In 1925 blind-deaf activist Helen Keller challenged the newly formed Lions Club to serve as “Knights of the Blind.” Local Lions from the Chocolay, Skandia, and Marquette Lions Clubs joined together to rise to meet her challenge. Annually, local Lions Clubs conduct their White Cane fundraiser the week of Flag Day. The clubs want to publicly thank the Marquette Walmart store for hosting this year’s event. Thanks to the generosity of the Walmart patrons, $4,200 in bills and coins were donated. “It’s easy to stand out in the rain knowing that every penny donated by the public, goes directly back to help our community,” said Marquette Lion Lin Dembowski. The Lions White Cane campaign is a national event that originated to raise awareness and funds to help the blind and visually impaired. Known for collecting used eye glasses, providing eye health screenings, and purchasing glasses for those in need, the Lions Club has expanded its mission over its 100-year history.