JUNE 2026
Scholarship Recipient
This year, the Wheaton Lions Club proudly awarded its scholarship to Eisleigh Harding, a graduating senior from Wheaton Warrenville South High School. Throughout her four years of high school, Eisleigh demonstrated outstanding leadership and dedication through her service on Student Council and participation on the tennis team.
This fall, she will attend the University of Kentucky, where she plans to pursue a degree in Public Health. The Wheaton Lions Club congratulates Eisleigh on her achievements and wishes her continued success as she embarks on this exciting new chapter.
Pictured: Richard Harding, Eisleigh Harding, Lion Keith Carlson and Kaili Harding
MAY 2026
New Wheaton Lions Club Kiosk Welcomes Guests
Over this past weekend, my wife and I took our two grandchildren to the newly updated WPD children's Sensory Garden Playground. The Sensory Garden Playground is a combination of sensory-integrated playground equipment and amenities along with gardening areas. The Wheaton Park District was having their Spring season opening event of the newly upgraded and updated playground. This WPD Sensory Garden Playground is a 37-acre facility that is being developed in multiple phases as funding becomes available.
When I arrived, I was glad to see Margie Wilhelmi who is the WPD Director of Marketing and Special Events. Margie was happy and proud to show me how the Wheaton Lions Club 2025 grant money that Sensory Garden Playground was awarded last year from our WLC beneficiary committee had been used.
The Wheaton Park District maintenance and carpenter crew "hand carved" this free-standing kiosk that welcomes guests to the playground. Please look at the two pictures that I have attached and check out the hand carved kiosk that some very talented WPD personnel built in recognizing the Wheaton Lions Club for our donation to Sensory Garden Playground.
If you have never visited Sensory Garden Playground then I urge you to take your grandchildren (or neighborhood kids) and check it out for yourself.
If you are interested in learning more about the Sensory Garden Playground, please check out their website at playforalldupage.org.
Respectfully Submitted,
RC Crompton
The Wheaton Lions Publicity Committee
Lion RC Crompton (left) with Margie Wilhelmi, WPD Director of Marketing and Special Events stand in front of the new Sensory Garden Playground kiosk.
MAY 2026
Another Successful Candy Day
This years Wheaton Lions Annual Candy Day was another success one. Candy Day is the Club's biggest fundraising events supporting Sight and Hearing programs. Once again, the Lions and volunteers were visible on the streets throughout the Wheaton community on May 8 in our bright yellow vests handing out Tootsie Roll Pops and collecting donations that support our Sight and Hearing programs. Thank you in advance.
Below are some photos from the day. Click the MORE button below to see more photos.
APRIL 2026
George Lazansky Award Presented to RC
The Wheaton Lions are proud to honor RC Compton with the prestigious George Lazansky Distinguished Service Award.
This recognition is reserved for those who demonstrate exceptional service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to our mission. RC embodies the spirit of Lionism through his dedication, compassion, and consistent impact on our community.
Please join us in congratulating RC on this well‑deserved honor.
MARCH 2026
A Familiar Leprechaun Visits the Lions Den to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day
The Wheaton Lions Club brought a bit of Irish magic to our St. Patrick’s Day lunch celebration this year! Members gathered for good food, great company, and plenty of laughter as we celebrated the spirit of the holiday together.
A special highlight of the lunch was Lion Jim Atten, who arrived dressed in his finest leprechaun outfit, complete with festive flair and plenty of charm. His spirited attire brought smiles all around and truly captured the fun and camaraderie that make our club so special.
Pictured with Jim Atten is Sarah Starke and the newest Lion Margo McAllister
FEBRUARY 2026
Wheaton Lions Celebrate Mardi Gras
The Lions brought the spirit of Mardi Gras to life on February 17, 2026, transformed the Den into a festive Bourbon Street–inspired gathering place. All in attendance proudly declared, “All hail King Dave!”
NOVEMBER 2025
The Lions Walk in the Annual Holiday Parade
What a joy to march alongside our neighbors in the Wheaton Christmas Parade! The Lions are proud to celebrate the season with our community, spreading cheer and highlighting the spirit of service that makes Wheaton shine. From the jingling bells to the smiling faces lining the streets, tonight reminded us why we love this town. Thank you to everyone who waved, cheered, and shared in the magic, it’s your support that fuels our mission year-round.
NOVEMBER 2025
Let's Fill the Pantry Fast for People's Resource Center
When the Wheaton Lions shared PRC’s urgent call for food pantry support, our community didn’t hesitate.From early morning drop-offs to bins overflowing by evening, Wheaton showed up with heart, generosity, and action. We’re deeply grateful to every neighbor who responded—and to our fellow Lions who gave their time and energy to make today a success.This is a powerful reminder of what we can do together. One more day to go… let’s keep those bins full and that compassion flowing.
SEPTEMBER 2025
Lunch Away from the Lions Den
The Wheaton Lions came together for a lunch event at Burger Social, combining community service with friendship and camaraderie, all while enjoying the great weather before the tents are packed away for the season.
