After nine years of hosting its annual Helen Keller Police and Fire Basketball Challenge, the Federal Way Lions Club plans to start a new fundraising event.

On Jan. 23, the Lions Foundation voted unanimously to “seek another alternative fund raising effort with our city, South King Fire & Rescue and (Federal Way) Police Department that would be less combative, with a lower chance of personal injury to the athletes/participants and the possibility of raising much more funds for the time and effort,” according to a memo from the Lions Club.

The Helen Keller basketball challenge has raised thousands of dollars to support multiple charities, according to the memo.

The club’s basketball challenge committee plans to meet to discuss options for the fundraiser.

“Our overall goal is to maintain the tradition of an annual police/fire challenge event that provides a safe environment for participants, and continues to raise awareness and donations to support the South King Firefighters Foundation and Aid Fund, the Police Guild and the Lions Club Sight and Hearing Program,” according to the memo.

The Lions Club receives many requests for assistance with eye exams, eye glasses and hearing aids throughout the year, which sometimes go unfulfilled due to a lack of funds. The foundation accepts donations of used glasses and hearing aids, as well as monetary donations. Contributions can be sent to the Federal Way Lions Foundation, P.O. Box 3552, Federal Way, WA 98063, Attn: Karen Saunders.