Are You Ready?! Here WE Go!!

The Magic Wand Theory

Quick question…

How many District Governors do you know who hand out magic wands at officer installations?

Well… now you know one!

This summer I had the privilege of installing officers for several clubs throughout our District. Instead of simply reading names and administering the oath, we had a little fun. We sorted officers into their own Harry Potter houses, and every officer received a magic wand.

Now, before anyone writes to Lions International wondering if I’ve completely lost it… hear me out.

Everyone laughed. Pictures were taken. Smiles filled the room. And those installations became something people will remember.

That experience reminded me of something I’ve believed for a long time:

Fun isn’t a distraction from service… it’s the fuel that keeps service going.

When people enjoy serving together, amazing things happen. Members become more engaged. Guests feel welcome. Communities notice. Clubs become stronger. And stronger clubs accomplish incredible things.

Now you’re probably wondering what Harry Potter has to do with this issue’s focus. Fair question.

It turns out… quite a bit.

Wisconsin Lions have an incredible opportunity to help Marquette University build its new Next Generation Childhood Cancer Research Laboratory. If Wisconsin Lions raise $50,000, LCIF will match it dollar-for-dollar, creating a $100,000 investment in research that will help develop more effective and less toxic treatments for children battling cancer.

Think about that.

Every fun fundraiser… every brat fry… every trivia night… every cornhole tournament… every donation… brings us one step closer to giving children and their families something they desperately need—hope.

It turns out the magic isn’t in the wand I handed each officer.

The real magic happens every time Lions come together with a great idea, a willing heart, and a little imagination.

That’s what Lions do best.

So let’s get creative. Dream up something your community will love. Laugh together. Invite friends to help. Because the more fun we have serving, the more lives we’ll change.

🧰 Tony’s Toolbox

The Birthday Challenge

Here’s an easy one.

Instead of asking for birthday gifts this year, ask your family and friends to donate $10 or $20 toward childhood cancer research.

One birthday.

One Lion.

A whole lot of hope.

Steal this idea. Make it better. Then tell me how it went.

⭐ Tony’s Challenge

I challenge every club in District 27-D1 to host one fun fundraiser for childhood cancer before January.

I don’t care if your club raises $100 or $10,000.

I care that you have fun doing something that helps so many.

Take pictures. Share your success. Inspire another club to do the same. Together, let’s help Wisconsin unlock the full $100,000 LCIF Matching Grant and make a real difference for children and their families.

Are you ready?!  Here WE Go!”

Yours in Service,

Tony Sobczak
District Governor 2026-2027
Lions District 27-D1