When it comes to dedicating time to help others, Bridgeview Lion Dawn Grogan leads by example.
Grogan has served as the secretary of the Bridgeview Lions Club since 2001, a position she holds with pride. In addition to this role, she is the District Cabinet Treasurer for Lions District 1-A, co-chair of the District 1-A Convention, and a director on VOICES, the charitable arm of the district.
Reflecting on her long history with the Lions, Grogan shared her journey of service.
“I was a charter member of the Bridgeview Lioness Club back in the 1980s. I was president of the Lioness Club in 1983-84. In 1985, my mother got sick, and I had to leave to take care of her. In 1987, the Lioness Club merged with the Bridgeview Lions Club. While I helped out at some fundraisers, I wasn’t able to officially join the Lions until 2000,” she said.
Since then, Grogan has held various leadership roles, including club president, treasurer, secretary, and director. She has also chaired multiple fundraisers.
In 2002, she joined the District Cabinet as a Zone Chair before becoming a Region Chair in 2004. Over the years, she has served as South Sector Coordinator, webmaster (2010-23), Cabinet Secretary-Treasurer, Cabinet Secretary, Cabinet Treasurer, and District Convention Co-Chair.
From 2005 to 2008, she was a co-chair for SightFirst II, a global Lions Club International campaign aimed at eliminating river blindness in Latin America and controlling its spread in Africa.
“People thought we were crazy,” Grogan said. “But the campaign ended up raising over $205 million.”
Despite her many accolades, Grogan remains humble, saying she simply enjoys helping people.
“I decided to become a Lion in 1976 when my father was a member of the Bridgeview Lions Club. I remember helping with their first spaghetti dinner that year. That’s when I got hooked and was excited to join the Lioness Club when it was chartered.”
Among her most memorable experiences, one Christmas stands out.
“We were delivering gifts for children and food for families. At one home, a little girl answered the door. We asked where their tree was so we could place the presents underneath. She said, ‘We don’t have one, but Mama said we’ll get one next year.’ We left wiping our eyes, pooled our money, and went to Kmart. We came back with a tree, lights, ornaments, and garland,” she recalled.
“There’s a day you are inducted as a Lion, and then there’s a day when you actually become a Lion. I became a Lion that day.”
Grogan organizes several projects at the club level, including a multi-club Oktoberfest fundraiser in partnership with the Argo Summit and Justice Lions Clubs. The same three clubs also honor an Educator of the Year, Business and Veteran of the Year, and present a Community Impact Award every March.
She also coordinates a bingo event for School District 109’s Back to School Bash and the “Meet the Grinch” program with the library.
At the district level, she co-chairs the annual convention, which hosts more than 400 attendees over three days, and helps train other Cabinet Secretaries and Treasurers.
When asked why others should consider joining a Lions Club, Grogan’s response was simple.
“We have fun. We make a difference. Service isn’t just meaningful—it’s fun. You build friendships that last a lifetime. Doing good feels good. So, while our primary reason for service is helping those in need, it’s amazing how much doing good also makes you feel good. Our service as Lions makes our community a better place.”
Editor’s Note: This is part of a series of stories highlighting the accomplishments of local women in honor of Women’s History Month
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