SEPTEMBER 2025
This Years Food Drive was a Huge Success
The Wheaton Lions Club invited neighbors from Wheaton, Carol Stream, Warrenville, and Winfield to join in the fight against local hunger. Partnering with Jewel Food Stores in Danada and North Main, the Lions collected non-perishable food on September 5–7 at the Danada Jewel and September 26–28 at the North Jewel. All donations benefited the People’s Resource Center (PRC) food pantry.
AUGUST 2025
Wheaton Lions Charities Golf Outing was a Great Success
On Wednesday, August 13 the Wheaton Lions Club held their annual Golf Outing. The outing was supported by well over 100 golfers who participated in our biggest fundraiser of the year! The weather was perfect, and it was all smiles from the shotgun start to the 18th green!
JUNE 2025
Donating Generously to the Community
The Wheaton Lions Club demonstrated their unwavering commitment to community. On June 17, 2025 at the Grant Recipient lunch at Memorial Park the Wheaton Lions Charities, Benevolence Committee generously awarded over $80,000 to 22 local non profit organizations. Great job, Wheaton Lions!
MAY 2025
Scholarship Recipient
This year the Wheaton Lions Club celebrated two scholarship recipients, both from Wheaton North High School. The first recipient was Vivian Johnson who will be attending Purdue University in the Fall 2025.
The second scholarship recipient was Isaac Raske who will also be attending Purdue University in the Fall 2025.
Pictured: Lion Keith Carlson, Rebecca Johnson (mother), Vivian Johnson and Lions President Phil Suess
Pictured: Lion Keith Carlson and Isaac Raske
May 2025
Adamowski awarded George Lazansky Award
Lion Betsy Adamowski was recently awarded the George Lazansky Distinguished Service Award, which is given to district Lions for their outstanding contributions to Lionism within the Lions organization and the community.
Lion Jeff Cholewa, District Governor District 1-J and a member of the Roselle Lions Club, presented the award at a recent meeting.
Congratulations Betsy!
MAY 2025
Wheaton Lions Induct Five New Members
During the the month of May the flowers began to bloom and the Wheaton Lions inducted five new members, George Flynn, David Brumfield, John Kos, Luda Ferrari and John Kulczewski. Welcome to the Club!
DECEMBER 2024
Lions Celebrate the Holidays Together
During the holiday season, the Wheaton Lions held their year-end meeting, taking the opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the club's achievements over the past year. The club expresses gratitude to Arrowhead Golf Course for hosting a wonderful celebration. Season's greetings to everyone!
JULY 2024
Low Vision Summer Campers Visit Lions Den
On July 16, 2024, Wheaton Lions Club welcomed a group from Grandma Martyl Summer Camp, which is a week-long day camp hosted by the Spectrios Institute for Low Vision. Lions were honored to learn about the young campers (the camp is open for rising 6th-12th graders), and everyone in the Den enjoyed a delicious lunch ending with cups of ice cream. Spectrios staff members Jen Thompson, Children's Programs Coordinator, and Teresa Crafton, Director of Development, presented an update about the low vision day camp and the institute's broad range of services. Wheaton Lions Club is proud to support Spectrios!
JULY 2024
The 2024-2025 Officers and Board of Directors
The Wheaton Lions Club conducted the swearing in ceremony of the new Officers and Board of Directors. In the photo left to right is Ryan Rau, Chris Neigel, Ruth Carlson, Joel Riley, Dave Olsen, Abby McCarthy, Betsy Adamowski, Ron Birchall, Phil Seuss and Ron Diener. Not in the photo is John Dalby, Sharon Sifnotis, Don Fischer, Marty Keller and Raul Degado.
JUNE 2024
Donating Generously to the Community
The Wheaton Lions Club demonstrated their unwavering commitment to community. On June 18, 2024 at the Grant Recipient lunch at Memorial Park the Wheaton Lions Charities, Benevolence Committee generously awarded over $70,000 to 22 local non profit organizations. Great job, Wheaton Lions!
A heartfelt thank you to Wheaton Illinois Lions Club for honoring Spectrios Institute for Low Vision.
We are truly grateful for your support in our mission to empower children and adults with vision loss. Your generosity helps us provide prescriptive tools, technology, rehabilitative training, and inspiration to optimize their visual capabilities and independence, regardless of income. Together, as partners, we are making a real difference in serving the low vision community.
JUNE 2024
Wheaton Lions Club Partnered with People's Resource Center
The Wheaton Lions partnered with People’s Resource Center sponsoring the first 2024 Wheaton Municipal Band Concert for the “Feed Our Hungry Neighbors Food Drive.”
APRIL 2024
Ruth Carlson Honored with Distinguished Award
Ruth Carlson, a dedicated member of the Wheaton Lions Club, has been honored with the esteemed George Lazansky Distinguished Service Award for her tireless efforts and outstanding contributions to both the club and the local community. Thank you for all you do for the Wheaton Lions Club and the community! Ruth was joined at the award ceremony by fellow Wheaton Lions Joel Riley, Keith Carlson, Bill Davis, Chris Neigel and Mike Gresk.
OCTOBER 2023
Centennial Celebration Dinner
On Thursday, October 26, 2023 the Wheaton Lions, there family members and city and state dignitaries gathered at Arrowhead Golf Club to celebrate the 100 anniversary of the Wheaton Lions Club and their service to the community.
To see more on the 100 year anniversary and dinner celebration, visit Centenial Celebration.
