WELCOME

  • The Financial District Lions Club (NYFIDI-LIONS), founded on June 22, 2011, is a New York chapter of Lions Clubs International (LCI)—the largest not-for-profit 501(c)(4) Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) in the world, founded June 7, 1917. (Learn more at Lions Clubs International)
  • Founding: NYFIDI-LIONS was founded by Professor Terry Paladini-Baumgarten years after she recovered from an illness caused by the 9/11 attacks on the Twin Towers.
  • Charter Approval: The charter was approved on June 22, 2011, by Sid L. Scruggs, who served as the President of Lions Clubs International from 2010 to 2011.
  • Leadership Installation: Charter members were sworn in and the Board of Directors was installed by former Lions Clubs International President Albert (All) Brandel.
  • Sponsorship: District Governor Amado Sy (2010–2011) signed the charter and assigned his own club, "Phil-Am," as the sponsor club (standard procedure for new clubs to obtain the district governor's signature and a sponsor club, though they were not involved in the club’s formation).

What the NY FiDi Lions Do?


The FiDi Lions boast a distinguished history of accomplishment. As a Specialty Club, it has

dedicated itself since its inception in 2011 to promoting LIONS and the club in New York City by:


  • Providing disaster and emergency relief services.
  • Engaging in volunteerism and fundraising initiatives for children and animal welfare causes.
  • Conducting community fundraising drives for natural disasters and donating medical emergency supplies post-Hurricane Sandy.
  • Mentoring youth-at-risk.
  • Twinning with clubs around the world.
  • Actively recycling eyeglasses and hearing aids.
  • Hosting Lions members from around the world visiting New York City.
  • Hosting the annual celebration of Peace, Friendship and International Understanding on the evenings of Lions Day with the United Nations, serving Lions leaders from around the world with an enjoyable dinner and entertainment.


Key Initiatives & Achievements


★ Celebration of "Peace, Friendship, and International Understanding"

Once a year on the evening of Lions Day with the United Nations, the club hosts its signature annual dinner and entertainment event. This gathering brings together Lions leaders and members from across the globe to unwind, dine with family and friends, and enjoy performances by our club professionals. The evening showcases renowned opera arias, Broadway musicals, and celebrated classics, fostering a warm, familial atmosphere. (Reservations required).


★ Mentorship and Volunteerism


Provided mentorship to children at risk through the New York State Mentoring Program.


Volunteered with the USO and donated to the children of deployed service members.


★ Support for Blind Fishermen


Sponsored blind fishermen and women, donating two complete sets of specialized fishing equipment, supplies, and traveling bags.


★ COVID-19 Response


Decontaminated the vehicles of medical staff and Cancer Research Center staff at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in Manhattan during the COVID-19 pandemic.


★ Specialty Branch & Adaptive Sports


  • New York FiDi Lions Blind Sports League: Formed a specialty branch for blind and visually impaired individuals as a not-for-profit New York State Corporation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (EIN / Tax ID #84-5183760).


  • Adaptive Blind Baseball (“NYLIONS-BB”): American baseball adapted for the blind and visually impaired, invented in Italy under the auspices of AIBxC.


  • Team USA: Enabled the Blind and Visually Impaired Baseball team to compete in Europe, representing the United States at the First WBSC Blind Baseball International Cup 2022 in Beek, the Netherlands, where Team USA won the bronze medal in a 4–1 match against Germany.


★ Children of Soldiers


Enabled parents serving in war zones or away from home to record themselves reading books for their children. Using complimentary applications and story stations, parents record video and audio, and the USO sends both the book and the recording home to foster emotional well-being and bonding.

Our Mission

The New York Financial District Lions Club’s mission is to cultivate friendships and foster mutual understanding among business executives and professional leaders of our community and the global community. These individuals share a common interest while simultaneously addressing community needs. The club also promotes charitable fundraising events for worthy causes and supports the mission of Lions Clubs International worldwide.


Our Vision


We aspire to witness a world where all individuals are treated with equal respect, irrespective of their racial, religious, or political affiliations. In alignment with the vision of Lions Clubs International—which emphasizes "Peace, Friendship and International Understanding"—we cordially invite Lions leaders from all corners of the globe to visit us during their travels to New York and join us in our celebrations on the evenings of LDUN.