Giving Back for What the Lions Helped Her Become

Anne Smarsh pictured with her family. Standing, from left, son-in-law Jason Upton, daughter Mary Upton, husband Tom and granddaughter Allie Upton. Seated, Anne with grandson Blake Upton.

In 1992, Anne Smarsh was an accountant in Wichita, Kansas. One day—a day that would change her life—Anne attended a Lions club meeting, thanks to an invitation from co-workers. Impressed, Anne promptly became a Lion.

Her most poignant memory about becoming a Lion is the support she received. When she joined, Anne says she had no confidence and was afraid of public speaking. At that time, Past International President Claude DeVorss was involved with her club. PIP DeVorss would interact with Anne, always patient and encouraging her abilities. Anne knows that he is truly responsible for what Anne is as a Lion today.

In 1995, as a club director, she attended her first district convention and learned about Lions Clubs International Foundation. Anne is still amazed that since 1968, when LCIF was formed, a group of dedicated volunteers has given more than $1 billion.

Anne and her husband, Tom, now retired, decided to share their unused financial resources with LCIF through their estate plan. They, along with their daughter Mary, are sharing these funds because they want their support to continue as their legacy.

As a four-star charity, the Foundation’s financial strength makes it an investment that will impact lives for generations to come, says Anne. A planned gift also allows donors a way to support LCIF’s future work and not part with today’s resources.

For Anne and Tom, including LCIF in their estate was easy. “It is just doing what we do as Lions,” she says.

Your planned gift, like Anne and Tom’s, will make a difference in supporting Lions clubs’ humanitarian efforts. To learn more, contact Robert Kanonik, J.D. at +1.630.468.7067 or robert.kanonik@lionsclubs.org.