The Choteau Lions Club recently had the privilege of celebrating a truly remarkable milestone—Lion Bob Nauck’s 101st birthday. Held at Benefis Teton Medical Center, the event was filled with joy, nostalgia, and a deep appreciation for one of the club’s most beloved members.
Eighteen club members came together to honor Lion Bob, sharing pizza, ice cream, and heartfelt stories. It was a day not just to celebrate his 101 years but to acknowledge the incredible impact he has had on the Choteau community and the Lions Club itself. With a spirit of service and dedication that has spanned decades, Bob Nauck has been a guiding force in many of the club’s initiatives.
Known for his unwavering commitment, Lion Bob has contributed immensely to the club’s mission to serve and improve the community. His leadership and dedication are well remembered by all who attended the event. This celebration was not just a birthday party—it was a gathering of friends and fellow Lions to reflect on the lasting influence of a man who has dedicated so much of his life to making Choteau a better place.
The simplicity of the celebration, with pizza and ice cream, reflected the humble and genuine nature of Lion Bob’s service. His longevity and commitment to community involvement serve as an inspiration to all current members. The camaraderie shared that day was a reminder of how much of an impact one person can have on their community.
The Choteau Lions Club is proud to have Bob Nauck as a member and looks forward to continuing his legacy of service for many more years to come. Here’s to 101 years of life and decades of community service, Lion Bob!
The Choteau Lions Club extends its heartfelt gratitude to all supporters who have bought tickets for the ’23-24 Trip of the Month Raffle!
Proceeds from this initiative enable the Choteau Lions Club to subsidize the operating costs of the Choteau swimming pool, as well as support other civic and charitable endeavors within the Choteau community. This marks the 30th year of this project, and the unwavering dedication and support from the community and friends remain commendable. To date, over 315 dedicated supporters have bought tickets and contributed donations that will be allocated towards the Choteau pool’s expenses for 2024. The expenses for operating and upkeeping the pool rise annually. Members of the Choteau Lions Club, along with other volunteers, tirelessly work each year. Their efforts are not just limited to fundraising and maintaining pool equipment, but also encompass hiring and training staff, offering swimming lessons, and facilitating recreational activities for all age groups.
While the first winner has already been announced, tickets for the subsequent 11 monthly drawings are still up for grabs at a discounted rate. Those interested can reach out to any Choteau Lions Club member or make a purchase directly on our website:
The Choteau Lions’ “Trip of the Month” raffle, an exciting vacation giveaway, has been the lifeblood of the Choteau swimming pool for nearly three decades. As we step into its 30th anniversary, we reflect on how this fundraiser has kept our beloved community pool afloat.
Originally, this brilliant idea was borrowed from a Canadian Lions Club in 1993, when our own Choteau Lions Club was teetering on the brink of financial collapse. The continuation of our cherished local pool seemed bleak, with no fresh source of income in sight. Our only hope lay in the promise of this “Trip of the Month” raffle or an unexpected miracle.
The decision to proceed was not an easy one. Many of our Club members had concerns about the community’s support, especially given the pool’s deteriorating condition and the escalating cost of annual repairs. There was an air of uncertainty around the future of our community pool. Yet, deciding to “Do or Die Trying,” we plunged headlong into the Trip of the Month raffle, issuing a maximum of 300 tickets.
With a combination of relentless determination and a well-pitched sales effort, our members went door to door. Within a span of four months, every single ticket was sold, a testament to the community’s unwavering support for the pool, a support that continues to this day.
As we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Trip of the Month raffle, we’re thrilled to announce the launch of the 2023 edition of this cherished tradition. We’ve made it more convenient for you to join in on the excitement by providing two ways to purchase your ticket. You can get your ticket online, right here for a seamless digital purchase experience.
Alternatively, if you prefer the traditional method, you can purchase your ticket with cash or check directly from the Choteau Lions Club (checks can be mailed to the Choteau Lions Club at PO Box 633 Choteau, MT 59422-0617). Join us as we continue to support the heart of our community, our Choteau pool, and get a chance to win some incredible prizes. We’re grateful for your continued support and look forward to another successful year of the Trip of the Month raffle!
Now, 30 years later, the Lions Club, through its annual fundraising efforts and countless hours of volunteer time, keeps providing safe and enjoyable summer swimming opportunities. Many rural communities in Montana are grappling with the challenge of keeping their pools operational. Several have had to shutter due to high operating and staffing costs. Our Choteau pool, while vital for recreation and swim lessons, isn’t a profitable venture. Revenue from the pool doesn’t offset the costs of operations, lifeguard wages, and maintenance.
Without the Lions Club’s ongoing support and its fundraising projects, including the Trip of the Month raffle, the City of Choteau wouldn’t be able to maintain full pool operations. Remarkably, our pool is the last public pool in Montana supported and operated by a civic organization.
As Lions Club members, we hope you revel in the chance to win an incredible vacation or cash prize. Even if you don’t win, we hope you appreciate the value your contribution brings to our community. By purchasing a ticket, you’re already a “winner.” Your support in maintaining Choteau as a fantastic place to live and visit is invaluable and deeply appreciated.
