On behalf of District Governor Mark Wyer and Lion Lisa, we welcome you to the Grand Ole’ Opry. We will be live January 23rd and 24th at the Holiday Inn Champaign. Come celebrate with great food, learning sessions, see old friends, and make new ones.
Come and meet our International Guest for the weekend, International Director Lion Dr. Mark Mansell and Lion Debbie from Ocean Park Washington. You will have the opportunity to speak with them about what is going on at the International level and get some of your burning questions about our organization answered. They will be with us all weekend long.
The events will start on Friday evening with a kick off dinner that is open to anyone who registers for that dinner. We will have informal comments from our visiting ID and some entertainment for you to enjoy, then head upstairs for hospitality. Then Saturday morning everything really gets going in the conference center with our opening session, seminars, silent auction, exhibitors, fun, and fellowship. We will hold all seminars in one room so that everyone can hear what all of our presenters have to say. From learning about the different service opportunities that are available to our clubs through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to helping those with mental health issues to learning more about what is happening at our Lions of Illinois Foundation. We will also have a session near and dear to DG Mark, Mission K9 Warrior We have the privilege also to have Paralympic Athlete Jean Driscoll here to tell us her story, you don’t want to miss this.
DG Mark has asked for the dress code for the weekend to be Lions casual. Show off your club shirts or vests and be comfortable for this fun event. Even for the Saturday night banquet, come as you are, no need to dress up. You most certainly can if you want to though.
You can register below or by filling out the paper version and mailing that and a check to Lion Jennifer Perrine at the address listed on the registration form. To book your hotel room at the special Lions rate of $119 you can call the hotel direct at 217-398-3400 or click here Holiday Inn Champaign . The cutoff to book rooms is Dec. 24th, SO PLEASE BOOK NOW to ensure that there will be rooms available.
We hope that you will join us for this celebration of our great district!
Dr. Mark Mansell of Ocean Park, Washington, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as an
international director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 107th international
convention in Orlando, Florida, USA, July 13 through July 17, 2025.
Director Mansell holds a master’s degree in school administration and a doctoral degree in
educational leadership. Now retired, he spent 30 years as an educator in public schools, with 20
of those years as a school superintendent. He is currently an elected member of the board of
directors for his local school district. He also served six years in the United States Air Force as a
missile systems analyst.
Since becoming a Lion in 1998, he has held many offices within the association including district
governor, first vice district governor, zone chairperson, Global Leadership Team coordinator,
Global Membership Team coordinator, Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) multidistrict
coordinator for Campaign 100, MD-19 North America Membership Initiative and Global
Membership Approach Champion, LCIF Area H vice leader and LCIF Area H leader.
Director Mansell has received the International President’s Recognition Medal, International
President’s Award, multiple International President’s Leadership Awards, International
President’s Certificates of Appreciation, LCIF chairperson medals and a Global Action Team
medal. In addition, he is a Lions Legacy Society member, a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow
and an LCIF Progressive Major Donor.
Dr. Mansell and his wife, Debbie, also a Lion, is a past district governor, a Progressive Melvin
Jones Fellow and a Legacy Society member. They have two children and two grandchildren.
Ron will talk to us about all things Lions of Illinois Foundation. Bring your questions and see what programs or services your club could use to better serve your community.
Angie will share with all about Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. How Lions can get involved and making sure books get in the hands of all of our youth.
Jean Driscoll is the Assistant Dean for Advancement in the College of Applied Health Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She was born in Milwaukee, WI with spina bifida (an open spine). It affected her ability to walk and included other neurological complications as well. She began using a wheelchair at the age of 15 and started pursuing athletic opportunities with fervor. After being recruited to the University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign, she became one of the world’s most successful athletes.
During her career, Jean was the first eight-time winner of the Boston Marathon. She set 5 new course records, 5 world best times, and held Boston’s fastest time in the women’s wheelchair division for 21 years. In addition to her success in Boston, Jean also won two Olympic medals and 12 Paralympic medals. She was inducted into the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Hall of Fame in 2012. She has also received honorary degrees from the University of Rhode Island, Massachusetts School of Law, and Gettysburg College.
Mental Health is one of the newest focus areas for Lions. Find out how Lions can help and how taking care of ourselves is important to be able to serve others.
Neal will talk to us about the Mission K9 Warrior program and how Lions can help.
Salads and build your own sandwhich buffet
2 Meat Plated meal (honey glazed ham and fried chicken) with sides and dessert
Lunch is a salad and build your own sandwich buffet.Dinner is a 2 meat plated meal (Honey glazed Ham and Fried Chicken) with sides and dessert.
BBQ Pork buffet
Kickoff is a BBQ Pork buffetLunch - salad and build your own sandwich buffetDinner - 2 meat plated meal (Honey Glazed Ham and Fried Chicken) with sides and desserts.
Yes, it's okay to send me text messages including order confirmations, updates, event reminders, and event information. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to cancel. View our terms of service & privacy policy.
