2027 North Carolina Lions Clubs Annual State Convention

103rd NC Lions State Convention
April 23-25, 2027

Theme: And ... then there was a camp.
Greensboro-High Point Marriott

 

Hello fellow Lions and Guests!

Our 2027 North Carolina Lions State Convention is dedicated to CAMP DOGWOOD as we proudly celebrate its 60th Anniversary.

What a Camp it is!

The Convention Committee will be posting more details in the coming weeks to fill you in on all the exciting activities surrounding this year's convention.

In the meantime, browse below to learn more about last year's event and maybe glean a clue or two about what is in store for 2027! Let’s make this North Carolina Lions State Convention the best one yet!

NC Lions Governors Banquet State Convention

The 102nd North Carolina State Convention got underway on Friday night, April 17 with a "Fun, Fabulous and Funky!" event. Attendees dressed in all types of outfits fit the theme. Together, we created memories, formed lasting connections, and paved the way for a future that’s as full of change as we imagine it to be.

 

PID Justin K. Faber Lions International Guest Speaker NC Lions 2027 State Convention

Get to know our Guest Speaker for 2027

Past International Director Justin K. Faber of Deckerville, MI

The NC Lions State Convention Committee is excited to welcome this year's guest speaker, Justin K. Faber, from Deckerville, Michigan, USA. PID Faber was elected to serve as international director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 102nd International Convention, held in Milan, Italy, 2019.

He became a Lion in 2001 after joining the Ubly Lions Club. Director Faber was instrumental in changing his club from an all-male club to a diverse club that is the pillar of the district today.

He has held a number of offices within the association including MD GST Chairperson, MD Governmental Liaison Committee Chairperson and Council Chairperson. As the council Chairperson he navigated the political scene in the state of Michigan to revise an age-old law that abruptly disallowed Lions from collecting monies in the streets. This small act allows Lions to raise over one million dollars annually in the state. Director Faber was a presenter at the USA/Canada Leadership Forum as well as the Michigan Forum.

In recognition of his service, Director Faber has received several Presidential Certificates of Appreciation, an International President’s Leadership Award and an International President’s Award. He also was one of four district governors in CA1 to receive Dr. Yamada’s Dignity Award in both halves of the year. Director Faber is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

Director Faber started his first small business at the age of 19, Fabe’s Family Concessions. He also owns and operates two other small businesses, Ameriheat and Thumb Rentals. Director Faber enjoys every aspect of being a small business owner and the challenges that go with it.

Director Faber joined the Michigan Army National Guard and served as a Military Policeman for eight years. After the attacks on the United States on 9/11 he was deployed to the Pentagon. He has been honored with several awards and commendations that include the 210th MP Battalion Soldier of the Year.

Director Faber graduated summa cum laude from Central Michigan University (CMU), Mount Pleasant, Michigan. He was awarded a double major in Political Science and Nonprofit and Public Administration. He also has a minor in Leadership. Director Faber also has earned certificates in: Civic Engagement, Public and Social Entrepreneurship, and International Non-Governmental (NGO) Administration. He also holds Masters in Public Administration.

In addition to his Lions activities, Director Faber is also a member of the Thumb Veterans Organization, the Knights of Columbus, the Michigan Association of Fairs and Exhibitions. He is a member of the Sanilac County Veterans Board and has served as a Sanilac County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority as Chairperson. Director Faber previously served on the Sanilac County Board of Commissioners, two terms as Chairperson of the board. Also, he is a board member of the Sanilac County Historical Museum.

Director Faber has a passion for history and collects historical artifacts. He also enjoys travelling and spending time with his family.

NC Lions Convention Program Book

View the 2026 NC Lions State Convention Program Book

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT of the NC LIONS of Multiple District 31

For the first time ever, you'll be able to view the entire program book online whether you're using your smartphone, tablet or laptop computer. This will allow you to keep track of each day's schedule and learn more about this year's event!

In addition, others viewing our site will be able to see all those that supported the convention through their advertising and discover more about Lionism. Feel free to share with other Lions that may not be in attendance and non-Lions as well!

View the 102nd NC Lions Convention Program Book » (A new window will open.)

 


Past International Director Lacy Presnell, Jr. and wife Esther

From Lacy M. Presnell, Jr.

Past International Director

April 18, 2026

It is with a humble and overflowing heart that I thank you for the dedication of the 102nd North Carolina State Convention.

A few weeks ago, I began my 77th year as a Lion. Many magnificent things began for me in 1950. Most importantly, I married my wonderful wife, Esther. I also began my career in public education in North Carolina, and my father and I joined the Lions Club.

I am delighted to be here tonight with my loving family and the Lions of North Carolina, who I consider my extended family.

Neither Esther nor I had any idea where this great adventure would take us. We have traveled the world, visited almost every club in North Carolina multiple times, and witnessed the immeasurable impact Lions have had on the lives of others.

The faces have changed in some ways since my first Lions meeting in 1950. We were all guys then, a bit younger than many of us are now, and it brings me great joy tonight to see a room of men and women, black, brown, white, able-bodied and no so able-bodied. One thing that hasn't changed is the joy we experience in serving.

I had the pleasure of serving as District Governor at the beginning of Camp Dogwood, our top-notch facility and program run by a fine and dedicated staff serving the visually impaired and the Lions of North Carolina. I am also proud to have played a small part in the long history of our VIP Fishing Tournament, and I consider it one of our most important projects. Both of these programs were created and nurtured by the North Carolina Lions. I believe the greatest natural resource of our state is its people - people who see the needs of others and find ways to help.

The Lions of North Carolina have a great tradition of service. We have a difference in the lives of our neighbors and people around the world.

I am grateful that our paths have crossed as Lions, and I have shared the poem Crossing Paths With You (below) at many Lions meetings. It is one of the greatest privileges of my life to have served alongside you and to call you my friends.

Again, I thank you very much.

 

CROSSING PATHS WITH YOU

When the shades of evening are falling

At the close of the day

And I'm just sitting around to pass the time away

There comes a thought to cheer me

When I'm feeling sort of blue

Just a little prayer of gratitude

For crossing paths with you

 

Now I've never had the habit of slinging a lot of bluff

Nor indulging much in mushiness or sentimental stuff

But when I like folks, I ups and tell them now

Instead of writing fancy epitaphs about them when they're gone

 

So I'm telling you now, just because I want to say

That I'm glad fate arranged for you to pass my way

Just to see you and to be with you makes my skies a shade more blue

And I'm just a great deal happier for crossing paths with you.

 

- Anonymous