Photo caption (left to right): Madam State Conductor Leslie Franklin, Kirk Schreiber, Patrice Mugg, State President Phillip Lance, Madam State President Becky Wilson
The Missouri Fraternal Order of Eagles (F.O.E.) recently presented a check for $132,510 to the Children’s Trust Fund (CTF). With over 500 in attendance, the check was presented during the Missouri F.O.E. State Convention held June 19-21 in Cape Girardeau.
Each year, the newly appointed Missouri State Auxiliary and Aerie Presidents select an Eagle’s State President’s Charity of choice. CTF was chosen as the 2007-2008 recipient, and over the past year, individual Eagles Clubs throughout the state have raised funds within their communities to contribute in a collective effort to support child abuse and neglect prevention. At the Eagle’s request, CTF will use the funding to support crisis nurseries throughout the state. Crisis nurseries provide short-term shelter and care for children whose families are faced with emergencies or who are in crisis.
Kirk Schreiber, CTF executive director, and Patrice Mugg, CTF Board chair-elect, were present to accept the check. “We very much appreciate the Missouri F.O.E. for all of their hard work and efforts throughout the year in support of CTF and the crisis nurseries,” said Schreiber. “The Eagles are a wonderful partner, and their financial contribution will go a tremendous way in strengthening families and keeping children safe, healthy and free from abuse and neglect.”
Some of the community fund-raising events included the following:
Cape Girardeau Aerie #3375 hosted a dinner, mystery theater and raffle; Cape Fair Aerie #4278 sponsored the annual Buddy Bass Fishing Tournament; Boonville Aerie Auxiliary #1022 served breakfast to the public one Sunday each month and hosted a golf tournament; and Jefferson City Aerie #2693 hosted a ‘Hula for the Prevention of Child Abuse’ luau.
The Fraternal Order of Eagles is an international non-profit organization that unites fraternally in the spirit of liberty, truth, justice and equality to make human life more desirable by lessening its ills and by promoting peace, prosperity, gladness and hope. Founded in 1898, the Eagles fund research in areas such as heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes and cancer. In addition, the Eagles raise money for neglected and abused children and the aged, and they work for social and civic change. The Eagles donate more than $100 million annually to charities and individuals throughout the United Stated and Canada. Former Missouri F.O.E. State President’s charities include the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Alzheimer’s Research, St. Francis/Children’s Mercy Hospitals, and Parkinson’s Research.