Jason Yu
Our next guest needs no introduction. You could say he is the life of the party. If there is a meet up you can bet that he’ll be there. Whether in a pub or on a bus, you better believe that he’s the one who is starting a song. Always singing loudly and proudly at the top of his lungs is the one and only Jason Yu, member of the Space City Lions in Houston.
Born in Worcester and growing up South of Birmingham in a town called Droitwich, Jason and his family made the move across the pond to Houston, Texas in 1993. He attended the University of Houston and graduated with a degree in Media Production. By day he works as a market analyst for the state and for ATT Sportsnet Southwest which broadcasts the local teams of the Astros and Rockets. By night he exhibits his musical passion through a Beatles cover band called The Molly Jones and a 90s band called The Monicas. He has also be seen breaking out the guitar to play a tune or two during the North American Happy Hour Zoom Calls!
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In September, those passions unfortunately needed to take a back seat when Jason became ill and hospitalized with a reaction to medication that was later diagnosed as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome. Jason gave a whole new meaning to being a resilient Villa supporter. Even during those times, Jason would set up an iPad and catch every Villa match! Through the pain and puffy eyes, he continued to follow and show his love for this great club. During his hospital stay, Jason’s sister began a GoFundMe to help assist Jason with these sudden medical expenses. As friends and family do, many came together to help out our brother by greatly surpassing the monetary goal. You can read more about Jason’s journey here. Jason’s strength, determination and positive outlook is second to none. Now home, he continues to recover and focus on his health through running.
The North American Lions have a wonderful partnership with Acorns Children's Hospice.
Based in Birmingham, Acorns provides a network of specialist palliative nursing care and support to children and youth aged 0-18 with life limiting or threatening conditions and complex needs. They provide services and support to meet the needs of their children and their families, including the bereaved.
In order to provide the services required for children and their families, Acorns relies on the generosity of the community to fund the majority of their activities. Acorns is an organization near and dear to the hearts of Aston Villa supporters which has sparked a strong partnership and fundraising opportunities including the ever growing raffle and auction at the annual North American Meet Up.
At the annual North American Meet Up, Lions Club members obtain and donate a variety of items to be raffled and auctioned and each year the total funds raised surpasses the previous year. While the auction is the largest avenue for raising funds, Lions Clubs have also increased the total through t-shirt sales, ladies neckties made by members, and even the shaving of facial hair! In addition to this, individual Lions Clubs have created opportunities within themselves to raise funds to add to the total of the annual meet up.
Fundraising for Acorns began in Portland, Oregon in 2012 by California Chairman Rick Leong.
Total funds raised by the North American Lions
$39, 667 USD
(2012-2019)
