Lions thank Longhorn for Breakfast with Santa
That phrase is a driving force behind the Farragut Lions Club, a volunteer service club that donates all proceeds to community service projects related to vision, hunger, senior and disaster-based initiatives throughout the year.
Their Vision Van — part of the Smoky Mountain Lions Charities vision van program — is particularly notable, as eye exams and glasses are provided free of charge.
But the club also hosts newer events, such as the first-ever Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025.
That morning, Lions president Tyler Hunsaker donned a red suit and beard to greet children at Longhorn Steakhouse in Turkey Creek.
Almost four months later, on Wednesday, April 8, Hunsaker and fellow Lions officer Tom Nitz returned to Longhorn to present managing partner Stephen Coley with a plaque as a thank-you for his help in the event.
The project came about when fellow Lions member Norvell Burrow participated in a give-back event with the Farragut girls basketball team. So he approached Hunsaker about the Lions doing something similar, and they asked Coley, who was eager to help.
“I was very happy to have them come and ask if this was something we would be interested in doing,” Coley said. “We at Longhorn genuinely believe in giving back to the community we serve, and we are always looking for great partners. I can’t think of a better one than the Lions Club. When they asked us, it was an absolute yes.”
Coley seemed equally moved by the gift, as Hunsaker and Nitz both shared their appreciation for the partnership with the hope of more community-driven projects in the future.
“The moment was gratifying for us as a club,” Nitz said. “Our biggest goal of that particular program was to reach out to the community and make our club known to try and get people to partake in giving back.”
“Our next goal is to plan more community-driven givebacks through service,” Hunsaker added. “So watch for communication in the farragutpress for what’s coming and how people can give back.”
