A ceremony hosted by the Fairfax City Inter-Service Club Council (ISCC), on August 3, 2016, recognized volunteers-of-the-year from 20 service clubs in the Fairfax area.  Among them was Elden Wright, the Fairfax Lions Club “Lion of the Year.”

Lion Elden Wright, Lion of the Year

(L) Lion Elden Wright, (C) Fairfax Lions Past-President Gordon Tillery, (R) ISCC President Larry Larson

Elden Wright has volunteered in many capacities – always setting the example for exemplary community service.  Elden’s leadership, skillful planning, and constant dedication have assured successful service by the Fairfax Lions Club in our community.  This past year, Elden Wright has planned and led multiple Lions Club service projects – among them 2 blood drives, and the Club’s eyeglass dispensing for needy persons.  Additionally, Elden is the President and Chief Executive of the Virginia LIONS EYE INSTITUTE FOUNDATION, which is co-sponsored by Lions and the Inova Health System.  Elden coordinates free eye care for needy patients with the Inova Cares Lions Eye Clinic. This includes laser, medical and surgical care for all types of conditions of the eye.  Elden oversees funding of: continuing medical education for nurses and para-professionals, equipment purchases for local not-for-profit hospitals, scholarship awards to sight handicapped individuals, clinical research, and rehabilitation of visually impaired individuals through low vision evaluations and use of low vision aids. Elden has also raised significant charity funds to enable Fairfax Lions to complete their mission of serving needy people in our community.  His actions are fully consistent with the Lions’ motto of “We Serve.”