Donor

Retired Board Member Marge Bristow served 18 dedicated years. Her time and dedication to the ministry was invaluable and still is! Over the years, Marge has been instrumental in the success of the Marge Bristow Fund for our Dayton facilities. This fund was started years ago to buy gifts for every resident at Christmas, and has evolved into a multi-purpose fund that the facilities call upon when they have needs. All fundraising for this fund is lead by Marge herself. Her efforts are extraordinary!

Phyllis Weenick – a past board member who went home to be with the Lord in 2007 – was a dedicated board member for 13 years. Additionally, Phyllis played a vital role as an advocate for people with special needs. She knew and understood first-hand the challenges that families and children with special needs experienced as she had a child – Debbie – who was born with a disability.

Years ago, Phyllis helped start a school for young people with disabilities; today, we refer to these as home schools. These “home programs” evolved into holding group programs in store fronts and church basements. Later, these amazingly evolved into the current County Board of DD programs. Phyllis was instrumental in most of the legislation that was passed in the 80s that helped people with disabilities. Past Board Member Tom O’Brien said, “She was always in the forefront to take issues to state and national legislature.” He went on to explain how Phyllis is one of the last of the dying breed of parents that go out and make things happen for their special needs kid.

Phyllis left a legacy to the ministry by leaving her entire estate to the Echoing Hills Village Foundation.

The story begins decades ago. A young woman named Jane just a senior in high school suddenly lost her mother. She was in a family of all men; therefore, she took the role and responsibilities of her mother of which included caring for her older brother who was deemed an invalid at that time.

Years later, Jane and her husband Riley went to a church where the minister had a son who has a disability. Back in 1998, Echoing Hills Village was invited to the church to share our ministry with the congregation. The message and all the opportunity that Echoing Hills Village offers those with special needs really touched Jane and Riley. That summer, they ended up visiting Camp Echoing Hills and were in awe with all that was offered. And, Jane couldn’t help but think to herself, I could have done more for my brother all those years ago. She and Riley vowed to one another to help make a difference in lives of individuals with disabilities.

In fact, nearly 20 years later, Jane still gives faithfully to Echoing Hills Village on a monthly basis. “When I receive our retirement check at the first of every month, a check to Echoing Hills and a check to my church are the first two checks that come out. I really feel that I owe it to my brother and the Lord,” said Jane.

Since the beginning of Camp Echoing Hills, the Lions Clubs from all over the state of Ohio have played a significant role in the success of the ministry. As a service club, they do indeed take service to the next level. Every year they pitch in to do clean up, paint, repair and even build camp facilities.

Additionally, they help sponsor over 100 campers each year. The campers attend a very special week at camp called Lions Kids Week and Lions Teen Week. Over the years, these camp sponsorships equates to offering thousands of campers a week of summer camp.

The Lions Clubs of Ohio have been instrumental in creating opportunities for individuals with special needs!