The Ava Lions Club was organized November 29, 1937 at the Ava High School, under the sponsorship of the Marshfield and Springfield Lions Clubs. The club received their charter of January 20, 1938, with a charter membership of 21, and with 137 members and guests attending. Club President Dr. F. Schudy, received the club charter from District Governor, Rev D. Jensen of Lexington, Mo. The Club cele
brated their Charter night annually for many years. From its beginning 80 Plus years ago, the Ava Lions Club has been actively involved in the activities and projects that benefit the community and improve the quality of life for many, especially the visually impaired. In the heart of the Missouri Ozark Mountains lies a small town of about 3,000 people, Ava, Missouri. It can truly boast of its attraction to the international community. Annually, during the Labor Day holiday in September, the Missouri Foxtrotting Horse Breed Association, with headquarters in Ava, hosts the crowning of the world champion Missouri Fox Trotter. Horse lovers and breeders from the United States, Australia, and many European countries attend this annual event in hopes of winning the coveted Grand Champion title. The Ava Lions Club worked with the Foxtrotting Association for over 30 years. The Ava Lions Club is a small club, but its members have an intense community spirit. Especially dedicated to the youth in the community, the Ava Lions supply support for several community events such as a Halloween costume contest, help with the Christmas parade, and a breakfast for high school seniors and sponsors participating in Project Graduation, as well as money for scholarships. They donate regularly to several local and Lions Club charities and do service projects for many organizations in town. The Lions Club works with Ava’s two local schools, as well as two outlying schools, with the Lion’s Peace Poster Project, the Backpack Program, and giving hearing screenings. The Ava Lions Club meets the second and fourth Mondays of the month. On the fourth Monday meeting, featured speakers from the community and Lions Club programs give presentations regarding community needs, financial advice, disaster assistance, Lions projects, and other subjects of interest. Ava Lions Club news is printed in the local newspaper, the Douglas County Herald, and monthly interviews are given on Ava’s local radio station, KKOZ (1430AM / 92.1FM), to keep the community aware of the Ava Lions Club and its support of the local community. The club also has a page, Ava Missouri Lions Club, which all are invited to visit and “like” to receive information and photos of current events. Our motto is that of the Lions Clubs International, "We Serve." As it has guided our activities in the past, so it will continue to guide the Ava Lions Club in the future.
