24 January Bridgewater, New Jersey - January 2017 January 24, 2017 By The Fraternal Order of Eagles New Jersey 0 In 2004, PWP George Fitzpatrick started what has grown in to a holiday tradition at Somerset Aerie #2137. His idea “The Giving Tree,” embodied the heard of the organization and represented the spirit of People Helping People. That year, and every year since, a decorated Christmas tree has been placed in the foyer with ornaments made of tags with an age and gender written on them. Members choose one or more ornament and return with an age and appropriate gift. Partnering with St. John’s Episcopal Church in Somerville, NJ, which serves as the distribution hub for the gifts, ensures the gifts are provided to families in need. Father Ron works with other churches in the area, as well as hospitals, shelters, and other charitable foundations, to maximize the benefit of the fundraiser. Over the years, the tradition has grown thanks to the hard work of George Faxon, who has taken over the annual effort. The Aerie prides itself on its support of worthwhile causes throughout the community and The Giving Tree touches the hearts of all who hear about it. From the January 2017 People Helping People Newsletter. Related Articles Glendale, Arizona - January 2017 Osborn Fraternal Order of Eagles #2843 recently presented a $3,000 grant from the Jimmy Durante Children’s Fund to El Mirage Police Department’s Victims Assistance Unit. The grant was made possible through Osborn’s work in winning the 2016 Children’s Day Contest thanks to an event planned last year with the help of the VAU to educate area families. Pictured are 2015-16 Osborn Presidents Chris and Becky Bettis, El Mirage Assistant Chief Laura Liuzzo, Lieutenant Randy Stewart and event chairperson Francis Drozanowski-Kuehler, a 20-year Osborn Auxiliary member and volunteer with the VAU. Marceline, Missouri - January 2017 Marceline Eagles #726 raffled off the new Henry Golden Boy Fraternal Order of Eagles Commemorative Rifle to raise money for the Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Fund in memory of PWP Steve Weese, who chaired the Diabetes Fund for many years and passed away in 2016 from complications due to diabetes. The raffle raised $700 with Johnny Weikert of Gettysburg, Pa., selected as the winner. Accepting on his behalf was Bob Barrows of Linneus, Mo. Holding the gun is raffle chairman Mark Cleveland, PWP and Missouri PSP. Chemainus, British Columbia - January 2017 On Oct. 4, the Fraternal Order of Eagles of Chemainus-Crofton #4400 presented Tour de Rock team members with a check for $1,500 for Pediatric Cancer Research and support programs at a breakfast held at the Legion. The Canadian Cancer Society Cops For Cancer Tour de Rock is a fundraising event to support Pediatric Cancer Research and support programs for children with cancer. Since 1998, more than 300 police officers have been named to the team along with 41 others, including childhood cancer survivors, longtime volunteers and members of the media who tell their stories. A new team is picked every year and only one person has ridden more than once. On top of fundraising, team members train on their bikes three days a week to help prepare for the demands of the 1,100 kilometer, 2-week ride. Riders are paired with a junior rider from a group of Vancouver Island children who have battled, are battling or are the sibling of someone who lost their battle with cancer. Bozeman, Montana - January 2017 The Bozeman Eagles presented a check for $635 to the Cancer Support Community on September 30. Funds were raised from hamburgers sold at this year’s Cruisin on Man Car Show. Mt. Helena Auxiliary #4040 presented Montana Highway Patrol with a donation for $282 for Project Hope with Grand Madam President Judy Johnson present. 2015-16 Madam President Connie Howell chose Vietnam Veterans, SW Montana, Chapter #788 as her charity for the year, raising $2,500. Sky Jones (the Aerie President) and Howell held joint events throughout the year. The Ladies’ Auxiliary also sold brownies for a dollar each at Friday night bingo. The organization aggressively advocates for issues important to Veterans and seek full access to quality medical care and more. Howell and Jones will hold their spaghetti/bingo night again on Feb. 26, 2017 to support their respective causes. Norwalk, Connecticut - January 2017 Norwalk Eagle Riders #588 held their first ever Back To School Day For King Kennedy to raise school supplies. Prime Burger Sono supplied foods for the event, which collected an incredible amount of supplies for the community. The event was chaired by member Luis Delgado and his wife Emma and assisted by the Eagles and Eagle Riders. They also held a BBQ/Poker Run event to raise money for Rivers of Recovery, supporting veterans with PTSD, raising $1,300. Pictured, l to r, are Rey, Emma and Ryan Delgado, Treasurer Karen Hood, President Tommy Miller, Russ Janice, Harry Scheef, Mike Blank and Trustee Art Ehlers. Vermillion, South Dakota - January 2017 Sunshine Aerie #2421 in Vermillion presented a grant for $5,000 from the D.D. Dunlap Kidney Fund to University of South Dakota researchers Curtis Kost, Jr., PhD and Douglas Martin, PhD for a project entitled Protective Effect of Bradykinin Receptors in Hypertension and Chronic Kidney Disease. The check was presented by visiting Grand Worthy President-Elect Tom McGrath. Pictured, l to r, Quentin Larson, Grand Aerie Legal Advisor Creighton Thurman, Dr. Curtis Kost Jr., Dr. Douglas Martin, Dakota State Outside Guard Kent Osborne and Grand Aerie President-Elect Tom McGrath. Showing 0 Comment Comments are closed.