Lions have played an important role in supporting people who are blind and visually impaired, including helping individuals such as myself live with greater independence and confidence. As a Leader Dog user and Lions member, I have seen firsthand how service, advocacy, and community support can change lives. I am grateful for the difference Lions continue to make in communities around the world.
Lions and Leader Dog
Partners in Independence
Together since 1939, Lions Clubs continue to fuel the Leader Dog mission through service, generosity and unwavering community support. This page provides Lions Clubs with essential resources, including key facts and statistics about Leader Dog’s programs, recognition opportunities like the Leader Dog Medallion and Top Dog Club status, and educational materials to help clubs engage with and support the organization’s life-changing work.
About Lions Club and Leader Dog
In every Leader Dog lies the heart of a Lion.
Lions Clubs International, the world’s largest service organization, has been a dedicated partner to Leader Dogs for the Blind since the very beginning. Founded by Lions in 1939, Leader Dog continues to thrive thanks to the unwavering support of Lions around the world.
Today, more than 3,500 Lions Clubs contribute to our mission through financial support, community outreach, and hands-on volunteerism. Lions help identify individuals who may benefit from our services, raise awareness in their hometowns and districts, and serve as Leader Dog Chairs, puppy raisers, breeding dog hosts and on-campus volunteers.
We are deeply grateful for the generosity, leadership, and legacy of Lions. Your service helps us make everyone unstoppable.
Lions In Action
-
East - Lions of MD-22W
Maryland District 22W Lions Clubs were excited to host Augusta, GA native Lion Walker Jones and his Leader Dog Loki from April 26 through May 1, 2026. Walker and Loki helped the district celebrate raising over $35,000 for Leader Dogs for the Blind!
-
Michigan - Sterling Heights Lions
The Sterling Heights Lions hosted their 3rd Annual Paws for Service event. The family event helped attendees learn about the different types of Service, Therapy, and Working Animals that help people every day. Client, and Sterling Heights Lion, Reggie hosted the Leader Dog table with a Puppy Raiser.
-
West - Payson Lions Club
Each summer, the community around Payson, AZ comes together to celebrate the amazing impact dogs have on our lives. Founded by the Payson Lions Club, Pups in the Pines features search & rescue showcases, puppy costume contests, and Lions raising money and doing outreach for organizations like Leader Dog
-
Central - Chicago Filipino American Lions Club
The Chicago Filipino American Lions Club took center stage with its successful Dancing with the Lions event, creating an opportunity to raise awareness and support for Leader Dog. Attendees had the chance to meet Future Leader Dog Dexter and retired Leader Dog moms Alexa and Millie while hearing from longtime breeding host Lion Karen and puppy raiser Jen. Their presentation emphasized how Lions clubs across the country help sustain Leader Dog’s mission. Thank you, Filipino American Lions Club, for bring awareness to our life-changing programs in District 1-A!
Pictured are Puppy raiser, Jen with members of the Filipino American Lions Club and District Governor Ben Zoleta with RLDM Alexa, RLDM Millie and FLD Dexter.
-
Request a Speaker
Invite a Leader Dog representative to speak at your club or district event and share our mission in action.
-
Request Promotional Items for Lions
Order branded materials to help promote Leader Dog at your next Lions club meeting, fundraiser, or event.
Our History
Knights of the Blind
In June 1925, Helen Keller ascended the stage at the Lions Clubs International Convention, described a mission to “make the lives of the blind more worthwhile everywhere,” and shared her experiences. She challenged Lions to become “Knights of the Blind in the crusade against darkness” which lit a fire in the hearts and minds of Lions everywhere.
In 1939, Lions founded Leader Dogs for the Blind, led by Past International President S.A. Dodge, Past District Governor Charles A. Nutting, and Past District Governor Donald P. Schurr. Their motivation was Dr. Glenn Wheeler, a fellow Lion whose attempts to be accepted by another guide dog organization proved unsuccessful. Lions remain dedicated ambassadors and generous supporters of our mission. These milestones are powerful motivations to uphold the legacy of the visionaries who started it all.
Together, Lions clubs and Leader Dogs for the Blind continue to improve the quality of life for people who are blind and low vision, empowering them with the skills to live independently and travel safely.
