• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content

MarionMade

People, Places, Products, Programs

Visit Us On FacebookVisit Us On TwitterVisit Us On YoutubeCheck Our FeedVisit Us On Instagram
We Are Having Fun!We Are Generous!We Are Presidential!
  • Get Involved
  • About
  • Events
    • MarionMade! 5k Sign Up
  • People
  • Places
  • Products
  • Programs
  • Links
  • Contact

LaRue Lions Club

By MarionMade! on February 28, 2017

Lions, Kindergarten, and Community…OH MY!

“The people of the community are the reason we have an organization in the first place. Not only is our membership made up of great people in the community, but the support we receive allows us to help those in need. The community has always felt like an extended family and it can’t be overstated how much that feeling aids in motivating people to join together and help one another.”

That’s how Will Gracely, Vice President of the Larue Lions Club, describes the impact the Marion community has had on their organization. When you look at all the Lions’ have managed to accomplish since they were founded in 1949, it’s easy to understand why they enjoy so much community support. The original 24-member charter has had more than 400 members in their 68 years of community service.

Learn more about how the LaRue Lions Club has been a true champion for their village, county, and beyond.

They have:

–started LaRue Youth Baseball and were the lone sponsor for 24 years;

–co-sponsored getting kindergarten started in 1959;

–paid a year’s rent on a new office to help bring a new doctor to the village after a long-time doctor retired from practice in the 1970’s;

–purchased many pairs of glasses and eye exams for children and adults in our area;

–conducted eye screenings at kindergarten sign-up day for many years at LaRue School;

–ran the Eye Express for Marion County for 20+ years;

–donated $50/month to the LaRue United Methodist Church for two years to purchase supplies for the free community meal they prepared, as well as annually donating and preparing the meat for these meals;

–donated each year to the local churches of the community at Christmastime to supply needy families with clothing, food, and toys;

–delivered 70+ fruit baskets at Christmas to area seniors;

–helped several families who have come upon hard times by paying their utility bills for several months;

–conducted four blood drives in the village each year for the American Red Cross;

–purchased a basketball with a bell in it and a white cane for a blind Amish boy and purchased a laptop and two white canes for a vision-impaired boy in the community;

–built a new shade shelter at the LaRue Area Park and Pool, put a new roof on a shelter house, installed a basketball court, and purchased and installed new rims and nets at the park; and,

–installed new nets and rims at the old LaRue school playground.

Elgin Youth Football, Elgin Music Department, Elgin FFA, and LaRue Youth Athletic Association, the World War II Memorial in Marion, Central Ohio Diabetes Association, Marion County Society for the Handicapped, Central Ohio Eye Bank and Pilot Dogs have all received sponsorship from the LaRue Lions Club. And, they hold an annual golf tournament to raise money called The Greater LaRue Golf Outing.

We appreciate all that the LaRue Lions Club has done in the past, and can’t wait to see what they will do in the future!

#WeAreLaRue #WeAreLions

Recent MarionMade! Stories

  • New Toy Store Delights Shoppers of All Ages

    Just in time for holiday shopping, a new toy store has opened in downtown Marion. Lindsey Henry, a former kindergarten teacher, owns LuLu’s Toy Co. at 196 West Center Street. “I love kids, I love creative play, and I love helping parents and grandparents select unique toys that are quality, durable, and not available in […]Read More »
  • Bobby Floyd

    Amazing Marion-Born Musician Heading to the Grammys This weekend, Bobby Floyd is on his way to Los Angeles to do something he has never done before, attend the Grammys.  The record, “All About the Basie,” has been nominated and Bobby played on just about every track on an album. It is nominated for Best Large […]Read More »
  • Paradise Park Miniature Golf

    MARION’S OWN LITTLE PIECE OF PARADISE. Paradise Park Miniature Golf began like most things do – with a dream. When in high school, Gary Novik told himself someday he would own a miniature golf course. After high school, life directed Gary into the construction industry for many years, putting his dream on hold. In the […]Read More »
  • Pottery Business Focused on Function

    Not all “MarionMade!” people were born and raised here; many are transplants who have put down roots and are making an impact. Some live here, others work, play, volunteer, worship, and/or learn in Marion. Meet Louise Chell, owner of Yellow Creek Pottery, who grew up in the Akron area.  “There was a Yellow Creek that […]Read More »

Share Your MarionMade! Story

Click Here to share your story about MarionMade! people, places, products, and programs!
  • Get Involved
  • About
  • Events
  • People
  • Places
  • Products
  • Programs
  • Links
  • Contact

Marion Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Downtown Marion Love INC Marion Public Library Marion Area Chamber of Commerce Marion CANDO! Marion Community Foundation United Way of Marion County Marion Technical College

© 2025 · MarionMade! is a community initiative led by Marion Technical College · Website is powered by Neighborhood Image