Trustees and Officers of the Rocky Mountain Lions Eye Institute Foundation in 2025
in front of a painting in the lobby of the Rocky Mountain Lions Eye Institute.
Today the Rocky Mountain Lions Eye Institute Foundation (RMLEIF) continues its mission by:
Helping support the Rocky Mountain Lions Eye Institute’s new equipment needs.
Paying a portion of the exam costs of needy patients who are evaluated at the Eye Institute’s Low Vision Rehabilitation Clinic, a clinic that helps visually impaired people use their remaining vision more efficiently to enhance their independence and their quality of life. At the clinic, patients are evaluated to determine which low vision devices will best help them meet their goals.Â
Facilitating access to care by providing financial assistance with transportation, lodging, and meal costs for needy eye and vision patients and a family member while the patient undergoes examination and/or treatment outside their home area because necessary care is unavailable locally. Working together with Lions Clubs across Colorado and Wyoming, the Foundation receives referrals from local Lions clubs, which share in the cost.
The Foundation's eleven-member Board of Trustees is made up of two members elected by the Lions in each of Colorado's four Lions Districts and three members elected by the Lions in Wyoming's single Lions district. Trustees serve 3-year terms and can serve up to two consecutive times. The Foundation's officers are elected annually by the Board of Trustees; officers are selected by the Board and can be either trustees or non-trustees. The Board of Trustees meets three times per year at the Eye Institute in Aurora, Colorado, once using internet video conferencing , and once annually at the Colorado or Wyoming state Lions Convention. Committees meet more frequently using internet video conferencing services.Â
The Trustees of the Rocky Mountain Lions Eye Institute Foundation meets at least six times per year. All Wyoming and Colorado Lions are welcome to attend. Please contact us before attending a Trustee meeting by sending an email to Lions@RMLEIF.org to let us know you are coming. Unless otherwise indicated, the Board meets at the Rocky Mountain Lions Eye Institute (RMLEI) in Aurora, CO. Our 2026-2027 Trustee meetings are scheduled as follows:
July 11, 2026 Saturday at RMLEI
Sept 25, 2026 Friday at RMLEI
Sept 26, 2026 Saturday at RMLEI (Board member orientation)
November 14, 2026 Saturday at RMLEI
January 9, 2027Â Saturday internet video meeting
March 13, 2027 Saturday at RMLEI
June 4, 2027 Friday Annual Trustee Meeting at the Wyoming State Lions Convention in Casper, Wyoming
June 5, 2027 Saturday Annual Membership Meeting at the Wyoming State Lions Convention in Casper, Wyoming
Trustees are elected to 3-year terms at Lions Conventions and take office soon after election. Officers are elected annually by the Trustees. Advisors are appointed by the President. Make a difference, become a Trustee!
President John Harper, Wyoming
CO Vice President Betsy Denney, CO Dist, 6SE
WY Vice President Gary Roadifer
Secretary Dave Orr, Wyoming
Treasurer Danielle VanEsselstein, CO Dist. 6SE
Assistant Treasurer, Steve Allen, CO Dist. 6C
Advisors
Dr. James Valenzuela, CO Dist. 6SE
Ted Peterson, Minnesota
Committee Chairs
Communications: Janell Lewis
Finance: Danielle VanEsselstein
Program: Betsy Denney
Dianne Pape CO District 6C, 1st term ends 2027
Holly Rutherford-Allen CO District 6C, 1st term ends 2028
Ken Schwols CO District 6NE, 2nd term ends 2027
Cathy Valenzuela CO District 6SE, 1st term ends 2029
Danielle VanEsselstine CO Dist 6SE, 2nd term ends 2028
Larry Donathan, CO District 6W, 1st term ends 2027
Dave Orr WY District 15, 3rd term ends 2029
Janell Lewis WY District 15, 1st term ends 2027
Craig Thompson WY District 15, 2nd term ends 2028
PDG Betsy Denney, Trustee, Colorado 6SE
Lion Danielle VanEsselstein, Trustee, Colorado 6SE
PID Ken Schwols, Trustee, Colorado 6NE
Lion Larry Donathan, Trustee, Colorado 6W
Lion Dee Pape, Trustee, Colorado 6C
PCC Ted Peterson, Advisor, Minnesota
PDG Dave Orr, Trustee and Secretary, Wyoming
Lion Janell Lewis, Trustee, Wyoming
PDG Craig Thompson, Trustee, Wyoming
PID John Harper, President, Wyoming
PDG Gary Roadifer, Wyoming VP
Lion Steve Allen, Assistant Treasurer, Colorado 6C