Final Decision of LCI Board of Directors
April 28, 2011 

Dear Lions of MD19,

I wish to take this opportunity to share with you a decision made by the International Board of Directors and the Constitution and Bylaws Committee of Lions Clubs International in Chicago. This positive and fair decision simply reaffirms what we have been saying for two years: that the SightLife/Northwest Lions Foundation governance restructuring is in compliance with the use of the Lions logo and name.

In essence, the committee, after review of our legal documents and all appropriate material submitted by MD19 Council and Administration, made the following decision at their April board meeting:

"After a thorough review of all the documentation submitted and consideration of the association's trademark policies in Chapter XV, Paragraph A.5. of the Board Policy Manual, the Constitution and By-Laws Committee found that the present composition of the board of directors of the Northwest Lions Foundation, the current governing structure of the Northwest Lions Foundation with respect to SightLife, and the ongoing sponsorship of the Northwest Lions Foundation by Lions clubs throughout the sub-districts that comprise Multiple District 19, are consistent with and do NOT violate Lions Clubs International's trademark policies." [emphasis added]

We recognize that this whole matter has been both uncomfortable and confusing for many clubs and Lions throughout our great Multiple District.

Hopefully, this determination by LCI will resolve any lingering questions or issues concerning the upcoming White Cane Days. Remember these funds go exclusively to our Lions community service programs, including our sight grants to the indigent and our health screening of over 30,000 children per year.

Please continue to do your great work in Lionism and contact me if you have any additional questions.

Sincerely,

PID Roger R. Richert, Chairman
Northwest Lions Foundation