Kenton Lions Club Recently Held Regular Meeting

The Kenton Lions club held its regular meeting on Wednesday May 21st, at the Kenton Elks.  The meeting was called to order at 6:31 pm by Lion President Jason Van Buskirk with 19 members and one guest present. 

Katrina Hughes-Collins, CPA, talked to members about the pros and cons of being a 501 (C ) 4, also known as a Social Welfare Organization, versus a 501 (C ) 3, referred to as a Charitable Organization. 

Members were given a handout that listed the advantages of a 501 (C ) 3, like donations to the club being tax-deductible for donors, and eligibility for grants that require the 501 (C ) 3 status for organizations seeking the grant.  Cons of the 501 (C ) 3 status were the stricter IRS Rules on governance, spending and public disclosure. 

Also, Charitable Organizations cannot support or oppose political candidates or campaigns, unlike the Social Welfare organizations that may engage in some political campaign activity as long as it’s not the primary activity.  After the presentation, Katrina was able to field several questions from members. 

Lion Joe Burbacher made a motion to accept the Secretary and Treasurers Reports, with a 2nd by Lion Bruce Oberlightner.  After a vote by members, motion passed.  Lion Gary Whitmer Thanked the Lions for the Carl Lotz Scholarship Awarded to his daughter Lucy at the KHS Awards program.  

Lion Tracy Anderson said there were 10 teams that participated in the 3rd annual Golf Scramble.  Next year’s date is set for May 16th, for the 4th annual scramble.  Lion Tracy thanked Hempy Water for their donation of bottled water, Sue Buroker for the shredded chicken, Save-A-Lot for the buns and Lion Michael Hunt for the hole sponsor signs. 

Lion Judd Robinson reported that there are 25 groups participating in this year’s parade on May 26th. At 10:00 am.  He also discussed the route and order of floats and asked Lions who are helping to arrive at Mary Lou Johnson Library around 9-9:15 am.  Lion Joe reported that the club received a Community Grant of  $1000 for the Merry-Go-Round and $500 for the swings.  He thanked the Lions who helped at the May 14th work day and that there are two tables and one bench to finish.  

Lion President Jason shared he was able to use the bucket truck to trim and remove dead limbs from two trees.   Lion Kirk has 200 tickets printed so far for the July 19th Cash drawing and has asked members to be ready to sell.  Tickets will be a $20 donation.  Lion Kirk also led discussion on using forms of electronic payments for club activities.  He provided examples of Strike for credit cards and Venmo for electronic payments and the associated fees with each. 

After discussion amongst members, Lion Tracy moved to establish and use  a credit card and electronic form of cashless payments to the club.  After a 2nd by Lion Michael Hunt, members voted.  Motion Passed.   Lion Brad Bailey moved to have Katrina Hughes-Collins CPA help the club complete the application process of obtaining the 501 (C ) 3  and for her services of annual filing with the IRS.   This motion also includes the IRS application fee of $275.00 to be paid by the club. 

After a 2nd by Lion Bill Keller, 17 members voted with two members abstaining.  Motion passed unanimously.  

Lion Tracy Thanked Lion President Jason for his “Presidential Leadership the last two years.  Lion President Jason encouraged members to keep working hard and that the willingness of the club members to step in when needed is what makes the president’s job meaningful. 

Meeting Adjourned: 8:19 PM

Submitted by Lion Rick Collins