SANTA FE — The Santa Fe Lions Club marked its 65th anniversary Saturday with a celebration honoring decades of service to the local community. The event drew a large crowd, including city and state officials, Lions leaders, and community members.

Texas Representative Greg Bonnen and his wife, Brie Little, district director for Texas Senator Mayes Middleton, attended along with Amber Murray, field representative for U.S. Senator Randy Weber. Each presented resolutions congratulating the club on its long-standing contributions. Santa Fe Mayor Brandon Noto also recognized the club with a city proclamation.

Guest speaker Past Lions International Director Ernesto “TJ” Tijerina from San Antonio, TX, reflected on the club’s history and delivered an inspiring message. Tijerina presented 91-year-old Lion Betty Miller, the club’s first female member, with a distinguished Lions International Presidential award from current International President AJ Singh of Kolkata, India. The club also received an International Presidential banner in recognition of its service.

Other notable speakers included District Governor Lion Steve Johnson and Lion Jackie Arnold, who presented a plaque honoring the club’s achievements, and Past District Governor and Lion Global Membership Team Leader David Shinn.

The celebration also featured a video highlighting the club’s partnerships with local organizations, including HIS Ministries of West Galveston County, Santa Fe ISD, the Santa Fe Ten Memorial Foundation, and the Santa Fe Area Historical Foundation. Each spoke about the ways the Lions Club supports their efforts.

Attendees enjoyed displays of the club’s history, including scrapbooks, certificates, photos, and a Lion costume used at community events. The Camp Wallace building also hosted tours of the museum complex, thanks to members of the Santa Fe Area Historical Foundation.

The Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce also held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially commemorate the milestone, and guests enjoyed a variety of refreshments during the celebration.