People Helping People

Greenville, Michigan - February 2018

Greenville Eagles #4321 helped raise more than $70,000 for the Special Olympics during the 10^th Annual Polar Plunge, with four members of the club taking the plunge.

Michigan - February 2018

Eagles Auxiliaries across Michigan are raising money this year for the Cowell Family Cancer Center in Traverse City thanks to State Madam President Judy Williamson of Grayling #3465. More than a decade ago, Judy’s husband, Dennis, was diagnosed with lymphoma and has been in remission following successful chemotherapy and radiation. In January 2017, part of Dennis’ left lung was removed after a scan found cancer cells. With the second diagnosis, Judy and Dennis saw what new programs the cancer center offers, including clinical navigators who help patients throughout the process. The decision led Judy to select the Cancer Center as her official charity for the 2017-18 year. Their story was featured in the December 2017 edition of Munson Healthcare Foundation’s FOCUS magazine.

Coeur d'Alene, Idaho - February 2018

Coeur d’Alene Eagles Auxiliary #486 presented the Village at Orchard Bay with a donation of $2,400 for power recliners. Pictured, l to r, are Auxiliary President Heather Callahan, Village Director Amy Boni and Auxiliary member Shirley Bilstad.

Florida, Children's Day - February 2018

Grand Tribunal Justice Steve Silvestro of Kissimmee Aerie #4048 and Julie Silvestro of Edgewater Auxiliary #4242 presented a $3,000 grant to Pace Center For Girls in Ormond Beach, Florida. Pace is designed to educate and keep young girls from entering the juvenile justice system. The grant was made possible by winning the Eagles’ 2017 Children’s Day Contest. Steve and Julie serve as the co-chairpersons for the annual event.

Massachusetts - February 2018

During their December State Auxiliary meeting, the Massachusetts State Auxiliary donated toys to Homeless for the Holidays and Toys for Tots. The Bourne Fire Department visited the Buzzards Bay Aerie to pick up the gifts.

Florida - February 2018

On Dec. 1, more than 70 men and women from the Florida State Aerie & Auxiliary enjoyed an afternoon reception hosted by the Florida Hospital Foundation. During the reception, the FOE was recognized for attaining a place of honor on the Foundation’s Lifetime Donor Hall of Fame by exceeding one half-million dollars in contributions. David Collis, President of the Florida Hospital Foundation, told the group that in appreciation for the outstanding achievement, the hospital renamed four key rooms within the facility in honor of the F.O.E. They are as follows:

• FOE Vitals Room in the Florida Hospital for Children
• FOE Library in the Florida Hospital Cancer Institute
• FOE Conference Room in the Florida Hospital Cardiovascular Institute
• FOE Creation Consult Room in the Florida Hospital Diabetes Institute

During the ceremony, Collis also presented Florida Past State Madam President Michelle McCarthy with a special plaque in honor of her continued dedication and generosity to Florida Hospital.

Indiana - February 2018

For the 2016-17 year, Gary Weber selected Special Olympics Indiana as his State Aerie President’s Project. Last fall, he presented a check for $167,307.83 for cause. Pictured are Gary Weber, Donna Weber, Gary’s State Project team of Dan Frick, Don Niccum, Charlie Riggs and Jim Hellis, Indiana State Secretary Stretch Wineinger along with Special Olympics Indiana CEO Mike Furnish.

New Smyrna Beach, Florida - February 2018

New Smyrna-Edgewater Ladies’ Auxiliary #4242 recently donated $6,000 to support the Parkinson’s programs at the Florida Hospital New Smyrna Health Park. The funds will allow the opportunity to purchase a testing and training tool for outpatient rehab services. To date, the New Smyrna-Edgewater Auxiliary has donated $11,500 to support Parkinson’s Programs at the Health Park.

Frederick, Maryland - February 2018

Frederick Aerie #1067 held their annual membership Christmas Party, asking all attendees to make a donation of $5 to benefit a local charity, the Heartly House. Members were also asked to donate a wrapped gift to be auctioned off during the party, also benefiting Heartly House. Thanks to these efforts and a 50/50, $918 dollars were collected. The Aerie approved to add $82 to the money, making a total donation of $1,000 for Heartly House, which provides comprehensive services for victims and survivors of intimate partner abuse, sexual assault and child abuse. Pictured, Jr Past Worthy President Larry Keyser, Heartly House representative Mark Trager and Aerie Treasurer Treena Bell.

Lebanon, Ohio - February 2018

Lebanon Eagle Riders #1395 delivered gift bags and Christmas wishes to the residents of Lebanon Care on December 17. The Lebanon Eagle Riders, founded in 2008, have always selected a family at Christmas and donated gifts. This year, they wanted to give back to the 67 residents at Lebanon Care. Working with the staff, they provided them with gift bags including sweatshirts, socks, shampoos, lotion, after shave, chap stick, hand sanitizer, Kleenex, puzzle books and other items for the 67 residents. We passed out the gift bags while wishing them a Merry Christmas.