History Of The Monarch Award
"A Tradition Since 1962"
The MONARCH AWARD of the SAVANNAH LIONS CLUB was adopted as a special project in 1962. The Idea was an outgrowth of a program initiated by the Community Betterment and Civic Improvement Committee to "Boost Savannah" and stop the negative attitude that crept into the city following the closing of Hunter Air Force Base. This endeavor met with success and an upturn in positive thinking and optimism began to assert itself.
The membership; upon recommendation of the Advisory Council of Past Presidents approved this project as an appropriate method of focusing recognition on individuals, companies, foundations, and institutions for making significant contributions for the good of Savannah. A committee was then established to serve as a liaison between the Advisory Council and the Board of Directors to suggest possible candidates for the award and approval by the membership. After approval the committee then handles the details of an Award Meeting.
1962
The first Monarch Award was made on December 27, 1962, to Mills B. Lane, Jr., and the Mills B. Lane Foundation for their donation of a beautiful site on Abercorn Extension for the relocation of Armstrong State College. On receiving the award Mr. Lane proposed the idea for the "Forward Savannah" movement which rallied the business community into fund-raising for the purpose of investing in new and unique ways to promote growth of Savannah and Chatham County. This movement met with great success.
1969
The second Monarch Award was made on November 20, 1969 to Mr. And Mrs. Robert Roebling of Skidaway Island for giving valuable portions of their holdings on the island to the State of Georgia for development of the Skidaway Institute of Oceanography and the Marine Extension Center of the University of Georgia.
1972
In 1972, Dr. Metts and the Community Cardiovascular Council enlisted over 1,200 volunteers to screen more that 30,000 people which produced over 5,000 suspects of cardiovascular problems and brought state and national acclaim to our city.
Over 500 Lions, dignitaries and guests attended the award meeting, which included delegates to a stroke work-shop being held at the time by the Cardiovascular Council and Candler General Hospital. The Savannah Lions Club received the prestigious Decatur Plaque at the state convention for the single most outstanding project of the year in Georgia Lionism.
1975
On March 27th, 1975, the third Monarch Award was presented to Dr. James C. Metts, Jr. for organizing and leading a council of prominent citizens in the development of an effective program for the prevention, detection, treatment and rehabilitation of Cardiovascular diseases. Dr. Metts was able to bring together outstanding members of the medical profession mid the general community.
1983
On April 7, 1983, Alexander Calder, Jr., Chairman of the Board of Union Camp Corporation received for himself and his corporation Monarch Award IV in recognition of the magnificent gift of 200 acres of beautiful woodland including a 25 acre lake in Liberty County to the Coastal Empire Council, Boy Scouts of America for a new area scout camp.
Mr. Calder traveled to Savannah from corporate headquarters in New Jersey for the Award Meeting. Savannah Mayor John P. Rousakis joined the Lions in commending Union Camp for being a leading corporate good citizen as he presented the city's key to Mr. Calder. The theme of the meeting was "Three Symbols of Service"... Lions, Scouting and Union Camp.
1987
Allen E. Paulson, Chairman, and CEO of Gulfstream Aerospace received Monarch Award V at an expanded meeting of the Savannah Lions Club on December 10, 1987. This award was for Mr. Paulson's matching gift of $750,000 to the City of Savannah for the new 5 diamond championship softball complex which has brought outstanding national tournaments to our city. It was also recognized that Mr. Paulson donated over I million dollars to Georgia Southern College for a new football stadium which accelerated their resumption of a quality football program and national championships.
In presenting the handsome Lions Monarch Trophy, President Lion John P. Hanbury thanked Mr. Paulson for his many endeavors which give "strong heartbeat" to life in Savannah, which was echoed by Mayor John P. Rousakis as he presented Mr. Paulson with a framed. water color picture of the Allen Paulson Softball Complex.
2007
On June 21, 2007 the Lions Club of Savannah honored Savannah College of Art and Design Co-Founder and President Paula Wallace with the Monarch Award.
The college is the largest art school and one of the most expanding colleges in the eastern United States. The school has made many contributions to the local community such as renovating many houses in the historic district and housing all 7000 students in the downtown area. The school has received many awards and special recognition for their art contributions and and film presentations from across the United States.
The special event was held at the International Convention Center with 126 people in attendance. There were many people from local politics such as the Mayors office Chatham County Chairman Pete Lakakis. The master of ceremonies was the famous Sonny Dixon from WTOC Channel 11. Presentation of the Monarch Award was done by President Welby L. Stayton .