Hamptons-Based Lions Club Sets Out To Assist Local College Students With Education-Related Expenses

The Sag Harbor Lions Club is launching its ambitious community fundraising campaign to raise $50,000 in support of scholarship funds that will be awarded to Pierson High School seniors. To celebrate and raise awareness for the “We Serve” Scholarship Drive, Lions Club members Ted Conklin, Paul Zaykowski, Tony Lawless and Dr. Scarlett Magda will host an intimate reception at the American Hotel in Sag Harbor on Saturday, December 8.

“The Sag Harbor Lions has been helping Pierson students for more than 50 years,” recalls Zaykowski, a former Pierson student who resides and works in Sag Harbor. “I was fortunate to receive the Sag Harbor Lions Club Scholarship in 1973. My mom was a nurse at Southampton Hospital and my dad ran his scrap metal business. They saved as much as they could so that I would be the first member of my family to attend college.”

For Zaykowski and many other recipients, the scholarship made a major impact. “The Lions Club Scholarship I received made such a difference to me and my family. But times have changed. Education costs are far greater,” Zaykowski added. “Now, I look at our students and the challenges they face in today’s world, and realize we all need to help make a difference, and what better way than to empower local youth?”

After the drive launch event, the Lions Club hopes to enlist other local organizations to truly make this initiative a success.

“This year, we recognized it was time to make a real change. We want the scholarship to have a significant difference to a student,” Dr. Magda, co-chair of the scholarship fund, noted. “At the same time, we thought it would be a terrific way to galvanize the community around this important need.”

Funds collected will be split into numerous scholarships that will be awarded to seniors graduating from the Sag Harbor high school. Students may use the scholarships for education-related expenses.

“Helping young people continue their education is one of the challenges our community faces, and it’s a need our club continues to address. We are also extraordinarily grateful for the support and contributions we received from members of the community. You are helping us make a difference,” remarked Lawless, the club’s President.

Students that apply for the scholarship will be evaluated based on their academic resume, recommendations from teachers and community members, a written essay, pastimes, financial need and their commitment to the community through public service.

The Sag Harbor Lions Club is currently accepting contributions to the “We Serve” Scholarship Drive. The tax deductible donation can be made online or mailed to:

Sag Harbor Lions Club
PO Box 158
Sag Harbor, NY 11963

There is no fee to attend The American Hotel reception, however registration is required. To RSVP, visit www.eventbrite.com.

“The Sag Harbor Lions Club and The American Hotel recognize that higher education can become a reality with a little extra help from our generous community,” Conklin, a Steering committee member, added. “It’s an honor to be able to recognize student success. Let’s all get on board!”

American Hotel is located at 45 Main Street in Sag Harbor. For more information, call 718-501-4497 visit www.e-clubhouse.org.