Westfield resident Anna Skinner made local history Oct. 5 when she received the Westfield Lions Club Roy O. Hadley Lion of the Year award at the club’s 87th anniversary dinner.
Skinner is the first female to receive the local award. The Westfield club began in 1930.
“I am so humbled,” Skinner said. “The Westfield Lions Club is the solid base that gave me my passion for service, and it’s the reason I’m such a big advocate for giving back.”
Skinner, 23, also is the first Lions Club member who previously was a Leo Club member – the club’s subsidiary organization that targets Westfield High School students. Skinner served as the Westfield Leo Club president its first year in 2010. She joined the Westfield Lions Club in March of last year.
Club secretary Jeff Larrison presented the award and commented on several aspects as to why Skinner was chosen.
“There were several Lions nominated for Lion of the Year and, at first glance, they all were worthy candidates for the award. But once we stepped back and started looking at the individual accomplishments, it became clear that Anna was a cut above,” he said. “Anna led the efforts to help our LEO Club raise funds at their last pancake breakfast. Alone, she raised over $900 in placemat sponsorships. This success gave the Club enough confidence for us to try it again for our fish fry, where we raised another $700 above and beyond our fish fry sales. Her involvement in our club and the Westfield High School LEO Club has made both of our organizations successful. We are truly fortunate to have her as part of our Club.”
“I wholeheartedly believe I was put on this earth to serve others, and the Westfield Lions Club is a place where I’ve received so much love and wisdom,” Skinner said. “It’s my favorite avenue for giving back to people. I can’t wait to see how our service impacts Westfield next year.”
For more, visit westfieldlions.org.
