Lions Project for Canine Companions

 

Learn more ways to get involved with Lions Project for Canine Companions - Join our Mission as a Member Club, become a sponsor, or raise a puppy.  Come to a meeting, give us a call, or fill out the Membership Application under Links, and we will get back to you.

Environmental Week of Service April 18-26

 

1-2-3 Go Lions!

Imagine a service club built for the way people live today.

A place where you can make a real difference in your community without spending your life in meetings. A place where friendships grow naturally, ideas flow freely, and everyone — Lions and non‑Lions alike — feels welcome.

That’s the vision behind our new Saratoga Lions model: Service first. Camaraderie always. Meetings kept simple.

1‑2‑3 Go Lions! gives you a rhythm that fits real life:

• 1 hour a month of fast, focused Zoom time to handle business

• 2 hours in person for connection, laughter, and community‑building

• 3 ways to engage — service, social, and learning from speakers who spotlight local needs

You’ll meet neighbors, discover new ways to serve, and help shape projects that matter — all while being part of a club that values your time, your ideas, and your heart for community.

If you’ve been looking for a place to belong, to contribute, and to grow, the Saratoga Lions are ready to welcome you in.

Join us — and let’s build something meaningful together. 1‑2‑3 Go Lions!

 

Saratoga Lions Joins the Saratoga Chamber of Commerce

The Saratoga Lions Club is delighted to share that we are now a member of the Saratoga Chamber of Commerce. Chartered on February 21, 1947, our club has spent nearly eight decades serving the Saratoga community with heart and purpose.

Our work includes vision and hearing support, youth leadership programs, senior outreach, community preparedness, and hands‑on service projects that uplift neighbors of all ages.

Joining the Chamber allows us to deepen our partnerships with local businesses, support community events, and collaborate on initiatives that strengthen Saratoga.

We believe that when service and business come together, the entire community benefits. We look forward to building new relationships and continuing our mission of service.

It's a New Year - how will you serve?

 

Lions Shine a Light on Mental Health and Well-Being

Take the survey!

We'd love to hear from you.  Take the survey to let us know more about you and your interests in serving the community and thoughts about being a Lion.

Announcing 2026-2027 Peace Poster Contest

 

International Peace Contests | Lions Clubs International

The International Peace Contests are made up of two unique contests sponsored by Lions clubs — the International Peace Poster Contest and the International Peace Essay Contest. Young people ages 11-13 can share their creativity in expressing what peace means through art and writing. 

Grand prize winners for each contest receive an award, a monetary prize of US$5,000 and an invitation to a Lions International event. For the International Peace Poster Contest, 23 merit winners will receive a certificate and a monetary prize of US$500.

The 2026-2027 contest

Harmony in Humanity

When we treat each other with respect and kindness, peace can flourish. This year, we invite young people to imagine a world where people of every culture and background live together peacefully — celebrating differences, finding common ground and creating true harmony in humanity.

Contact us at saratogalionsca@gmail.com for more information.

2024-2025 Winner

🍝 Cozy Connections & Community Magic — Join Us Nov. 18!

You're invited to a heartwarming Meet & Greet hosted by the Saratoga Lions Club on Saturday, November 18, from 6:00–8:00 PM at Florentine Trattoria.

• Give the Gift of Warmth Bring a gently used coat to support our One Warm Coat Drive, benefiting children and families through the Juvenile Dependency Court. Your donation helps wrap someone in comfort this winter.
• Discover the Magic Yarn Project Stay for a special presentation by Guest Speaker Linda Williams, who will share how whimsical wigs and character-inspired creations bring joy to children battling cancer. Her work with the Magic Yarn Project is a beautiful reminder of how creativity and compassion can heal.
• What Is Lions All About? Whether you're curious about service, looking to connect, or ready to make a difference, this is your chance to meet passionate community members, learn about local Lions projects, and share your ideas for future fundraisers and outreach.

Let’s break bread, build bonds, and spark new ways to serve. We can’t wait to meet you!

Space is limited.  RSVP.

Ways to Serve

JOIN US!

CALENDAR

September is National Service Dog Month!

Join the Saratoga Lions and discover how we proudly support Canine Companions! As members of the Lions Project for Canine Companions, we're excited to invite you to an upcoming meeting where you’ll hear directly from the folks behind this incredible program — and even have the chance to meet one of these amazing service dogs in person.

Come be part of a community making a real difference, one paw at a time!

Saratoga Nights

We had a great time participating in Saratoga Nights, meeting people, and getting the word out about Saratoga Lions and our service projects.  There was much interest in learning more about the Student Speakers Contest and the Lions International Peace Poster Contest.

We will be attending the next event on October 2 at 5:00 at Saratoga Village.  Come on down!

Link to August Saratoga Nights

Link to September Saratoga Nights

What's your Lion style?

What's your Lion style—builder, helper, cheerleader, or trailblazer? Got ideas? Reach out at Saratogalionsca@gmail.com  Watch our story:

Student Speaker Contest

 

2025-2026 Topic:  Youth Mental Health: Overcoming Barriers to Well-being

Participation is open to all high school aged students in California. Winners at the Club, Zone and Region receive cash awards. Participants winning at the District, Area and State levels receive college scholarships. The final winner of all levels will receive approximately $21,000 total in cash and scholarships!

Contact us to participate. saratogalions at gmail.com.

