Georgia Lions Shine at Evening in the End Zone

On October 17, 2022, the Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation hosted a very successful Evening in the End Zone event at the Chick-fil-A College Hall of Fame in Atlanta which raised over $325,000! While the evening’s event was punctuated with wonderful acceptance speeches by award recipients and a celebration for the 1980 and 2021 University of Georgia Championship Football teams; it was also clear that this was a great night to be a Georgia Lion.

Woodstock Lions

Georgia Lions "showed up big” that night. Lion Jim Jarrell sang an inspiring rendition of the National Anthem to help kick-off the evening festivities. In attendance, were at least four Georgia Lions Clubs (Atlanta, Alpharetta, Woodstock and McDonough) who had purchased full tables in addition to a table hosted by Lion Tammera Sears, GLLF Board Chairman comprised of several other Board members and their guests. Other Lions present included Jim Ervin, Past International President. Early in the program, Lions were asked to stand to be recognized and at least 15% of the attendance rose to the sound of applause.

CLICK HERE for a video of the evening’s highlights!

Gary Stokan, President of the Peach Bowl, is fond of talking about the unique bond between Georgia Lions and the Peach Bowl. During his portion of the program, Gary reminded everyone it was Georgia Lions, led by Atlanta Lion George Crumbley, who founded the Peach Bowl in 1967 as America’s first-ever charity bowl to establish a source of ongoing funding for the Lighthouse’s work. A fact that all Georgia Lions should take pride in.

Additionally the event brought a wide range of sponsors to Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation, including KIA, Google, Chick-fil-A and of course, Peach Bowl–the presenting sponsor. Guests of the event enjoyed a fun and lively program led by Bulldog legend Kevin Butler and his radio partner, Jeff Dantzler, and both a live and silent auction to benefit GLLF.

Lion Jim Ervin

To my fellow Lions and Lion leaders: If you didn’t attend last week’s Evening in the End Zone you missed a great event. The GLLF was recognized by Atlanta area leaders, Georgia football legends and the Peach Bowl for the tremendous vision services being provided to those throughout our great state who are most in need…my good friend and mentor George Crumbly, founder of the Peach Bowl, would be proud of those who support the GLLF and especially of Gary Stokan, President and CEO of the Peach Bowl for his kindness and financial support. This year Gary and his board of directors increased their annual donation to $100,000 for the GLLF… Be proud of the Lighthouse and of the wonderful relationship,we have with the Peach Bowl.

- Jim Ervin, Past LCI President

As we go forward, we know that Georgia Lions Clubs will continue to be integral in the success of our future Evening in the End Zone events.

This year's Evening in the End Zone was a great success! My wife Becky and I enjoyed seeing many of our Lions Club friends that attended including Past International President, Jim Ervin. We also enjoyed the opportunity to talk with several University of Georgia greats including Loran Smith, Kevin Butler, Malcom Mitchell and Buck Belue who were there to support the event. We were also floored by Gary Stoken and the Peach Bowl's contribution of $100,000 to the Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation, wow! My only question is what do you do next year for an encore?

- Jim Jarrell, Atlanta Lions

Spotlight on the Beacon for Hope Award Recipient

Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation honored Dr. Seung Shin, OD with the Lighthouse Beacon of Hope Award during this year’s Evening in the End Zone event. The Beacon of Hope Award honors a medical professional who demonstrates an unwavering commitment to vision health care for the uninsured in his/her community.

Dr. Shin currently works at the Eye Joa Galleria in Duluth. She began volunteering with GLLF in February 2021, and since that time has donated countless hours at the Chamblee Clinic and on the road providing eye exams to students in Title 1 Schools.

She received her undergraduate degree at the College of New Jersey and graduate degree at the University of New York (SUNY) College of Optometry.

Dr. Seung Shin, OD (left) and Beth Ehrhardt, GLLF Executive Director

Dr. Seung Shin, OD - The Lighthouse Beacon of Hope Award Recipient 2022

Our Mission

Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation brings improved sight to Georgians who need it most.