CNLC Member Wins Car; Fundraiser Aids Community

**Longtime Conroe Lion Wins New Car, Club’s Annual Raffle Raises Record $157,000 for Local Charities**

**CONROE, TX – June 12, 2024** – A single $100 raffle ticket turned into a dream come true for Pamela Slocum, a dedicated 30-year member of the Conroe Noon Lions Club (CNLC). Slocum drove away with a brand-new 2024 Toyota Camry LE this week, the grand prize in the club’s annual car raffle, which raised an impressive $157,000 earmarked for vital local charities and scholarships.

The winning ticket was drawn on Friday, June 7, 2024, at Gullo Mazda, with Gullo Dealerships President-Elect Joe Gullo having the honor of pulling Slocum’s name. She was officially presented with her new vehicle during the CNLC’s weekly meeting on Tuesday, June 11, 2024.

“I’m absolutely thrilled and still a little in shock!” exclaimed Slocum, whose commitment to the club’s mission led her to purchase just one ticket, as she does every year. “I’ve always bought a ticket to support the incredible work our club does in the community, never truly expecting to win. This car is a wonderful bonus, but the real victory is knowing what these funds will do for our neighbors.”

The annual car raffle, now in its 29th year, stands as the Conroe Noon Lions Club’s primary fundraiser. This year’s effort, which kicked off in September 2023, saw tremendous community support, culminating in the significant $157,000 total. These funds are crucial for sustaining various local initiatives throughout Montgomery County.

“This year’s raffle was an incredible success, a testament to the tireless efforts of our members and the overwhelming generosity of our community,” said Karl Koiner, current CNLC President. “We are especially grateful to Gullo Dealerships for their 29 years of unwavering sponsorship and support. These funds will make a tangible difference in the lives of so many right here in Montgomery County.”

The proceeds will directly benefit organizations like Montgomery County Youth Services, which provides counseling and shelter for at-risk youth; the Friendship Center, offering critical services and meals for seniors; and New Danville, a master-planned community dedicated to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Additionally, a significant portion of the funds goes towards providing essential eye exams and glasses for students in need, aligning with Lions Clubs International’s global focus on sight preservation.

Brian Gullo, who chaired this year’s event, emphasized the strong partnership. “Our collaboration with the Conroe Noon Lions Club is a source of immense pride for Gullo Dealerships,” he stated. “We believe deeply in giving back to the community that supports us, and seeing the direct impact these funds have on local organizations and individuals truly embodies that commitment. It’s an honor to play a part in such a vital fundraiser.”

The Conroe Noon Lions Club is a local chapter of Lions Clubs International, the world’s largest service club organization, dedicated to empowering volunteers to serve their communities, meet humanitarian needs, encourage peace, and promote international understanding. The CNLC meets weekly to coordinate service projects and foster fellowship among its members.

For more information about the Conroe Noon Lions Club, its community initiatives, or how to get involved, please visit www.conroenoonlions.org.