Vinny Papa, a business owner in Mahopac who has been a member of the Somers Lions Club for the last eight years, recently received the honors of being named President of the Club.
He was appointed to the one-year term by his fellow members.
"Being a member of the Lions is like no other social club," Papa told Patch. "We are a group of men and women that want to give back to our community. We are fortunate enough to be able to give to family and organizations less fortunate than us. It's a rewarding feeling that everyone needs to feel once in their life."
Papa, a former Somers resident who now lives in North Salem, first learned about the Somers Lions Club through the various events members held, such as as 4th of July Celebration, Pancake Breakfast and golf outings.
He said he didn't have the time to get involved when his two daughters -- Kimberly and Jennifer, now 31 and 28 -- were younger, but once they graduated from high school, he got involved with the organization and began volunteering.
It wasn't until a Somers Lions Club meeting that Papa realized the impact of what volunteers could do. At the meeting he met a 9-year-old boy, named Sterling, who was suffering from brain cancer and was receiving support from another non-profit organization Friends of Karen.
At the end of the meeting, he carried the boy on his shoulders and walked him over to his car. Once he put him down on the ground, the little boy asked Papa if they could have a play date the following day, Papa remembered.
"It melted my heart," Papa said. "That's when it hit me. It's time to give back."
Papa said the motto on the Lions Club is "Spread the Love" because members try to make everyone they come in contact with feel special.
His goal now as the Club's president is to increase the Club's current membership, which is about 110 people. He also wants younger people to join the organization and give back.
"I encourage people to join but leave any personal agenda at the door," Papa said. "I want members to join to give back to the community not for personal reason such as helping to promote their business or just to be part of a club."
The Somers Lions Club works closely with the Friends of Karen, Blythedale Children Hospital, Guiding Eyes for the Blinds, Vacation Camp for the Blind, and many other organization that come to the Lions on a weekly bases.
Last year, Somers Lions Club members fed more than 200 people who lost their homes from the storm at Stony Point. Beside feeding them, they set them up with furniture and clothing for their entire families when they finally found a place to live.
"We even had one of our member donate $1,000 of his personal money to clothe the entire family before the winter since they nothing but the clothes on their back when they were thrown out of their home," Papa said. "It's not about throwing money at the problem and walking away. We have many successful members of this amazing club give much more than just money."
Papa, who for the last 28 years has owned Mavis Tire of Mahopac, was involved with sports for years. He used to coach his two daughters' basketball, softball and soccer teams and raise money for the programs along with the rest of his friends.
He said he knows how busy everyone can be, but he encourages people to volunteer whenever they have the time.
"I know everyone has a busy lifestyle raising their family, but don't wait to give back to the less fortunate," he said. "It's a feeling that can't be duplicated in life."
For more information on the Somers Lions Club and to learn how you can become a member, visit their website by clicking here.
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