Hayden Eagles live by mission of people helping people

From car shows to golf tournaments to dinner theater, Hayden Lake Eagles Aerie 4080 members have been silently and successfully raising money to support community nonprofits.

Hayden Lakes Eagles, under the leadership of President Chuck Hupp, has recently donated money to Hospice of North Idaho, Second Chance Pet Rescue, the St. Pius X Catholic Church Soup Kitchen, the Women’s Center, Athol, Spirit Lake and Rathdrum food banks, and St. Vincent de Paul.

Charter member Glen Abbott says the Eagles’ mission is all about “people helping people through charity work.”

“We chartered in February 1984, the same year that I was Idaho Eagles state president,” Abbott said. “We started with 319 members and we are 1,000-plus members strong today.”

According to its Web site, the Fraternal Order of Eagles was founded in 1898 and has, over the years, donated millions of dollars to local and national charities.

“Whether we are at a meeting, enjoying a social, or washing dishes after a successful charity dinner, we are truly a family of brothers and sisters that work hard to help make our community a better place to live,” Hupp said.

Eagle members also lend a helping hand to their own members, Hupp said.

“We organize work parties to help members who are too elderly to do chores like house-painting, mowing lawns or winterizing their homes,” Hupp said. “These members have given a tremendous amount to the organization, and we want to help them in their time of need.”

According to member Debbie Sagdal, the Hayden Lake Eagles have raised more than $8,500 for Hospice of North Idaho over the last three years.

“Our golf tournament at Twin Lakes Village just keeps growing,” said organizer Sagdal, “and the proceeds go to support the Hospice mission.”

Paul Weil, the executive director of Hospice of North Idaho said this financial support makes it possible for Hospice never to refuse services to any individual for lack of ability to pay.

Weil said he has been impressed with the Hayden Lakes Eagles’ overall commitment to supporting area nonprofits.

“HONI is extremely grateful to Debbie and the Eagles who are dedicated to supporting our efforts to expand and improve Hospice care.”

Another member, Carol Wyatt, has organized the Eagles’ annual car show which is held the third Sunday in July at the Hayden Lake Eagles Aerie Lodge. Wyatt said 1,000 people attended last year.

“Monies have been split between three charities – Kootenai County Charities, the Second Chance Pet Rescue and St. Pius Soup Kitchen,” Wyatt said. “Between entry fees, raffles and T-shirts, we raised over $10,000.”

Two times a year the Eagles donate monies to the Athol, Spirit Lake and Rathdrum food banks. “We support the food banks when the need is the greatest – at Thanksgiving and Christmas,” Hupp said.

Another part of the Eagles’ mission is to support the armed forces, police and firefighters and others who protect and serve. The Kootenai County Police and Firefighter Foundation is the Hayden Lake Eagles’ 2007 charity.

“We look forward to assisting those who cannot assist themselves. It is the common thread that binds – people helping people,” Hupp said.