For an organization of any size $3 million is a lot of money. Here in Wimberley, Texas that is the amount that has been raised and donated over the years by the Wimberley Lions Club, one small volunteer-driven group. Since the 1960’s the club has operated Wimberley Market Days on the first Saturday of each month. In recent years the market has now grown to nearly 500 booths and it attracts7,000 to 10,000 visitors to our town of 3,800 people each month.

The Lions Club manage the market with volunteer labor and generate  income from the booth rentals, parking, and food concessions. Each year they donate 100% of the profits from the market to local projects, organizations, scholarships and charities. Those to whom the donations are given help provide the substantial volunteer labor that is needed to operate the market.

Wimberley Market Daysis truly a community effort and a great example of residents of a small town working together. Over the years Market Days funds have helped to build Habitat for Humanity homes, the local Community Center, Visitors Center and Playhouse. They have provided equipment to schools, built two parks and a nature trail and sent over 80 local children to countries around the world in the Youth Exchange program. Perhaps the greatest accomplishment is that they have provided college scholarships to over 160 students, most of them four year scholarships.

The organization is planning a special celebration of their $3 million milestone on Tuesday, November 17 at the local community center.

Hays County Commissioners Court is also proclaiming November 17 as Wimberley Lions Club Day in recognition of this benchmark.

Details about the Wimberley Lions can be found at www.shopmarketdays.com