People Helping People

Wausau, Wisconsin - June 2019

Wausau Aerie #251 President Meryl Kelch and Trustee Bill Kelch presented a $1,000 check to the Man of Honor Society, which is an organization that helps local veterans and their families in time of need.

Manitowoc, Wisconsin - May 2019

Manitowoc Aerie #706 recently held their annual Awards Banquet. During the banquet, two college scholarships were awarded to students Maria Laurent and Bryce Howe. 

-Manitowoc Aerie #706 recently honored local Law Enforcement and Firefighter. Every Year, the Manitowoc Eagles honors the local Law Enforcement and Fire Fighters officials for their untiring efforts in making the Manitowoc Area a better place for everyone.

Merrill, Wisconsin - April 2019

Merrill Auxiliary #584 presented a $1,000 grant to the T.B. Scott Free Library to purchase memory kits.

Fond du Lac, Wisconsin - April 2019

• The Fond du Lac Eagles Aerie #270’s Anglers Fishing Club offered a free breakfast to the local police officers, sheriff’s deputies and firemen working on the morning of April 7 as a way to thank them for their service to our community. 

• During the Fond du Lac Aerie #270 State Officers Party, Wi. State President Daniel Scheer presented Mary Kleman of the Children’s Hospitals of Wisconsin a check for $2,700 from a grant towards his State Project, Children’s Abuse Prevention. Daniel partnered with Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin Fox Valley for his State Project to help local area children in need of help. Kleman stated that a lot of times, to help the child, they are actually helping families overcome issues to provide a stable home for the family. Another check from the Aerie was presented to Scheer to go towards his State Project, which has raised almost $12,000 so far this year, separate from the grant noted above.

Raymore, Wisconsin - February 2019

Belton-Raymore Aerie #4146 recently donated $5,000 to the Hickory Hills Veterans Lodge. The HHVL’s goal is to provide care and support to wounded Veterans with counseling and outdoor recreation. The free programs are focused on the physical and mental needs of each individual, with an emphasis placed on peer support and group participation in all events. The money donated will money will be used to buy a truck, providing transportation to go and pick up the Veteran’s. 

Belton-Raymore Aerie #4146 participated in their first, local Homecoming parade. They made their float into a 1950's theme and everyone was dancing along to their music. Due to their grand parade float, #4146 won 3 trophies: 1st place in best use of theme, 1st runner up for performance, and 2nd runner up for most original.

Merrill, Wisconsin - February 2019

Merrill Eagles #584 donated 94lbs. of non-perishable food to the Merrill Food Pantry. The food was collected during the month of December and at the Aerie/Auxiliary joint Christmas party. #584 also made a $500 donation for the Children’s Miracle Networks, Christmas in July program, held at the Marshfield Children's Hospital. 

Merrill Eagles #584 presented $700 to Cheryl Coyer for Quilts of Honor, which is a nonprofit that provides handmade quilts to veterans and active military members. 

During Merrill Eagles #584 Christmas party, Les Sabatke presented grants from the Grand Aerie in the amount of $1,000 to both the Enrichment Center and Haven. #584 also distributed a $1,000 check to the Never Forgotten Honor Flight program. They raised those proceeds from their first annual Prime Rib Challenge. Additionally during the Christmas party, Boomer Memorial Raffle Chairman, Bryan Plautz presented a $500 check to the Lincoln County Respite Program. The Respite program began eleven years ago in honor of Mary Geiss and is designed to support the caregivers of disable children. 

Pete McConnell of Prairie River Middle School accepted a $500 donation from Merrill Aerie #584 representative and Chairman of the Boomer Memorial Raffle, Bryan Plautz. McConnell wrote a grant that started the "Freedom Pens" project in January of 2017. Eighth grade students volunteer their time after their normal school hours to turn pens that are then provided to each Veteran on the "Never Forgotten Honor Flight". Each pen bears the name of the student manufacturer and includes a personal note from the student thanking the Veteran for their service.

Viroqua, Wisconsin - February 2019

The Viroqua Eagles #2707 were honored with the Inaugural Outstanding Community Organization Award by the Gundersen Medical Foundation. The award recognizes area groups that distinguish themselves through their compassion and commitment to helping others through their philanthropic support. Since 1975, the Viroqua Eagles have raised money for cancer research during a week of fundraising that includes a lutefisk meatball dinner, lumberjack breakfast, raffle, auction and telethon. Through the generous support of the community and Eagle members, $589,800 has been donated to the Gundersen Medical Foundation Cancer Research. Orris Pederson, a 71-year Eagles member and former Cancer Telethon chair, was on hand to receive the award.

Wausau, Wisconsin - February 2019

Wausau Aerie #251 held an Ice Fishing Tournament to benefit Wausau Metro Adult’s Special Olympics. Chairman and Trustee Bill Kelch, Trustees Jake Sabatke and Meryl Kelch presented a check for $1,500 to the cause.

La Crosse, Wisconsin - January 2019

La Crosse Aerie #1254 recently held brat barns, raffles, and other fundraisers to make a donation to help build an All Abilities Park in La Crosse. The Aerie, Auxiliary, REAC, and Sunday AM club and a grant from the Jimmy Durante Children’s Fund all contributed to a total of $5,000. The All Abilities Trane Park Project will be designed to be fun and bring together individuals of all abilities to experience the simple, everyday joy of outside play.

Merrill, Wisconsin - December 2018

Merrill Auxiliary #584 Community Service Committee presented personal hygiene items, t-shirts, and cleaning items to the Merrill Community Homeless Center.