International Visitors Join Payson Lions For Night of Thanksgiving

Pictured (left-right): Victor Toaquiza, Carlos Celin, Dr. Washington Zambrano, Dr. Dennys Paez, Payson Lions Club President Rhett Huff, Dr. Jesus Asila, Gordon Carter of Charity Anywhere Foundation, and colleague, Wes Whatcott.

The gift of sight is high among humanitarian concerns shared by chapters of the Lions Club International.  Meeting at the Peteetneet for their bi-monthly meeting November 14, Payson Lions Club members met with a group of gentlemen who work directly with eyesight beneficiaries worldwide.

Gordon Carter of the Charity Anywhere Foundation, of Bountiful, Utah, discussed efforts in South America and beyond that are engaged in the disbursement of eyeglasses among impoverished populations worldwide. Citing their eyeglass and monetary contributions, Mr. Carter applauded the Lions Club’s generosity.

Mr. Carter was joined that evening by associate, Wes Whatcott, along with Dr. Jesus Asila, Carlos Celin, Dr. Dennys Paez, Victor Toaquiza, and Dr. Washington Zambrano, a group of professionals from Brazil and Ecuador who work directly with the charity and populations in need.  The guests were treated to a special observance of a North American holiday: Thanksgiving, as the Lions shared in their traditional club feast.

They hoped to return to South America with a cargo crate filled with items needed by populations with whom they work.  Crutches, canes, walkers, wheelchairs, dental, and medical needs are among items lacking in these regions.  With the Christmas season upon us, they hoped also to have toys and bikes to return to children whose families cannot afford the luxury of such things.  

Payson Lions expressed an interest in helping the group.  Calls for contributions continued among the local chapter after the meeting had come to a close.