ASTON — “You make good friends. You’re always helping people. And you serve the community in so many ways,” stated Antoinette Bonacquisti of Brookhaven.
“I don’t think that I could be a member of any other organization that would be more rewarding than this one,” added Harriet Reynolds of West Chester. “I’m always able to genuinely help people and make a difference in local communities.”
The women were talking about why they have been longtime members of the Aston Lioness Club, a service club of community-minded, caring women that provides community service opportunities, supports programs that benefit the blind and visually impaired, as well as the police, fire company, library, Scouts, schools and churches.
In return for their service, members are rewarded in knowing they made a difference in their community, while making long-lasting friendships and having a lot of fun at their fundraisers.
The Aston Lioness Club was formed and chartered in 1977, with 29 members, becoming the first Lioness Club in Delaware County.
The club was presented with its certificate of organization from the Lions International, but the Lioness Club operated as a subsidiary of the Aston Lions Club. The Aston Lions presented the Lioness Club with the club’s first banner, gavel and American flag. Many of those objects are still used today.
“Back in the ’70s when we were founded, most of us were wives of Aston Lions Club members so our club was like an auxiliary club of the Lions,” Reynolds, a 33-year member of the club, explained. ”We basically helped them out at their events or had fundraisers for their projects.”
In the last few decades, although the Lionesses’ mission of serving the community and the blind and visually impaired has held steadfast, the club itself has evolved, going through changes.
In 2020, the International Association of Lions Clubs granted the Lioness Club its own charter, thereby making the club autonomous, although it continues to work hand-in-hand on many joint projects with the Lions.
Being its own dues-paying chartered member of Lions International allows the Lioness Club to apply for scholarships monies and grants for large projects, be covered by the International Lions’ insurance and take advantage of other benefits.
The Lionesses still partner with the Lions on many ventures, including the pancake breakfast and annual Christmas party.
Camp for the blind
One of the pet projects for which the Lionesses enjoy teaming up with the Lions is the Frank Staus Day Camp for the Blind.
Every summer, the Lionesses have put on the camp with the help of the Lions, Leos and families of the members.
The camp, which was originally held on the property that is currently occupied by Sun Center Studios, is now held in the banquet hall of American Legion Post 926. The camp is available to blind residents throughout Delaware County. The transportation back and forth each day is provided by Pennsylvania Association for the Blind.
“Many times, those at the Center for the Blind in Chester don’t get away for a vacation because they’re elderly or retired or on a fixed income, so they really appreciate this week with their peers,” stated Lioness Michelle Donato of Aston. “The campers really enjoy themselves. It’s fun for them, but it’s fun for us, too!”
Each day the campers are treated to an educational program, entertainment, and a wide menu of food options. Trivia games, a flea market, crafts, bingo, a pizza day and a barbecue are just some of the things campers do while attending.
“The camp is an inspiration to many,” remarked Lioness Club Vice President Candy Bantum of Chester, who also works at the Center for the Blind. “We do our best to make sure it’s the best week of the year. Those who attend have such a wonderful time and often, that camp week, is the highlight of the summer.”
Experts at fundraisers
The Aston Lionesses serve all communities, not just the local Aston/Brookhaven area.
For Thanksgiving, the club purchased turkeys and four bags of groceries for each of thirty families in need. Local churches provide them with the names of possible recipients. The Lionesses also recently purchased three bullet-proof vests for Aston Police officers and lent support to the Domestic Abuse Project, Cityteam, Overbrook School of the Blind, Beacon Lodge Blind Camp, Delaware Valley Eye Bank and many more. The club also awards scholarships to local middle and high school students.
Currently, the Lionesses are collecting hats, toys, scarves and gloves for The Hicks Foundation until Dec. 7. At other times of the year, they stock food banks and shelters, help in community emergencies, and collect for White Cane.
“When we collect for the White Cane Drive in October, that’s when you really feel good about being a Lioness,” Donato remarked. “Many people have come up to me and said ‘thank you for all you do in our community.’ The feedback really has made us feel appreciated and that we are making a difference in people’s lives.”
To support the club’s do-good actions, they must fundraise throughout the year. The women said that they try to create “fun”-raisers, so everyone, including the Lionesses, have a really good time while raising the money needed for their community endeavors.
The Lionesses have held designer bag bingos, craft shows, fashion shows, theatre trips, paint nights, psychic fairs, flea markets and more. Their events are posted regularly on the club’s Facebook page to invite the community.
“People always come out in numbers to support whatever we do,” Donato said. “I have found that people are really good-hearted. This club has really allowed me to see how much goodness there is in this world.”
Members wanted
All of the Lionesses’ activities require many hands to make light work, so the club is always looking for new members.
Right now, there are about 33 members in the Club, who span the ages of twenty-somethings to the oldest member who is 99-years-old, but many more are needed.
“We welcome new members,” stated current president Jeanne Scully. “All that is needed is a heart to help others and a desire to make a difference in their community.”
In addition to President Jeanne Scully, other members of the 2022-23 board are: Roxanne Imperatrice, past president, director; Candy Bantum, vice president/membership; Antoinette Bonacquisti, secretary; Carol Bodimer, treasurer; Lovada Ott, marketing/communications; and Janet DeAngelis, director.
Meetings are held twice a month. The first Thursday of the month is a board meeting at the Aston Community Center on Concord Road, where all club business is conducted, including any votes, action items, status and financial summary.
The fourth Thursday of the month is a dinner meeting. This meeting is more of a social time to enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, as well as good conversation and a guest speaker. The dinner meeting was not held in the last few years, due to the pandemic, but the Lionesses hope to reinstate it this month, as they continue to grow their membership numbers.
For more information on becoming an Aston Lioness, or to support the club’s efforts in any way, email gilla1902@icloud.com or call Candy at 302-354-5814.
