of the Club.

An elected board comprised of members of the Denver Lions Club governs the Denver Lions Foundation. The members serve three-year terms. Board meetings are open to Lions Club of Denver members. All Lions are welcome and encouraged to visit and express their ideas to the Trustees.

Foundation members and others may recommend candidates for service. Members are welcome to express their interest in serving on the board. To become a Trustee, contact the Chair of the nominating committee (the Immediate Past President of the Club).

Rude Park Day Care Center

Rude Park Day Care Center is a project of the Lions Club of Denver Foundation. It is located at 1275 Decatur Street, Denver, CO 80204. Rude Park provides comprehensive day care for children of low-income families. The Center is operated by Mile High Montessori Early Child Care Centers, with a development curriculum that promotes positive social, emotional, physical and cognitive development.

The Rude Park Board of Directors, all of whom are members of the Lions Club of Denver, is responsible for the management, control, and handling of the affairs of the property. The Board also helps with various needs of the children. Trustees are proposed by a nominating committee and elected by the Rude Park Board of Directors. Serving on this Board means being directly involved in creating a positive impact on the educational and developmental needs of needy children. Members of the Lions Club of Denver are invited and welcome to attend the Rude Park Board of Trustees meetings.

Savio House

Since 1966, Savio House has provided comprehensive youth and family services in a residential and a day treatment center environment. Their mission is, "dedicated to eliminating violence, crime, drug and alcohol abuse, child abuse and neglect and other destructive behaviors in families through caring, support and education.

Savio House is a non-profit charitable organization operated by the Lions Club of Denver. A committee with representation from the Club Directors, Lions Club of Denver Foundation, the Savio House Board and Executive Director, and general Club membership nominate Lions who have served with distinction on Savio committees and/or have demonstrated leadership in other Club activities to serve on the Savio Board of Trustees. Interested members should contact either the Savio President or Executive Director for volunteer opportunities. Lion visitors are always welcome.