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Defiance Eagles soar for charity: Grants awarded by group exceed $450,000 over the past two years

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By JACK PALMER

palmer@crescent-news.com

The Defiance area is known for its unusually high level of charitable giving from fraternal, veterans and civic organizations. The undisputed leader is Eagles Aerie 372, which awarded more than $450,000 in grants for the two-year period ending May 31.

"Defiance Eagles is probably one of the top five clubs in the state in charitable donations and community involvement," said Defiance resident Kenny VanStreader, who served as Eagles state president from 2006-07.

"But it's not just us. We really appreciate the efforts and charitable support of the other organizations around our community. They all do a great job, too."

From Special Olympics to senior services to Friends of Felines, Eagles Aerie 372 has assisted disabled persons, uplifted the aged and made life a little brighter for everyone, including four-legged creatures.

"There aren't many charities we haven't touched in one way or another," said VanStreader. "We are one of the few organizations that still sends money to the Skylark Club. We also give $2,000 every year to area volunteer fire departments."

The organization also funds medical research in areas such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, heart disease, kidney disease and Alzheimer's.

"If one or more of our members have a special place in their heart for a certain charity and if they are willing to help raise money, it's something that we can generally support," said VanStreader. "During Lent we held fish fries for Habitat for Humanity and many members volunteered their time to make it happen. It turned out to be a good activity for the club."

Most recently, Defiance Eagles was the first to donate $750 for "free swim Mondays" at Kingsbury pool. VanStreader actively solicited seven other fraternal and veterans groups to kick in the same amount.

"For the past several years we've kicked off the Festival of Trees with a $10,000 donation," said VanStreader. "We are proud to serve as hosts for this great event, which has come a long way since it started. It seems to get everyone into the Christmas spirit."

For many years, the club put much of its income toward its new $2 million building that opened in 1996.

"Since we were able to save, the building was paid for from almost the day it opened," said VanStreader. "That opened the door for us to start donating more to area charities and organizations."

The organization, which holds a state license for charitable gaming purposes, raises the bulk of its funds through the sale of instant bingo and other gaming tickets.

Under state law, veterans and fraternal organizations must distribute to charity a minimum of 25 percent of the first $150,000 of net profits from instant bingo, plus a minimum of 55 percent of profits over $150,000. The recipients must be tax exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Eagles Aerie 372 currently has a membership of just under 2,000, making it the largest fraternal group in the Defiance area.

"Many people join because they just want to be a part of what we do," said VanStreader. "That's a testimony to our success."

VanStreader also credited the work of the organization's ladies auxiliary for its collective volunteer efforts.

"We partner with the auxiliary on many projects like Christmas for Kids. They also do a great job in providing food and serving our funeral dinners. For many families, we are the only place that they have."

Current club officers are Dr. William Reeves, president; Charles Golliver, past president; Tony Behringer, vice president; Dale Meier, chaplain; Patrick Finn, secretary; Ray Meade, treasurer; Steve Pryor, conductor; Dan Henry, inside guard; Larry Starr, outside guard; and Phil Hoffman, Bob Sanders and Jim Call, trustees.

"We're not just a place to get a dime off on a beer," said VanStreader. "We're a group of people who enjoy helping area charities. We take great pride in what we've done and hope to continue our support in the future."