Todd Probasco resisted joining the Orland Park Lions Club at first.
But after enough prodding by his friend Mike Carroll, a past Lions Club president, Probasco finally relented and was brought into the club about five years ago.
Now when describing his steadily increasing role with the organization, Probasco said supporting people and causes in need through the Lions Club became almost addictive.
“We’re looking for people to dedicate themselves, their time, their hard work, and you don’t get paid for it,” Probasco said. “You do it for the community. And it’s a great feeling. It’s an honor.”
Probasco was selected by the Lions Club Tuesday night to become their next president. Steve Anton, the current 1st Vice President, was next in line but has chosen to run for the International Director position for all Lions Clubs. Probasco, who was on deck to be president the following year, was moved in to the spot. He complimented current president Mark Kazlauskas for his efforts in the last year.
“I think anyone who takes a roll like this will have his or her own goals,” Probasco said. “But the club really is a well-run, fined tuned, well-oiled machine.”
Probasco is looking to get businesses more involved in the yearly put on by the Lions Club.
“ has such a huge commercial base,” Probasco said. “The beer tent and food vendors are only a handful of them. We could have cars on display and so many different other things. The businesses want to reach the people and this could help.”
Probasco wants to maintain the club’s yearly efforts, such as the , and other benefits throughout the year.
While the club was originally founded to assist people suffering from blindness or minimal vision, the club also donates in other ways. Earlier in the year, the Orland Park Lions Club donated $2,000 to the Orland Township Food Pantry.
“When you go to work every day, you work hard, fight the fight, chasing the almighty dollar, and that has its place,” Probasco said. “But you just don’t do that with Lions Club. You feel really good after doing what we do.”
