Lions and Leos fix plates and load to-go boxes during the 2018 Fish and Ham Dinner. (Cullman Tribune file photo)
CULLMAN, Ala. – When 1970-71 Cullman Lions Club President Clomar Pruett proposed the creation of a fundraising dinner, he probably didn’t know how far it would go. That first dinner, then featuring oysters and ham, had around 1,300 takers. Now, 48 years and a catfish-flavored tweaking later, the dinner is going strong, and the Lions, Lionesses, and their high school Leos are getting ready for another feast.
The 2019 Cullman Lions Club Fish and Ham Dinner will be held on Saturday, March 9, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Cullman Middle School cafeteria. For $10 per plate, diners will get their choice of catfish or ham plus baked potato, slaw, hushpuppies, dessert and a drink. Eat in, or take home; drive-through pick up will be available on the north side of the cafeteria.
Lion Jim Howard told The Tribune that approximately 100 Lions and Lionesses, along with 35-40 Leos, will prepare between 1,700 and 1,800 dinners, around 60 percent of them packed to leave through the drive-through. He expects the event to raise $10,000-11,000.
The money raised by Lions Club events like the Cullman County Fair and this dinner will mainly benefit eyesight-related causes like providing eye exams and glasses to needy patients, along with other eye services through the UAB Callahan Eye Hospital and the Alabama Lions Eye Clinic located at that hospital. The club will also support numerous other local causes, as well. Over just the last few years, Cullman Lions have contributed to:
- Cullman Caring for Kids United Way Food Bank
- Good Samaritan Health Clinic
- Grace Episcopal Church’s Grace Place
- Stiefelmeyer Park
- Field of Miracles
- Cullman Regional Foundation and renovations of Cullman Regional waiting rooms
- Hope Horses, Inc.
- Sponsoring diabetic kids to go to Camp Seale Harris
- Sponsoring high school students to go to Troy University’s youth leadership conference
The Cullman Lions Club has on multiple occasions been named the top local chapter in the state, even more often named the top club in the northern district, and is the largest local chapter in Alabama. It is also the state’s largest supporter of the Alabama Lions Sight project at UAB.
For Howard, being a member means “to participate in the community, what needs to be done, or what we can do for the community, and be active in the community, too, and the friendship that you develop both in the club and outside the club.”
At a glance
2019 Cullman Lions Club Fish and Ham Dinner
Saturday, March 9, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Cullman Middle School cafeteria
$10 per plate
Tickets are available from any Cullman Lions or Lioness Club member, The Brandin’ Iron Restaurant in West Point, Business Solutions of Cullman, Cullman Veterinary Hospital, Doug Doggett Jewelers, East Side Barber Shop, Ed White Jewelers, Mary Carter Store, Peek Auto Parts, Ponder Wrecker Service or Rennards Gallery. Tickets can also be purchased at the door the day of the event.
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