Eagles soar to raise $5,000 for cancer research

Service club gives back for the third time this year

Sarah Kehoe

Special to the Gateway

Gig Harbor’s chapter of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles recently raised $5,000 for donation to cancer research at Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital in Tacoma. The contribution marks the Eagles’ third such fundraising effort in 2008.

Earlier this year, the local group — a chapter of the international philanthropic organization — raised $10,000 in donations to be evenly split between the heart research and cancer centers at Mary Bridge.

Personal experience motivates many Gig Harbor Eagles members to support causes like cancer research, including Diane Main, a Gig Harbor resident and 19-year member of the Eagles.

“Cancer has hit our home hard,” Main said. “Many of our members have lost loved ones to cancer throughout the years.”

Main lost her best friend, Liz Pitzinger of Gig Harbor, five years ago to breast cancer. Fellow member Nancy Ramsey lost a grandson to cancer last year.

“Just knowing that we donated just that little bit was heart-warming,” Main said. “Knowing we are helping Mary Bridge do their research is overwhelming.”

The club, which was created 61 years ago as a non-profit organization, boasts the motto of “people helping people,” the fundamental purpose being to raise money for charities and for those in need.

The Eagles raise and contribute money primarily by requesting grants from businesses that contribute to such philanthropic endowments as the Max Baer Heart Fund — named after the heavyweight boxer in the 1930s who died of a heart attack — and by hosting events at the group’s club, which is located on Burnham Drive.

Through the brown building’s green doors, visitors will find a large dance floor, a bar area and a meeting room. A painting of an eagle covers an entire wall.

These days, the club opens its bar and dining area in the afternoon each day and stays open as late as possible, in hopes of attracting more customers and consequently raising more money.

“We have no set closing time, because it depends on our customers,” Ramsey said. “The more business we have, the longer it stays open.”

In addition to the bar, the club, comprised entirely of volunteers, stays in business by hosting events such as dinners, dances and holiday parties.

Eagles members and others who attend these events can purchase raffle tickets to support fundraising efforts. Fundraising focuses on four main charitable causes — diabetes, cancer, heart disease and Alzheimer’s — but the Eagles also help the community in other ways.

“We help wherever the need is — not just our main charities,” said Marietta Oritz of Bremerton, a member since 1954. “I was raised to lend a hand without asking for anything in return.”

The group has raised money for families in need and given funds to local college students to help them pay for books, Ramsey said.

Working hard on behalf of others has brought the Eagles’ members closer together and helped them appreciate one another.

“They are my family,” Main said. “I know that if I ever needed anything, my Eagle family would be there for me.”

The Eagles plan to hold more events to fund cancer research and other charities. The next activity will be a holiday bazaar set for next month.

Ruby Gipson, an Eagles member for 15 years, said the organization’s cause is a noble one.

“It is a very good thing to belong to this group,” Gipson said. “It is very gratifying to know that you are doing everything you can to help other people.”

The Gig Harbor Eagles Club

The Gig Harbor Chapter of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles operates out of its club, located at 4425 Burnham Drive in Gig Harbor. The club opens its bar and dining area at 4 p.m. on Mondays and 2 p.m. the rest of the week. Call 253-851-2809 for more information.

Sarah Kehoe is student at Pacific Lutheran University and a freelance writer for The Peninsula Gateway.