SPEEDWAY — After 75 years of service, the Speedway Lions Club decided it was time for a party — and a toga party at that. So from 7 to 11 p.m. March 23 at the Dallara IndyCar Factory, residents and visitors alike can don togas and help the Lions “celebrate their past while dreaming of their future.”
This is the first such event for the club and proceeds will go to Camp Woodsmoke and Speedway Relay for Life.
Camp Woodsmoke is a handicap accessible camp that is operated by the Lions of Indiana district 25-F. Lions Club members are responsible for the upkeep of the grounds and the camp is funded entirely by donations from clubs, individuals, and organizations.
“A group of Lions just recognized the need, and now we have this lovely camp,” said Carol Wilson, president elect Lion reverend of the Speedway club.
Wilson said Woodsmoke is an outdoor camping area that has cabins, a kitchen dining area, and a pavilion.
“We also chose Speedway Relay for Life because it’s a part of our community outreach and we really wanted to help them,” she added.
Wilson said part of the motivation for the new event was the desire to expose even more people to what the Lions do and gain members from upcoming generations who want to serve their communities.
“I think there’s a real sense of care about our community and sharing in the responsibility to take care of it,” she said. “This is the first time we’ve tried to do something like this. One of the big things we’re trying to do is get younger people involved in the community. This event is something that will appeal to everyone.”
The Speedway Lions Club consists of about 80 members. Wilson said they hope to have around 300 people at the event, which is sponsored by Monarch Beverage and Dallara. There will be a finger food buffet by Lino’s and music from the Indianapolis dance music band Zana-Doo.
The evening will feature games of chance, interactive activities at Dallara, and a cash bar will be available.
“We’re happy to have Dallara here,” Wilson said. “As much as we want to celebrate all the accomplishments of the Speedway Lions Club members in the past, we also want to honor our motto (We Serve) by raising money for these two projects as we move into the future.”
Speedway Lions Club president Jerry Hotseller added, “The kick-off party will be great fun and we’d love for our friends and neighbors to join us. There’s nothing better than a party with two good purposes, Camp Woodsmoke and Speedway Relay for Life.”
Depending on the success of the event, Wilson said it may become an annual tradition.
“We’d like to continue to see that it grows and have a couple more events as we celebrate this special time,” she said. “We just want people to know there’s a place for them to serve in their communities and, whether it be in Speedway or close by, there’s somewhere to share yourself with others in a responsible fashion.”
Tickets to the event are $30 per person or $50 for two. The Dallara IndyCar Factory is at 1201 Main St., Speedway.
For more information about the Speedway Lions Club, visit the website at e-clubhouse.org/sites/speedwayin/index.php. The club meets at 6:20 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at the Brickyard Crossing.
Just the facts
WHAT: Speedway Lions Club Toga Party
WHEN: 7 p.m. March 23
WHERE: Dallara IndyCar Factory in Speedway
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