; Whereas, in 1944, the first eye bank in the world was established in New York City, and as of March 2017, most eye banks are sponsored by Lions Clubs International; Whereas, in 1945, Lions Clubs International assisted in drafting the Charter of the United Nations, which began a lasting relationship between Lions Clubs International and the United Nations that includes Lions Clubs International aid and volunteers for— (1) the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund; (2) the World Health Organization; (3) the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization; and (4) other humanitarian projects; Whereas, in 1957, the Leo Clubs youth program of Lions Clubs International was established to provide young people with the opportunity for personal development through volunteer work; Whereas, as of March 2017, there are approximately 157,000 Leos and 600 Leo Clubs in over 200 countries and geographical areas worldwide; Whereas, in 1968, the Lions Clubs International Foundation (referred to in this preamble as LCIF ) was established to assist Lions Clubs International with global and large-scale local humanitarian projects; Whereas LCIF has given more than $826,000,000 in grants to support the humanitarian work of Lions Clubs International; Whereas, in 1972, LCIF awarded its first grant, in the amount of $5,000, to assist flood victims in South Dakota; Whereas, in 1977, Lion Jimmy Carter became the 39th President of the United States; Whereas, in 1985, LCIF awarded its first Major Catastrophe Grant, in the amount of $50,000, for earthquake relief in Mexico; Whereas, in 1986, Mother Teresa accepted a Lions Humanitarian Award; Whereas, in 1987, Lions Clubs International amended its bylaws and invited women to become members, and women are now the fastest growing group of new members in Lions Clubs International; Whereas, in 1990, LCIF launched SightFirst, an initiative that— (1) assists Lions Clubs International in activities to restore eyesight and prevent blindness on a global scale