On February 14, 2009, the Governor of Lions District 4-C4, Emil Kantola, presented the Palo Alto Host Lions Club with the 2008 edition of the coveted "Academy Awards of Lionism" trophy. This award recognizes the local club's "signature project", its annual Concours d'Elegance, as the most outstanding project of the year in Multiple District 4. The Palo Alto club was chosen from among the 15 Lions districts in California, encompassing more than 600 clubs.

"We are justifiably proud to receive this prestigious Lions award," said Bill Downey, president of the Palo Alto Host Lions Club. "We're grateful that the hard work and dedication of so many of our members is so much appreciated."

The accompanying citation also noted that the concours involves members from a number of other local Lions and Leo Clubs in the execution of this highly successful community fundraising project.