The 2011 South Central Regional Conference was held in Great Bend, Oct. 21-23. Presidents for the Region are Bill Nelson of Norton, and Ellen White of California, Mo. Grand Representatives present were: Grand Madam President Gwen Stallkamp from Albert Lea, Minn., Grand Aerie Inside Guard James Burnham of St. Marys, Ga., and Grand Auxiliary Trustee Judy Johnson of Lawrence, Auxiliary.
The charity chosen by Missouri State President’s Tim Marler, Crystal City, Mo., and Leslie Franklin, Jefferson City, Mo., theme “Chasing The Dream” have chosen the “Dream Factory”. Every dime they raise goes directly toward making a dream come true for a child who is critically or chronically ill. State Presidents of Kansas, John Kaiser, WaKeeney, and Peggy Fellers, Emporia, have chosen Cotton O’Neil Cancer Center in Topeka, as their charity.
The Fraternal Order of Eagles, nationwide, have pledged $25 million dollars over a five year period, donating $5 million each year, to the Diabetes Research Center at the University of Iowa. Kansas and Missouri, together raised $23,385.00 at this conference, for the Research Center. Just recently, the second floor being built at the Research Center, was named, “The Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center. Some day they will find a cure for diabetes. To raise this money, each member, of the F.O.E., is urged to donate $5 each year, when they pay their dues, to reach our goal.
A Patriotic Presentation by David and Debbie Mattox, Mo., showed a video about how the National Anthem came into being, written by Francis Scott Key, followed by pictures of Eagle members and Family members that did serve and those now serving in the Armed Forces. With their picture their name, branch of service, rank, and years served was shown. A very interesting and moving presentation.
The Fraternal Order of Eagles are noted for “People Helping People” and the monies raised for DRC and the many other charities, was certainly shown at this year’s conference.