People Helping People

Helena, Montana - May 2019

Helena Eagles #16 held their annual Easter egg hunt on the Montana State Capitol lawn. A few days before, volunteers spent the day at the club coloring more than 14,000 eggs. It took several hours Sunday morning to get them all into place. 

Altogether, Jim Horne, president of the Aerie said it takes about 30 to 40 volunteers to put the event on each year. Helena Eagles have been organizing the hunt for 90 years. The event was originally held at the Helena Civic Center, but it moved to the Capitol decades ago as it grew in popularity. 

First Security Bank matched their prize money for the event. Several hundred “prize” eggs were marked with a stamp, meaning the kids who found them would receive $1. Two gold eggs were worth even more. Hundreds of children attended the event, and after a few frantic minutes, the hunt was over. “They get through it pretty quick,” said Horne. “There’s been years where there’s been so many kids, the egg hunt hasn’t lasted a full 45 seconds.”

Missoula, Montana - April 2018

Missoula Aerie #32 held an Easter egg hunt where hundreds of kids picked up all the eggs in a record-breaking 10 minute period. After the eggs were picked up, the children went back to the Eagles lodge for face painting and hot dogs. Chaplain Jason Duffin said this event wouldn’t be possible without all the volunteers. “I’ve been fortunate to be a member for a year and a half, an officer as well and everything we do down there is donated time. There are no requirements for how much time you put in and it’s amazing how the community comes together to be itself. We’ve had record numbers turn out and we’re hoping for more, especially from the younger generation,” said Duffin.

Helena, Montana - April 2018

More than 20 Helena Aerie #16 members volunteered their time to dye over 15 thousand eggs for the Capitol Easter egg hunt. Eagles Lodge #16 President Jim Horne said it's worth the time and effort.

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.