Sadly, one of our young Eagle members took his life in 2018, leaving us all in pain and grief, especially his friends in our Junior Order of Eagles. The group wanted to do something to honor Chris Brown and help prevent suicide, so Chris's brothers (who are J.O.E. members) and the rest of the group hosted a spaghetti dinner to raise funds for our State President’s Charity, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. We’re proud to announce that the J.O.E.s did very well and raised almost $1500 for the cause.
Their success wouldn't have happened without the help and participation of so many caring people. Youth advisors Jim and Nancy Shrove helped coordinate and plan the event along with April Brown, Chris's mother, and Madam President Lisa Ochalek. They also had help from Tim McKeen, Melissa Griffith, Janice Eaton, and all of our awesome J.O.E. members. Thank you for your hard work and caring hearts, everyone.
We also want to thank the people, organizations and groups that donated raffle baskets. Your generosity is appreciated. Of course, everyone who bid on a basket, made a monetary donation or purchased a dinner deserves our thanks, too. The J.O.E.s sold 86 adult dinners and approximately 50 children's dinners.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s website says, “Suicide prevention starts with everyday heroes like you.” The J.O.E.s are our heroes, as well as all of you who helped make their fundraiser in honor of Chris Brown a success. Thank you on behalf of people affected by suicide everywhere.
Please enjoy some pictures from the evening. Thank you, April Brown, for sharing these pictures with us. Finally, if you are in crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741.