Money Stolen from Acton Lions Club During July 4 Celebration

The Acton Lions Club is a serious local volunteer force to be reckoned with. Since 1955, the Acton Lions have organized fundraisers that benefit the Massachusetts Lions Eye Research Fund – always having a significant amount of money left over to give back to the Acton community (split down the middle). 

This was the Lions first year at doing what they do best – serving the community in more ways than one by cooking dogs and burgers, volunteering their time and finances to raise money for eye research and the Acton community. Although a tragic course of events took place that left them empty handed at the end of the night.

Someone stole the money box out of the car of president, Steve Rubner.

"It was a very profitable night where we raised a significant amount of money that we were going to give back to the community," said Rubner. "If you think about it, the cost of the goods alone was over $1,000."

Not only did they lose the money raised from all their hard work but there was a substantial loss to the club.

The Lions were working throughout the day and evening. It was quite busy with customers from 4:30 p.m. up until the fireworks started. Rubner counted the money around 9 p.m. and placed the money-box in his vehicle which was parked right next to their station. Sometime right before the fireworks began, a hyena snuck into the lion's den and robbed their kill, so to speak.

"It was just an outstanding event for us," said Rubner. "It would have been a great success that we could have given back to the community."

Rubner said he immediately reported the theft to Acton police and the case is currently under investigation.

If anyone has any tips about this case, obviously contact the Acton police, but if the person reading this feels guilty for their actions, send the money back anonymously to the Acton Lions Club P.O. Box:

Mailing Address:

Acton Lions Club

PO BOX 2391

Acton, MA 01720