Lions Clubs International is the largest service organization in the world. Since 1917, Lions have been meeting the needs of local communities and the world. Currently, 1.4 million men and women in 210 countries and geographic areas conduct vision and health screenings, build parks, support eye hospitals, award scholarships, assist youth, provide help in time of disaster, and muchmore. The goal of the Lions of Virginia Bland Music Scholarship Foundation, Inc. (Bland Foundation) is to promote cultural and educational opportunities for musically talented young people in Virginia (primarily of high school age). This goal is achieved through progressive music competitions beginning in February at the local Lions club level, and culminating in a state competition in which twelve (12) finalists (2 per district) from the three (3) Lions districts in Virginia compete during the State Convention in May. The Bland Foundation oversees these competitions, and also provides music scholarships to the top twelve finalists. The scholarships must be used for college tuition, music lessons, summer music programs or other music education endeavors. This program has been providing scholarships to gifted music students, both vocal and instrumental, since 1948. As tuition and lessons are extremely expensive, the Bland Foundation provides needed assistance to these talented, hard-working music students and their families.