People Helping People

Indianapolis, Indiana

Upon hearing of the devastation caused by the recent earthquake in Haiti, members of the Indianapolis, Ind., Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie and Auxiliary #211 contacted the American Red Cross and Midwest Food Bank extending an offer of assistance. They were advised of the needs of the American Red Cross and Midwest Food Bank and their membership has responded tremendously. A local credit union will be matching the donation of the Aerie and Auxiliary to help the Haiti Relief Program. It is their hope to raise $1,000 before February 14, 2010 meaning a potential financial contribution of $2,000. Additionally, local grocery stores and pharmacies have contributed supplies of dry goods, canned meats and pharmaceutical supplies.

Battle Creek, Michigan

On December 12, 2009, Fraternal Order Of Eagles Aerie 299, Battle Creek, MI, sponsored a fund raising Band Jam for the Food Bank of Southwest Michigan. The event was a huge success, taking in over 405 pounds of non-perishable food items and $1140.00 in cash through donations, raffles and food sales. The bands, who donated their time for this worthy cause, were; Left Turn, Liquid Rench, The Sly Tones, and The Edge. All of the band members had such a good time that they suggested we do this again. As a result of all the enthusiasm from the bands, volunteers working the event, and the folks attending the Aerie is planning on making this an annual event.

Shown in the picture presenting the check to Ken Krider of the Food Bank are, left to right, Trustee Jim Vaxter, Worthy President Jim Plane, Mr. Krider, Entertainment Committee Chairman Bob Dempsey, and Worthy Secretary Dave Hillman.

Hesperia, California

The Eagles Aerie/Auxiliary Eagle Riders held a benefit dinner for the wife and three young children of Danny Sanchez, a prison guard suffering with terminal brain cancer. The event included a Mexican dinner with beef enchiladas and red sauce, chicken enchiladas and green sauce, rice, beans, salad, and dessert. All the food was donated. There were also a 50/50 and raffle, with prizes for the latter donated by Eagle Riders and Eagle Brothers and Sisters. Renegade Karaoke donated their time and tips.

"It was a great night, and when everything was over, Hesperia 4181 Eagle Riders proudly presented a grand total of $1,020 to this family," reports Jack Herman. "Our goal was to make sure these children had a great Christmas, since this might be the last Christmas with their father. We far surpassed that and not only did they have a great Christmas, they could also pay a bill or two."

Fredericksburg, Virginia

The Aerie/Auxiliary 4123 Eagle Riders held a no-loser raffle and a bike show called "Save the Ta-Ta's" to raise money for the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation. The event raised a total of $1,043.47 for the VBCF, reports Eagle Riders Secretary/Web Manager Rita Rose. Pictured are some of the volunteers at the event.

Alexandria, Virginia

Members of Eagles Auxiliary 871 participated in the City of Alexandria's 16th Annual Walk to Fight Breast Cancer last October 24. These nine walkers raised $3,109 in their first time participating in this event. "We had so much fun that we can't wait to do it again next year!" said Vickie A. Parshall.

Pictured in the first row are Tillie Crim, Vickie Parshall, Shelly Wells. Row two: Aletha Massingale, Marsha Kidd, Cathy Huff, Patti Ross, Carol Stedman, Robin Hossfeld.

Huntsville, Alabama

Working with the Semper Fi Community Task Force (SFCTF)), Eagles Aerie/Auxiliary 3273 welcomed and hosted members of the Wounded Warriors and their spouses to Huntsville last November. Everything from fishing trips to salon appointments, dinners and a parade was provided for the Wounded Warriors. "The Eagles helped not only with money, but also with Eagle Riders escorts and more," said State Madam President Linda Rinehart, member of Auxiliary 3263, shown presenting a donation of $2,000 to Mike Dahl of the SFCTF. With them are Lori Martin, Madam President Debbie Reed and Worthy President Mark Stacy.

Adds Linda: "Through SFCTF, a call came to the Aerie concerning a decorated Vietnam Vet who was buried in a pauper's grave. Within 24 hours, all remaining expenses involved in reburying the veteran were handled. The Eagle Riders and local Patriot Guard Riders provided an escort to the cemetery.

Wilmington, Delaware

Members of Eagles Aerie/Auxiliary 74 Wilmington, clipped manufacturer coupons for the USAF Base in Osan, Korea. "In just three months we have sent more than $11,000 worth of coupons to the base to help the military families stationed there," says Theresa Burris.

Pictured are Lisa Meixell, Terri Burrs, Suzy Dowling, Steve Burris, and Bob Christman. Not pictured is Mike Porter.

Duncan, British Columbia

The Vancouver Island Eagles Disaster Relief Trailer was dispatched to Duncan last November after 300 homes were flodded. "We were called at 4 p.m. And we're unloaded by 6:30," says Shirley Hunt of Ladysmith Eagles Auxiliary 2101, President of the Vancouver Disaster Relief Trailer Assn. "It sure makes you proud to be an Eagle."

Terre Haute, Indiana

The Eagle Riders of Terre Haute Aerie/Auxiliary 291 conducted a 170-mile motorcycle ride last September 12 to support the early detection of breast cancer in the Wabash Valley. As a result of the ride and the dinner and auction that followed, the Eagle Riders presented a check to Union Hospital Foundation in the amount of $2,565, designated for the Clara Fairbanks Center Mammogram Assistance Fund.

