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Eagles flock to Nashville for state convention June 20, 2008 - No reporter cited

Jim Pinson
Editor

NASHVILLE - The Fraternal Order of Eagles held their state convention from June 12-15 in Nashville.

This year, members raised funds for the Arkansas Children’s Hospital Foundation, specifically for cancer research.

Robin Rhoades, executive director of the ACH Foundation, was present to accept a check in the amount of $41,222.83 from the state members. An additional $2,000 was raised during the convention.

Grand Madam Chaplin Doris Castleberry of Nashville stated that the ACH Foundation would be the state project again this year.

Arkansas Eagles also unveiled their new disaster relief trailer. Arkansas will operated the seventh trailer in the country.

The trailer made its first appearance in Nashville at the convention. Nashville allowed the Eagles members to introduce their trailer to the public with a police escort on Main Street Saturday.

The disaster relief program was established in 2007 by Grand Worthy President John Potter of Calgary, Canada.

Each trailer is stocked with water, ration bars, personal hygiene kits for adults and children and first aid items. It will cost approximately $20,000 to stock the trailer, so that it will be ready to respond when a disaster strikes.

Members of the Arkansas Eagles will volunteer to assist in transporting and distributing supplies to areas suffering from a disaster, and other first responders.

Potter suggested the creation of the assistance program following 9/11, when members throughout the country wanted to donate money at assist those affected.

The Grand Aerie had a difficult time finding outlets that meet the charity guidelines of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and it was some time to disperse the funds.

The Grand Aerie also had similar experiences following Katrina and other hurricanes that ravaged the Gulf Coast.

With the creation of the disaster relief units, Eagles will have a network established to assist in times of need.

One hundred forty members from Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas and Indiana attended the convention. The convention was officiated by Mike Cummings and wife, Betty from Bedford and Castleberry of Nashville. Cummings is the Fraternal Order of Eagles compliance officer.

The Elberta Aerie 3955 was established in 1981.

If you are interested in making a donation to either the ACH Foundation fund or the disaster relief trailer, you can contact George or Doris Castleberry at 870-845-1396 or 870-845-3890. One hundred percent of the money donated goes the charity of your choice. The Eagles do not hold any money out for
administration cost.

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