Momentum - Business to Business Online Magazine Momentum May 2017 | Page 17

League City. “It inspired me to do something and
get involved, explained Lofaro, I called him and told
him I wanted to get more involved in our city and he
suggested I check out the League City Lions Club. I
attended the very next Lions Club meeting with him
and joined that same day. I enjoy every aspect of the
club, there is just something so gratifying when we
are able to help someone in need.”
Gripon, on the other hand, has been involved in
some way, shape or form with the Lions Club since
he was a young boy. Although he couldn’t officially
join until he was 18, he remembers helping his dad
and other family members at the festival every year of
his life. “The thing that really drives me to want to be
involved with the League City Lions Club is how we
are able to impact our community. My grandfather
instilled in me at a very young age, and it has always
stuck with me, that if the Lord gives you the means to
give back, you have the obligation to do so.”
When it came time to plan the 2017 festival, Gripon
felt a calling that it was his turn to take over and chair
the event. Knowing what a big commitment it was
going to be, he reached out to fellow lion, Sebastian
Lofaro, and asked him to be his co-chair, to which
Lofaro graciously accepted. Now just days away
from the big event, these hard working young men
are ready to watch their community come together
for a purpose near and dear to their hearts. “Our
goal is to raise over $800,000 this year at the festival
and we are right on track to do so,” explains Gripon.
Every single penny earned at the festival goes to
the Lions Camp, a camp for mentally and physically
challenged individuals. “We want people to know
that this festival is about our community as a whole
and how we can make an impact on others”, says
Lofaro. As of 2017, the League City Lions Club is the
largest financial contributor to the Lions Camp of all
the Lions Clubs in Texas, and these amazing young
men give all the credit to their community.
The League City Music Festival & BBQ Cookoff
As one of League City’s biggest events, the League City
Music Festival & BBQ Cookoff is expecting crowds of over
12,000 people to come through the gates at Walter Hall
Park. How do two young men in their 20’s pull off such
a big event? A lot of hard work, dedication and support
from friends, family and local businesses in the League City
community.
What can people expect at this years festival? “This year
we are bringing back the Vintage Village Fair parade,
happening Saturday, May 6 at 9:30 a.m. in the historic
district. We are also partnering with the League City
Regional Chamber of Commerce with a Business Expo,
which is a great addition for the Business community! A
high tech Carnival will have thrill rides, but won’t forget
to bring out rides for the little ones enjoyment, explains
Gripon. We want to offer something for everyone – and
we feel we have fun for families, business people and
entertainment for the Texas music lovers!”
“We are extremely proud of our KIDS DAY designed with
challenged children in mind happening on Friday, May 5 at
9 a.m.”, says Lofaro. Over 1,000 kids and volunteers are
expected to participate and WHATABURGER is providing
the food.
So it’s grown to be a big festival but still feels like a small
fair with shopping, food trucks with a lot of food choices,
art/crafts, face painting and a whole lot more. The big
music lineup includes: ERIC PASLAY stopping on his world
tour, TRACY BYRD, our Beaumont favorite and JAKE
WORTHINGTON, runner up on THE VOICE - to name a
few!
For more information on tickets, times and talent – please
visit our websites:
www.LCMUSICFEST.COM
WWW.LIONSCAMP.COM
FACEBOOK: League City Music Festival & BBQ Cook-off
Lofaro & Gripon taking a quick break to pose for a picture
MOMENTUM / May 2017
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