The Durant Lions Club had their 105th year end banquet at the Elks Lodge. The Durant Club is the oldest active civic organization in Durant, and was one of the first Lions Clubs in Oklahoma as well as the nation, having been founded in 1921 by many prominent businessmen in Durant.
Outgoing president Lynn Smith started the proceedings with a review of the 9th annual Draggin’ Main Car Show that the Lions hosted the week before. Smith pointed out that this was far and away the best and biggest car show the club has ever had, having raised more than $41,000.
There were 128 vehicles in the show and the crowds over the course of the day were estimated to be in the thousands. Many of the downtown restaurants reported substantially increased business over the course of the day.
“We made a real effort to get the merchants and restaurants in the downtown area involved,” said Lions Club member Layne Heitz. “We want this show to benefi t everyone with a business on Main Street and the surrounding areas.”
Smith sees the biggest challenge in the upcoming year to be membership recruitment.
“We could not have had the year we had without the efforts of all the members, and at times we were stretchedprettythin,”Smith said. “For us to continue to grow, we must continue to attract quality members. We could not have had the show we had without the efforts of some of our newer members such as Chadd Forgy and Bailey Wallace. Their contributions were vital.”
After an outstanding dinner of ribeye steak cooked by Dennis Naifeh, the club presented their annual awards. The Best New Lion was presented to Bailey Wallace.
Smith said: “We could not have raised the money we did without her efforts.”
Wallace then stated it was her goal to help the club raise more than $50,000 for next year’s car show. The Officer of the Year was Kara Kuykendall, the club’s treasurer.
“Although we don’t see a lot of her at the regular meetings because of her work schedule, she continues to keep the club on track financially and does a terrifi c job keeping up with all of our expenses and dues,” Smith said.
The Lion of the Year was Charles “Chip” Weiner, the club secretary.
“Chip has done a great job for us all year and will be recognized this year as a 30year member,” Smith said.
The Rector Swearengin Memorial Citizen of the Year was Danny Hankey.
“Without his support through Roll Offs USA we could not have had the year we had. He’s been a Premier Sponsor of the car show from the start,” Smith said. “Our premier sponsors were key to the success of the car show, which also included Stuteville Chevrolet and the Choctaw Nation. The Choctaws assisted in all aspects of the car show, from printing posters and flyers to promoting the event. I can’t imagine doing it without their help.”
Mark Swearengin was then called to the dais to give an accounting of the year’s accomplishments.
“I’ve been a member of the Lions for over 30 years now, and don’t ever recall a member having the financial impact that President Smith has had, having chaired projects over the last 4 years that have raised over $75,000,” Swearengin said. “Our executive officers are perhaps the strongest group of leaders I’ve seen since becoming a Lion. I anticipate great things in the future for the Durant Lions and the community.”
Officers were then sworn in as follows: Club President: Daylin Hash, Vice President: Chadd Forgy, Secretary: Chip Weiner, Treasurer: Kara Kuyukendall, Directors: John Adams, Brian Bond, Paul Buntz, Dale Ellis, Past President and Car Show Chairman: Lynn Smith, Toys for Tots Chairman: Brian Bond, Lion Tamer: Heidi Hicks, Program Chairman: Blake Bronniman, Marketing Chairman: Bailey Wallace, Song Leader: Layne Heitz, Tail Twister: Mark Swearengin.