Top Dog Clubs: Our Most Generous Lions Clubs
Fiscal Year 2025–2026
Leader Dog was founded by Lions just 15 years after Helen Keller challenged them to be “knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness.” Top Dog Clubs continue the Lions legacy and pave the way to independence for people who are blind or visually impaired. When a Lions Club gives $5,000 USD or more in a single fiscal year, they earn coveted “Top Dog” status — a prestigious honor achieved by less than 5% of clubs who support us each year.
To show our deep appreciation, every Top Dog Club receives a formal thank-you letter, a banner patch, a pin for each member, a mini certificate, a digital badge for their club’s website, a plush Leader Dog puppy, and a highlight on the Leader Dogs for the Blind Facebook page.
If your club is interested in becoming a Top Dog Club, please reach out to the Lions Team at LionsSupport@LeaderDog.org.
| Name | District | Preferred State | Total Giving |
|---|---|---|---|
| Algonac Lions Club | 11-D-2 | Michigan | $7,021.00 |
| Arcola Lions Club | 24-L | Virginia | $25,000.00 |
| Armada Lions Club | 11-A-2 | Michigan | $8,280.00 |
| Barnesville Lions Club | 5M-11 | Minnesota | $5,343.75 |
| Beaufort Lions Club | 31-N | North Carolina | $5,085.00 |
| Bellflower Lions Club | 1-BK | Illinois | $5,000.00 |
| Beverly Hills Lions Club | 11-A-2 | Michigan | $7,585.00 |
| Birmingham Lions Club | 11-A-2 | Michigan | $14,615.92 |
| Bloomington Lions Club | 5M-5 | Minnesota | $5,300.00 |
| Broadway Lions Club | 24-L | Virginia | $10,025.00 |
| Cape Girardeau Lions Club | 26-M-1 | Missouri | $6,000.00 |
| Carrollton Noon Lions Club | 18-L | Georgia | $9,436.43 |
| Cedarville Lions Club | 1-D | Illinois | $7,200.00 |
| Channahon Lions Club | 1-BK | Illinois | $5,000.00 |
| Clawson Lions Club | 11-A-2 | Michigan | $8,121.75 |
| Colleyville Lions Club | 2-E-2 | Texas | $11,807.25 |
| Cullman Lions Club | 34-A | Alabama | $5,025.00 |
| Dewey Beach Lions Club | 22-D | Delaware | $5,225.00 |
| Eastpointe Lions Club | 11-A-2 | Michigan | $5,000.00 |
| El Paso Five Points Lions Club | 2-T-3 | Texas | $5,713.00 |
| Eustis Lions Club | 38-L | Nebraska | $5,000.00 |
| Eynon Archbald Lions Club | 14-H | Pennsylvania | $10,024.61 |
| Fairfield Glade Lions Club | 12-O | Tennessee | $5,862.00 |
| Flagstaff Sunrise Lions Club | 21-N | Arizona | $22,446.68 |
| Flushing Lions Club | 11-D-1 | Michigan | $5,620.49 |
| Francis Scott Key Lions Club | 22-W | Maryland | $5,000.00 |
| Frankenmuth Lions Club | 11-D-1 | Michigan | $5,400.00 |
| Fraser Lions Club | 11-A-2 | Michigan | $8,610.00 |
| Hickory Lions Club | 14-M | Pennsylvania | $5,148.15 |
| Hillman Area Lions Club | 11-E-2 | Michigan | $14,820.00 |
| Horace Lions Club | 5-NE | North Dakota | $10,000.00 |
| Jacksonville River City Lions Club | 35-L | Florida | $5,000.00 |
| Jarrettsville Lions Club | 22-A | Maryland | $5,020.00 |
| Key Largo Lions Club | 35-N | Florida | $10,000.00 |
| Lake Orion Lions Club | 11-A-2 | Michigan | $7,178.00 |
| Lexington Lions Club | 43-Y | Kentucky | $18,055.00 |
| Lord Baltimore Lions Club | 22-D | Delaware | $5,200.00 |
| McDonough Lions Club | 18-L | Georgia | $5,000.00 |
| Mechanicsville Lions Club | 24-I | Virginia | $6,000.00 |
| Midland Lions Club | 11-E-1 | Michigan | $5,000.00 |
| Milford Huron Valley Lions Club | 11-A-2 | Michigan | $6,000.00 |
| Minot Magic City Lions Club | 5-NW | North Dakota | $5,000.00 |
| Missoula Lions Club | 37 | Montana | $5,000.00 |
| Naperville Noon Lions Club | 1-J | Illinois | $5,000.00 |
| Norfolk Lions Club | 38-O | Nebraska | $5,175.87 |
| Oregon Lions Club | 1-D | Illinois | $5,000.00 |
| Pearland Lady Lions Club | 2-S-4 | Texas | $30,073.50 |
