"Whatever I do as a Lion, whether it be selling candy or light bulbs, being a member of a committee or serving as international president, is an extension of my inner self. My deep personal desire to render some service to other people, people I don't know and most of whom I will never see. These people are in desperate need of a better life. They need it and they deserve it, and the only way many of them are going to get it is if individuals such as Lions, because of our energy and commitment, help provide it for them." These words come easily to William L. Woolard, Past President of Lions International, for these feelings have been an important part of his life. A childhood experience influenced Bill greatly. His grandmother, whom he calls his "best buddy, suffered the loss of an eye in an accident and it had a profound impact on him. Bill Woolard, at a very young age, came to understand fully the tragedy of sight impairment. Bill joined the Charlotte Central Lions Club in October 1963. He has served on the board of directors of both the North Carolina Lions Foundation and the North Carolina Eye Bank. In 1981 Bill was elected to a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International. In 1986 he was elected as Third Vice President of LCI and served as International President in 1989-90. For his year as President he created the phrase "Partner-in-Service". It was also during his presidency that the Lions "SIGHTFIRST" program was introduced. Throughout his years of service the most important aspect has always been serving those who are less fortunate.
William L. Woolard "Partner-in-Service" Program
Donors may be anyone, Lion or otherwise, willing to improve the lives of the blind, visually and/or hearing impaired. Donations to the North Carolina Lions Foundation for this program are tax-deductible and will be allocated one fourth to the current year's programs and three fourths to the William L. Woolard "Partner-in-Service" Endowment. Each level requires an additional gift of only $200 or $250 until the total of $1,500 is reached.
Each donor will receive a letter from the Foundation President with a certificate and a special lapel pin different for each level. Upon reaching the "Partner" level the donor will receive a "Partner-in-Service" Medallion. The donor's name will also be maintained in an honor roll record at the NCLF office.
"Partner-in-Service" Levels
- Level Contribution Accumulative Contribution
- Founder: $100 $100
- Supporter: $200 $300
- Friend: $200 $500
- Patron: $250 $750
- Ambassador: $250 $1,000
- Knight: $250 $1,250
- Partner: $250 $1,500