The John S. Lyons Foundation, known as the JOHNS, was founded 30 years ago in memory of John Lyons, the esteemed Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters, Local 36, this foundation embodies his belief in the power of organized labor to uplift and support the community. During his lifetime, Johnny Lyons was active in the San Diego Leukemia Society, the Holiday Bowl and other local charities and civic organizations.

The Memorial Foundation Celebration is an annual JOHN’s event held to honor both labor and community leaders across our region. The memorial foundation is also an opportunity to fundraise and donate to charities chosen by the Foundation. There are no administrative costs charged by any of the volunteer Board Members and program planners. The Foundation originally raised funds for the San Diego Leukemia Society and later expanded its list of recipients to include the San Blood Bank Bone Marrow Donor Program, the UCSD Cancer Center, the Salk Institute and the Mesothelioma Foundation. Since its inception, the John S. Lyons Foundation has raised over $1,500,000 for these worthy research efforts.

In addition, the JOHNS have faithfully supported the U.S. Postal Workers Annual Food Drive every May by cooking and serving the hundreds of volunteers who help to make the event the success in San Diego County. And, in honor of Johnny Lyons commitment to the San Diego Holiday Bowl, the JOHNS, along with the Building Trades Council, are proud members of the Quarterback Club, each year purchasing over 100 tickets to this annual Holiday tradition in San Diego.