About Us
Our History
The La Habra Host Lions Club is a community organization with a rich history of service and tradition. Established in 1947, our club has been a cornerstone of La Habra's social and philanthropic landscape for over seven decades.
Our story begins with a visionary member, Bill Miller, whose passion and dedication were instrumental in shaping the identity of our club. Recognizing the vibrant community of transplanted mid-westerners in Southern California, Bill proposed the idea of organizing an old-fashioned corn festival as a major annual fundraiser. What started as a simple one-day event featuring square dancing, bingo, and plenty of buttered ears of corn has blossomed into the renowned Corn Festival & Parade.
Today, the Corn Festival & Parade is a highlight of La Habra's annual calendar, drawing visitors from surrounding cities to our vibrant city. Spanning an entire weekend, the festival has evolved to encompass a wide array of attractions, including rides, games, crafts, food, vendors, and live music. Located at the heart of La Habra in El Centro-Lions Park, the festival has become our largest fundraiser, supporting our ongoing efforts to serve the community.
At the heart of the festival is the iconic parade, which kicks off Saturday's festivities with a display of community spirit and tradition. Widely regarded as one of the oldest summer parades in Southern California, it is a testament to our commitment to celebrating our heritage and bringing the community of La Habra together.
As we look to the future, the La Habra Host Lions Club remains dedicated to serving our community and preserving the traditions that have made us who we are. We invite you to join us in celebrating our history and shaping our future as we continue to make a difference in the lives of those around us.
Our Impact in the Community
100+ Club Members
28 Grants Awarded in 2023
Over $120k Awarded in 2023
Serving La Habra Since 1947
2024-2025 Board of Directors
President and Chairman
Roy Ramsland
1st Vice President and Vice Chairman
Stewart Bruckner
2nd Vice President
Ofelia Hanson
3rd Vice President
Annette Limon
Secretary
Larry Rottweiler
Treasurer — Club
Christina Torres
Treasurer — Foundation
Bobbi Olson
Directors
Catherine Badame
Buck Hannah
Jeanette Jones
Mark Phillipi
Membership Chair
Kathy Felix
Past President and Past Chairman
Vanessa Perkins
Tail Twisters
Angela Robertson
Mel Ruiz
Lisa Sanchez
Lion Tamers
Scott Olson
Larry Spooner
Corn Festival Chair
Veronica Hannah
Procurement Officer
Randy McMillan
The Foundation
The Foundation serves as the fundraising and distribution arm of our Club. All donations made to the Foundation are tax-deductible because it is recognized by the federal government as a 501(c)(3) corporation. Through our club fundraisers, we have raised and distributed over $2.5 million to various deserving organizations, projects, and causes.
The net proceeds from our largest fundraiser are donated to support a wide range of La Habra-based nonprofit agencies, as well as regional, national, and global charities and causes aligned with Lions International's focus. Some of these include Lions Clubs International Foundation, Lions Eye Foundation, Southern California Lions Eye Institute, City of Hope, Canine Companions for Independence, Teen Recognition, the Boys and Girls Club of La Habra, Help for Brain Injured Children (HBIC), The Gary Center, Advance! On to College, Youth Sports, La Habra Senior Center programs, local schools and many others.
In a time when individual and corporate giving is at a historic low, the funds provided by Lions are crucial in sustaining these important social service programs.