1225-A S. Florida Ave. Rockledge, FL 32955
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Rockledge Lions Club focuses efforts on vision


A gift for sight.
Len Beckett of Rockledge Roses and Wine Florist and Patti Jarvis of the Rockledge Lions Club show an appreciation
certificate and a check during a ceremony capping a fundraising effort to help low-vision local residents for
FLORIDA TODAY



 As part of continuing efforts to provide vision and hearing services to local residents in need, the Rockledge Lions Club wrapped up a fundraising effort with three flower shops.

The shops -- Basket of Love Florist, Rockledge Roses and Wine Florist and Rockledge Garden Center -- each donated 10 cents to 25 cents per order during June, raising more than $500 for the Lions' program to pay for eyeglasses, exams and surgery for low-income, uninsured residents.

"Rockledge Roses and Wines has decided to do it every month from now on," Kevin Jarvis, club spokesman, said. "The other two are planning to participate again next June in the Flowers for Sight fundraiser. They understand what we are doing for the people of Rockledge."

Last year, the Rockledge Lions assisted more than 25 city residents with much-needed eye exams and glasses, Jarvis said.

"We are working now to raise money for a Rockledge resident who needs double-cataract surgery," he said.

In addition to the Flowers for Sight campaign in June, the Rockledge Lions Club sponsors its White Cane fundraisers four times a year, when members stand in front of businesses and ask for donations -- look for them in front of the two Publix grocery stores in Rockledge, which are on U.S. 1 and at the intersection of Barnes Boulevard and Murrell Road.

The club also raises money by selling poinsettias at Christmas time and lillies during the Easter season to churches and businesses.

"The Lions are focused on hearing and vision; we also raise funds for hearing aids," Jarvis said. "One hundred percent of the money we raise goes back into the community; the same with all Lions Clubs."

In addition, Rockledge Lions sponsors a backpack collection program for students in need at McNair Middle School; provides Christmas baskets for Rockledge families in need; and sponsors the Lions International Peace Poster Contest at three schools -- McNair, Kennedy Middle and Trinity Lutheran.

The Rockledge Lions Club, which has 17 members, meets at 6 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays at the Rockledge Country Club, 1591 S. Fiske Blvd., and welcomes new members, Jarvis said.

For information or to get involved, visit
eclubhouse.org/sites/rockledgefl or call Jarvis at 321-635-8416.