Rahall Votes for Lion’s Club Commemorative Coin

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall (D-W.Va.) late Monday voted for House passage of legislation to require the minting of a $1 coin to commemorate the Lions Club International Centennial Anniversary in 2017.

“West Virginians have a long and proud tradition of serving their communities through local Lions Clubs.  Lions take their motto –‘we serve’ – to heart,” said Rahall, who is a member of the House National Service Caucus.  “I commend our State’s Lions Club members on their history and service to their communities and am proud to cosponsor this measure in celebrating the upcoming Lions Club Centennial.”

H.R. 2139, Lions Clubs International Century of Service Commemorative Coin Act, directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint $1 coins and issue them during calendar 2017 in commemoration of the centennial of the founding of the Lions Clubs International. The bill requires sales of the coins to include a surcharge of $10 per coin, to be paid to the Lions Clubs International Foundation to further its programs for the blind and disabled, as well as for youths and those affected by a major disaster.

Lions Clubs International is the world's largest service club organization with over 1.35 million members in more than 45,000 clubs globally.  Founded in 1917 by Chicago business leader Melvin Jones, Lions Clubs volunteers serve their communities, meet humanitarian needs, encourage peace and promote international understanding.  In 1945, Lions Clubs International became one of the first nongovernmental organizations invited to assist in drafting the United Nations Charter.  Since 1968, Lions Clubs International Foundation has awarded more than $700 million to fund five unique areas of service: preserving sight, combating disability, promoting health, serving youth and providing disaster relief.

The bill passed the House Thursday by a vote of 376 – 2, and now awaits action in the Senate.

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