I enjoyed visiting with many of you during the International Convention and I look forward to continuing our service together this year as LCIF Chairperson. We have much to accomplish this year in order achieve our Campaign SightFirst II goal as well as spread the word about LCIF. In this message, I would like to update you on a number of LCIF news items.

In a special report released Thursday, July 5, 2007, Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) ranked best among non-governmental organizations (NGOs) worldwide. From 34 global organizations, LCIF came in first for its execution of programs, demonstrated accountability, communications internally and externally, program adaptability to the surrounding community, and understanding the goals of its corporate supporters. The assessment was published in the Financial Times' Corporate Citizenship and Philanthropy special report. The full story can be read online at www.lionsclubs.org.

LCIF has been selected by American Express as one of the top 50 project ideas in The Members Project, an exciting initiative that brings American Express Cardmembers together to do something good for our world. Join Cardmembers across the country to vote for LCIF's incredible idea to eliminate preventable blindness, presented to American Express by the Diamondhead Lions Club in Mississippi, USA. For every vote LCIF receives, US will be donated to LCIF by American Express up to US million. Cast your vote NOW for LCIF at membersproject.com. LCIF is Project ID #723. You only have until July 15 to keep LCIF in the top 25! Please share this information with your friends, family and co-workers so they can vote for LCIF. To learn more visit the LCIF Web site.

More than US.4 million in grants were approved at the June 2007 LCIF Board Meeting. Lions clubs from all over the world were granted funds to assist many humanitarian projects, such as partnering with Lions in Malaysia for a clean water project (Korea), equipping a rehabilitation center for the disabled (Italy), upgrading the kitchen and dining room at an Easter Seals camp (Canada) and constructing a clinic and vocational center for the disabled (Honduras). Read the complete story and view the entire list of approved grants at www.lionsclubs.org.

There are number of new materials, including a new DVD and CD of LCIF publications available to you to help promote LCIF in your club and district. A list of these materials can found at www.lionsclubs.org. I look forward to this year and thank you for your continued support and dedication to LCIF. LCIF is able to fulfill its mission of helping Lions serve worldwide through your support.

Serving Through LCIF,

Jimmy M. Ross