Reinbeck Lions Club President Dale Wambold, left, receives the 2024-25 International President's Certificate of Appreciation from Judy Stone, Lions Club of Iowa Past District Governor and current council chairperson. PHOTO COURTESY OF REINBECK LIONS CLUB/FACEBOOK

REINBECK – One of Reinbeck’s biggest fans, Reinbeck Lions Club President Dale Wambold was recently recognized with the fourth highest award from the International Association of Lions Clubs — the International President’s Certificate of Appreciation for 2024-25.

“In recognition of distinguished achievements in fulfilling the Mission of Lions Club International,” the award certificate proclaims. “To affirm the appreciation and gratitude of the Association.”

The award is bestowed as part of the Iowa Lions State Convention held annually in early June.

“Thank you for your kind words,” Wambold commented on a recent social media post announcing the award. “I feel lucky to be part of a community with such dedicated members who give their time and energy to help others.”

The Reinbeck Lions Club currently boasts a membership of over 50 people – many of those having been recruited or encouraged to join by Wambold himself.

The highly active local service organization recently completed a three-year donation of $1,000 annually to the Grundy County Memorial Hospital Foundation which worked to fundraise $1 million as part of the hospital’s $30.5 million addition completed last fall.

Other recent donations by the Reinbeck Lions Club include $2,000 to the town’s annual 4th of July celebration which kicks off this year on Thursday, July 3 with the traditional Fireman’s Dance at 8 p.m.

Again this year, the Reinbeck Lions Club will be sponsoring the organization’s ever-popular Bingo beginning at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, July 4, in the Lions Club Shelter located in Elmwood City Park.

Congratulations, Mr. Wambold! A(nother) job well done!