Albert W. and Viola Brown Humanitarian Award

The story of the Albert W. & Viola Brown Humanitarian Award begins with the incredible lives of its namesakes, Albert and Viola Brown—a dynamic duo whose dedication to community service left an indelible mark on Texas Lions District 2-E2.

Albert served as District Governor in 1972-73 and was a cornerstone of the Denison Lions Club for over 50 years. His commitment to service was unwavering, whether as the original Treasurer of the USA/Canada Lions Leadership Forum for 17 years or as President of the Texas Lions Camp in the early 1990s. Albert’s generosity knew no bounds; he poured his time, energy, and resources into every project he touched. When Lions Clubs International Foundation launched the SightFirst campaign, Albert was the natural choice as Area Coordinator due to his tireless dedication.

Albert believed in leading by example. His philosophy, “put your money where your mouth is,” was more than just words—he and Viola donated over $125,000 to Campaign SightFirst. Together, they were an unstoppable team. Viola, originally a Lioness, became a Lion when the Denison Lioness Club transitioned into the Denison Texoma Lions Club in the early 1990s. She was the heart of their family and Albert’s steadfast partner in all things Lions. While quiet and composed, Viola wasn’t shy about sharing her perspective—especially with Albert! Her support and companionship were integral to his success, making it only fitting that the award bears both of their names.

In the early 2000s, as Albert’s health declined, the District 2-E2 PDG/PCS Association proposed creating a humanitarian award to honor the Browns’ legacy. After thoughtful discussions and fine-tuning, a committee established criteria for the award. It was unanimously agreed that Past District Governors (PDGs) would be excluded from consideration, ensuring the award would recognize other deserving Lions. A key criterion was service at the district level—five years of dedicated service became a requirement. Additionally, the nomination process was designed to involve local clubs, fostering a community-driven approach to recognizing exceptional individuals.

Fittingly, Albert and Viola were the inaugural recipients of the award, presented to them at a heartfelt luncheon organized by the Denison-Sherman area clubs. Since that inaugural presentation, the award has been given annually, with nominations from PDGs and local clubs across the district. The award continues to evolve, reflecting the Lions’ commitment to recognizing those who embody the Browns’ spirit of service and leadership.

Today, the Albert W. & Viola Brown Humanitarian Award stands as a lasting tribute to a couple whose passion for service continues to inspire Lions and communities far and wide.