| Pearland Lions Club | 2-S-4 | Texas | $5,208.50 |
| Perry Hall-Kingsville Lions Club | 22-A | Maryland | $5,100.00 |
| Plymouth Lions Club | 5M-5 | Minnesota | $10,000.00 |
| Prescott Sunrise Lions Club | 21-N | Arizona | $7,511.00 |
| Preston North Lions Club | 2-X-1 | Texas | $40,000.00 |
| Raleigh Host Lions Club | 31-S | North Carolina | $10,000.00 |
| Rib Mountain Lions Club | 27-C-1 | Wisconsin | $5,000.00 |
| River Oaks Lions Club | 2-E-2 | Texas | $25,000.00 |
| Rochester Lions Club | 11-A-2 | Michigan | $34,979.00 |
| Rome Lions Club | 18-L | Georgia | $7,000.00 |
| Romeo Lions Club | 11-A-2 | Michigan | $12,995.00 |
| Royal Oak Lions Club | 11-A-2 | Michigan | $8,321.95 |
| Shelby Township Lions Club | 11-A-2 | Michigan | $15,000.00 |
| Southport Lions Club | 25-F | Indiana | $5,964.00 |
| Sterling Heights Lions Club | 11-A-2 | Michigan | $6,525.00 |
| The Colony Lions Club | 2-E-2 | Texas | $40,271.12 |
| Thiensville Mequon Lions Club | 27-A-2 | Wisconsin | $7,350.00 |
| Villa Rica Lions Club | 18-L | Georgia | $9,436.43 |
| Wilmington Manor Lions Club | 22-D | Delaware | $20,055.00 |
| Windsor Downtown Lions Club | A-1 | Ontario | $10,783.44 |
| Wixom Walled Lake Lions Club | 11-A-2 | Michigan | $6,475.00 |
323
clients served through all 4 of our programs in 2025
50
states that we've place dogs
39
countries that we've place dogs
1036
active client/guide dog teams throughout the US and other countries
Update Contact Information
Keep your club’s contact details current so we can stay connected with the right people.
Leader Dog Lions Team
-
Lion Kelsey Martin-Gardner
Director of Philanthropy - Lions
Central U.S.
Kelsey.Gardner@LeaderDog.org -
Lion Jess VandenBoom
Manager of Philanthropy - Lions
Western U.S. & Canada
Jess.Vandenboom@LeaderDog.org -
Lion Claudia Gregory
Manager of Philanthropy - Lions
Eastern U.S.
Claudia.Gregory@LeaderDog.org
Engage With Leader Dog
-
Giving Options
Explore the many ways your Lions Club can support Leader Dog and make a lasting impact. Find giving opportunities such as symbolic puppy sponsorship and campus brick tribute on our Ways to Give page.
-
85th Anniversary Pin
Celebrate our shared legacy with a commemorative pin honoring 85 years of partnership.
-
Lion Leader Dog Medallion
This special recognition is a meaningful way to honor a Lion in your club or district for their outstanding service, not only celebrating dedicated leadership but also supporting our mission.
-
Lions Exclusive Tour Experience
Each Leader Dog Experience for Lions runs from 1 to 4 p.m. EST and offers a tour of the canine center, a presentation from a client and a chance to participate in some activities while wearing a blindfold.
-
Check District and Club Donations
Leader Dog Chairs can access reports to keep track of clubs/donations in their area on a monthly basis.
Change lives today by donating to the Summer of Hope Fund.
LAST CHANCE to take advantage of our Matching Gift Challenge
Support our $60,000 Matching Gift Challenge and have your gift DOUBLED!
Join Us For Dinner in the Dark!
Presented by AAA The Auto Club Group - March 20, 2026
Our signature fundraiser will take place at the Palazzo Grande in Shelby Township, MI. Every dollar raised supports life-changing programs at no cost to our clients, empowering people who are blind or low vision to live independent, confident lives.
The evening includes a family style dinner, an open bar, hors d'oeuvres, an ice cream and cannoli platter, an espresso station, and on-location parking.
A New Issue of the Faithful Friends Newsletter Is Out!
In our latest Faithful Friends newsletter, we highlight ways we are helping Leader Dog clients — and we invite you to learn how you can make a difference.