This evening we honor a very active and special Lion, Bob Benedik.
Bob was born in Chicago and lived in Elmwood Park and then Bartlett before moving to Dundee in 1968, when he was in eighth grade. One of seven children, Bob was in 4H and also an altar boy at his family church. His mother had a big influence in Bob’s volunteering, learning from her example. In 1984, Bob married Kristie Blau. From 1985 to 1996 Bob owned his own business, Northwest Business Machines.
In 1987, together, they joined the Carpentersville Jaycees. Bob served as their president for two years. During his Carpentersville membership, Jack Epperson enticed Bob to join the Carpentersville Lions Club. During his time in the Lions Club, he served as director, vice president and president over a span of seven years. Bob was also presented with the most prestigious award in the Lions, the Melvin Jones award. One of the key events of Bob’s presidency was sponsoring the Chicago Comets, a blind baseball team belonging to the National Beep Baseball Association. This is an organization fostering competition in comradery that equip and empowers blind players to stand victorious in all aspects of sport and society.
The team played here at Carpenter Park. Carpentersville Lions raised money to assist with their travel expenses. Over 500 people attended the game and they raised thousand’s of dollars for them.
In 2009, the Carpentersville Lions Club folded due to declining membership. Bob then joined the Dundee Township Lions. He brought along their Hot Dog Cart and became the Food Safety Officer. At that time, Bob worked for Butera Supermarket and was generously able to receive discounted supplies for our Concerts in the Park and other events.
Bob is active in many other facets of our club. He has served as our vice president. He takes the lead in annual highway cleanup along Route 68. He oversees the collection of the eye glasses that we donate to Lions International. He is involved in the majority of functions that we are involved with including the Heritage Fest breakfast, and the Senior Picnic at the Senior Center as examples.
Bob also currently serves as a Moose member. Over the years, Bob has continued to follow in his mother’s footsteps and has also volunteered in many other functions.
Bob Benedik
– He served 5 Years as C’ville Little league Coach
– 7 years Dundee Crown Jr. Youth Coach
– 2 years Assistant Volunteer Coach—Dundee Crown H.S. Girls Softball
– And is also a Member of the Dundee Historical Society
Because of his example in serving the community and the Carpentersville and Dundee Lions Clubs, it is our privilege to honor Bob this evening as our Legacy Lion.