Welcoming a New Era of Service: The DFW Indonesian Lions Club Branch Joins the Dallas Founder Lions Legacy

For more than a century, Dallas Founder Lions Club has played a pivotal role in expanding Lions Clubs International in North Texas and beyond. Since our founding in 1916, we have sponsored the formation of several clubs, including the Park Cities Lions Club and Oak Cliff Lions Club in 1929, followed by the Dallas Inwood Lions Club, Dallas Central Lions Club, Carrollton Lions Club, East Dallas Lions Club, and Dallas South Lions Club. Our reach has even extended internationally—we helped establish a Lions Club in Cairo, Egypt, in the 1970s.

Now, we are proud to continue this legacy by sponsoring the DFW Indonesian Lions Club Branch—a specialty club dedicated to service, cultural connection, and strengthening Indonesian ties in Dallas-Fort Worth.

What Is a Lions Club Branch?

A Lions Club Branch is a group within Lions Clubs International that operates under an existing, chartered club while developing its own initiatives. This model allows:

• New groups to grow before chartering as a full Lions Club

• A focus on specific communities or causes

• Mentorship and support from an established Lions Club

As a branch of Dallas Founder Lions Club, the DFW Indonesian Lions Club Branch has a strong foundation as it launches its service projects and leadership initiatives.

Leadership and Mission

Led by Lion Debbie Margaretha, President of the DFW Indonesian Lions Club Branch, and guided by Dallas Founder Lions Club President and Lions District 2X1 East Region Chairperson Nia MacKay, this club is committed to:

• Bringing together Indonesians and supporters in meaningful service

• Hosting cultural events that celebrate Indonesian heritage

• Addressing vision care, diabetes awareness, hunger relief, and humanitarian aid

• Creating leadership and networking opportunities for professionals, families, and students

A Night to Remember: The Club Branch’s First Fundraiser

The DFW Indonesian Lions Club Branch made an exciting debut with its first fundraising event on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at Seareinas Event Center in Grand Prairie, TX. Lions, guests, and community leaders gathered in a night filled with inspiration, generosity, and celebration to support the club’s service-driven mission.

The event featured keynote speaker Maya Upadhyay, President of Dallas Health Lions Club and Maya Health Care Clinic and Behavioral Care, who shared valuable insights on healthcare, community service, and the impact of Lions Clubs in North Texas.

Adding to the excitement, District Governor Radhakrishna Kaphle and Partner in Service, Lion Laxmi Kaphle, attended alongside Lions and guests from various clubs and organizations, showing strong support for the club’s launch.

A Huge Thank You to Our Sponsors and Volunteers

This event would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors:

• Dallas Founder Lions Club

• Jerlyn McAuliffe Impulse

• Bali Street Cafe

• Seareinas Event Center

• Thai Orchids

• HNDP

A special thank you to the Lions, guests, and volunteers whose dedication and hard work helped make this event a success. Your contributions are laying the foundation for a club that will bring positive change to the community.

What’s Next?

With this incredible kickoff, the DFW Indonesian Lions Club Branch is ready to make an impact. Stay tuned for upcoming service projects, networking events, and new opportunities to get involved.

Interested in joining or supporting the club? We’d love to welcome you into the Lions family. For more information contact Nia MacKay.