The Clara Fairbanks Center for Women is the No. 1 mammography provider in the Wabash Valley, performing approximately 12,000 mammograms each year. The Mammogram Assistance Fund was established through Union Hospital Foundation to help provide these important screenings for individuals who may not otherwise have the ability to afford them.

North Platte, Nebraska

Last November 14, Eagles Aerie/Auxiliary 2839 held a fund raiser for Nebraska Special Olympics with State Presidents Dana Went and Patty Welch on hand. Special Olympics is their special charity, and more than $3,500 was raised for the cause. In addition, Worthy President Tracy Hawk presented a $10,000 check to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Department and a $12,000 check to the North Platte Alzheimer's Walkathon. The first donation will allow the department to purchase, train and fund a drug dog program for one year.

"The donation to the Alzheimer's Walk is the fifth of this kind and makes Aerie/Auxiliary 2839 the largest supporters of the the Walkathon in the state," according to Aerie Secretary Larry G. Biss.

Pictured with the check for the Alzheimer's Walk are Dana Went, Patty Welch, Tracy Hawk, Helen Bell, and Tommy Camargo.

Mt. Carmel, Illinois

Thanks to the Eagles Aerie/Auxiliary 3066 "Eagles Care" program, residents of area senior facilities, assisted-living and nursing homes enjoyed fresh cantelope and watermelon last fall. The more than 250 melons were donated by Chamberlain Farms of Owensville, Indiana, reports Worthy President Rodger Beard.

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

The Fraternal Order of Eagles Local #2272 delivered nearly 60 food baskets to area families in need on December 19, 2009 as part of its ongoing community service program.

Aerie and Auxiliary members joined together to raise funds, collect food items, and package and deliver these well-stocked food baskets. Families were given hams, milk, potatoes, canned goods, yogurt, bread, peanut butter, jelly, and many other items in order to ease their financial burden during the holiday season. As a special treat, homemade cookies were included with each basket.

Several local businesses, organizations, and individuals made contributions to this annual effort, including smaller groups within the Local (Wednesday Night Grillers and Eagles Tailgators). Members were encouraged to bring their refundable cans and plastic bottles to the Aerie home for redemption with the proceeds going to help fund the baskets. By working together with each other and the community, Aerie/Auxiliary #2272 successfully demonstrated its commitment to our motto of “People Helping People.”

Frederick, Maryland

Eagles Aerie/Auxiliary 1067 held their 11th Annual NASCAR Party to benefit the Frederick County Hospice. A total of $1,634 was raised at the latest event. A lot of good food was donated by members, and numerous raffles were held. Eagle Sister and bartender Gale Miller heads up this event every year. "Gale works hard locating the many items to raffle off," says Past Worthy President Robbie Wilson. "She does a great job every year."

Pictured: Tommy Booth, Worthy President; Diana Booth, Madam Vice President; Gale Miller, Chairperson; Laurie Wolfe, Madam President; and Angie Casterlin, Frederick County Hospice.

Leavenworth, Kansas

Each Veterans Day, members of Eagles Aerie/Auxiliary 55 participate in the local Veterans Day Parade. In 2009, 194 units were entered in the parade, making the largest Veterans Day Parade west of the Mississippi River.

Participating and riding on last year's two FOE floats were Grand Madam Secretary Judy Johnson; South Central Regional President Jim Crownover; South Central Regional President Lois Coe; South Central Regional Mother Karen Henry; State Presidents Pat Cress and Bob Masenthin; State Secretaries Terry Hundley and Judy Foster, State President-Elect Ralph Wheeler; State Treasurer Jim Vinson; and Past State Madam President Linda Wheeler.

Eagle Chairman were Patrick and Penny McEvoy.

Walking in the human flag were Leavenworth High School students Jacob O'Neil, Emily Beckerjeck, Ashley O'Neil, Beverly Adams, Bridget O'Neil and Ryan Adams.

Morris, Illinois

The team from Happy Hill Eagles Aerie/Auxiliary 1024 won the Morris Police Department's annual Trivia Mania last November 14. The Eagles topped 32 other groups to finish in first place after 10 rounds of 10 questions each. The Eagles team has participated in the event for several years, but this was their first championship. (Several other squads also count Eagles among their players, however this is the only all-Eagles team.) All proceeds from this fun-filled night are donated to the Illinois Special Olympics through the Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run Program.

Texarkana, Arkansas

Last August 10, 125 cardsharps played Texas Hold-'Em in a tournament at Shooters Bar organized by Eagles Auxiliary 2684 Secretary and Past Southwest Regional Madam President Linda Taylor. Each participant gave a $20 donation for the Arkansas Children's Hospital for Diabetes. The prizes for the tournament, all donated, were: 1st place, $500 cash, (donated by Shooters); 2nd Place, $400 dinner for four donated by Texarkana College; 3rd Place, a plaque. The Grand Aerie donated pen and pencil sets and caps and shirts to be awarded at the event.

The tournament raised $2,500. Grand prize winner was Justin Harrell, grandson of Eagle Emmett Vickers.

Vergennes, Vermont

Eagles Auxiliary 3801 presented Grand Madam President Jean Kerr with a donation of $100 for her charity when the Grand Madam President visted Burlington Auxiliary 793 last October. Pictured are GMP Jean, Dolly Dame, Peggy McGrath, Vivian Larocque, Luella Aube, Pat Wright and Kristi Kimball.

White Cloud, Michigan

Eagles Aerie 4170 Worthy President Chester Jones presented a check for $500 to Carmen Froehle, animal cordinator of Bellwether Harbor animal rescue, and volunteers Bob and Lesle Millard.