Jean Kerr, the 2009-2010 Grand Madam President, joined the Moose Jaw Auxiliary in
1975 as a Charter Member and has held numerous leadership positions including all
chairs of the Moose Jaw Auxiliary, provincial and regional president, Grand Madam
Trustee, Grand Madam Conductor and Grand Madam Inside Guard. She believes in the
fundraisers and the grassroots programs hosted by our members. Jean enjoys sports,
gardening and camping and believes that by keeping busy, helping others and working
helps keep her healthy and her mind active. Jean’s charity is the Fraternal Order
of Eagles Memorial Foundation.
FOE auxiliary members are on the move! Everywhere I go, I see ladies working together
to benefit our organization and our charities. Our members are positive, active
and talking about the many good things that are going on locally and internationally.
Last month, I had the opportunity to visit many aeries and auxiliaries and to tour
various local facilities. As many of you know, I love horses. And, one of my most
memorable stops was “Miracles in Motion” stables in Keene, New Hampshire. The facility
uses horses to help handicapped children and youth at risk, with a goal to improve
their physical, emotional and cognitive independence and elevate their self esteem.
I was especially interested in this organization since one of my projects is to
help stop youth alcohol use and drug abuse. If you have ever owned or spent time
with a horse, you understand the bond that can form between these remarkable animals
and their owners and riders. The staff, 75+ volunteers and the horses at “Miracles
in Motion” are making tremendous strides with the young people they serve.
Thank you to Keene #1413 for their fundraising on behalf of this wonderful organization.
And, thanks to Massachusetts state president Michelle Trober and the auxiliary members
in Massachusetts who are raising money for hippotherapy, a similar program that
has suffered from recent budget cuts.
I encourage auxiliary members to support local drug and alcohol prevention programs,
such as D.A.R.E. and Home on the Range. Members and auxiliaries also have the option
of sending their contributions to the Home Fund and asking for a grant for a specific
organization.
During the past month, I had the opportunity to visit the University of Massachusetts
Memorial Cancer Center, which conducts extensive research and clinical trials. This
is an impressive, state-of-the-art facility that provides a tremendous level of
patient support.
I also visited a dialysis unit in Kenai, Alaska when I attended the Pacific Northwest
Conference. Many patients who require dialysis are diabetic, which reinforced our
work on behalf of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center. The visit
included a tour of the hospital and a conversation with a staff member involved
in diabetic care.
While I was in Massachusetts, I traveled to Shelburne Falls #2758, where I received
an especially warm reception. I later learned that I am the first Grand Madam President
to visit this aerie and auxiliary.
As I close, I want you to know that Mike and I have received checks of all sizes
for our projects and charities—including the Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes
Research Center and the FOE Memorial Fund—and we want to express our appreciation.
Whether the contribution is large or small, every donation counts and moves us closer
to our goals to help many.
Although our Canadian Thanksgiving celebration is behind us, I extend warm wishes
for a blessed Thanksgiving to all of our American FOE members.
Yours in sisterhood,
Jean Kerr
To purchase a T-shirt to benefit Grand Madam President, Jean Kerr's Special Projects,
please contact her Historians.
T-shirts are $12 each and available in sizes Small - 3X while supplies last.