The Melvin Jones Fellowship Award

In 1973, Lions International decided to honor exemplary service for the individual Lions Clubs by establishing a Fellowship Award named after Melvin Jones, the founder of Lions International.

Every year, each Lions Club may nominate one or more members who have provided service above and beyond the normal Lion commitment. The winner or winners for each Club is provided a unique lapel pin, a handsome plaque, and a congratulatory letter from Lions International.

The nominating club donates $1,000 for each nominee to assist Lions International Programs. The Downtown San Diego Lions Club has traditionally specified that the $1,000 will go towards the Sight First program that combats blindness around the world.

As of March 2014, there have been 361,160 Melvin Jones Fellows throughout all Lions Clubs worldwide. The Downtown San Diego Lions Club is honored to have 27 Melvin Jones Fellows.