For more info go to:

https://studentspeakersfoundation.org/

• Club contest held in February 2026
• Final of six contests to be held in June 2026
• Scholarships totalling $20,500 to finalist
• Contest information

Peace Poster Contest

Contact us if you have an 11-13 year old who would like to participate in Lions International Peace Poster or Peace Essay Contest. 408 641 0277

The International Peace Contests are made up of two unique contests sponsored by Lions clubs — the International Peace Poster Contest and the International Peace Essay Contest. Young people ages 11-13 can share their creativity in expressing what peace means through art and writing. 

Grand prize winners for each contest receive an award, a monetary prize of US$5,000 and an invitation to a Lions International event. For the International Peace Poster Contest, 23 merit winners will receive a certificate and a monetary prize of US$500.

The 2025-2026 contest

Together As One

When we come together, we can do amazing things. This year, we’re inviting students around the world to envision what can happen when a diverse group of people unites around a common cause or goal. Imagine a world where we all come together as one!

Meet the 2024-2025 Winners

Peace Contest Winners | Lions Clubs International

Welcome to Saratoga Lions of California

Whether you're a longtime Lion, a curious newcomer, or a community champion at heart—we’re thrilled you’re here!  Join our team!

This group is your hub for:

Service opportunities that uplift Saratoga and beyond
Creative outreach ideas to engage families and youth
Club updates, event invites, and member spotlights
Legacy stories that honor our past and inspire our future

We believe in compassionate action, inclusive leadership, and joyful connection. Every voice matters, and every helping hand makes a difference.

Jump in! Introduce yourself, share a memory, or tell us what inspires you to serve. Stay tuned for upcoming projects, contests, and ways to ROAR with us!

Together, we’re not just a club—we’re a movement.

History of Saratoga Lions Club

The Founding of the Saratoga Lions Club

The Saratoga Lions Club was founded on April 26, 1947, and was sponsored by the Los Gatos Lions Club. From the very beginning of the movement to incorporate the City of Saratoga to its actual incorporation the Saratoga Lions Club took a leading and active part. It was Lions Club funds that started the study of the Choro Foundation as a feasibility survey. Members of the club served actively on all phases of this movement from committeemen to Committee Chairmen and just plain interested citizens. After the election of October 1956 three members of the Saratoga Lions Club sat on the first City Council. They were Lions Raymond Williams, Barney Rosasce, and Harold Jepson, this was three out of the five people elected. From its inception the Lions Club has supplied personnel, the first being the first City Clerk, Lion Frank Bachman.

We Present Our Presidents

SARATOGA LIONS CLUB PRESIDENTS
from 1947 to 2025

Harold E. Easterbrook	Charter President 1947-1948
Dr. John E. Cox	1948-1949
Virgil H. Campbell	1949-1950
Daniel Ungaro	1950-1951
Brewster Loud,	1951-1952
Frederick G. Crisp	1952-1953
Monroe Bricker	1953-1954
Dr. Barney Rosasco	1954-1955
Charles Hunter	1955-1956
Dr. Kenneth Cermak	1956-1957
Dr. Warren Sturla	1957-1958
Willys Peck (Betty)	1958-1959
Joseph Connolly	1959-1960
Robert Grand	1960-1961
Lenney E. Bee	1961-1962
Dr. Allan N. Freid	1962-1963
Richard Butera	1963-1964
Dr. Vincent J. Mongrone	1964-1965
Clarence W. Neale	1965-1966
Edward R. Church=	1966-1967
Douglas M. Adams	1967-1968
Elliott C. Wiesinger	1968-1969
Ernest A. Whittall	1969-1970
Lenney E. Bee	1970-1971
Gerald J. Zapelli	1971-1972
Patrick S. Lowey	1973-1974
Robert Cancellieri	1974-1975
Jim McCoun	1975-1976, 1976-1977
Richard Amerio	1977-1978
Bill Colton	1978-1979
Charles Murphy	1979-1980
Jack Rohan	1980-1981, 1981-1892
Al Cano	1982-1983
Dennis Ikerd	1983-1984
Charles Odineal	1984-1985
Robert Cancellieri	1985-1986
Charles McFall	1986-1987
Charles Odineal	1987-1988
Douglas M. Adams	1988-1989
Mark Biondich	1989-1990
Richard E. Kaufmann	1990-1991
Ray Swanson	1991-1992
Robert Cancellieri	1992-1993
G. W. Pete Kreamer	1993-1994, 1994-1995
Robert K. Louden	1995-1996, 1996-1997
Marlene Duffin	1997-1998
Frank Lemmon	1998-1999
Barbara Major	1999-2000
Richard Siegfried	2000-2001
George Bunyard	2001-2002
Karin Dowdy	2002-2003
Bob Cancellieri	2003-2004
Helen Lemmon	2004-2005, 2005-2006
Robert Louden	2006-2007, 2007-2008
Berdan Mardinly	2008-2009
Elaine Clabeaux	2009-2010, 2010-2011
Robert Louden	2011-2012, 2012-2013
George Bunyard	2013-2014
Shirley Cancellieri	2014-2015
James Reese	2015-2016, 2016-2017
Hugh Hexamer	2017-2018, 2018-2019
Sheryl Heidorn	2019-2020
Penbe Konuk	2020-2020
Lois Murray	2020-2021, 2021-2022
Shirley Cancellieri	2022-2023, 2023-2024
Linda Pugliese	2025-2026