MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. – When you hear the name Fraternal Order of Eagles—F.O.E for short—it might sound like just another secret society lost in the shadows. But when it comes to the story of community spirit, good deeds, and some downright impressive wingspan by helping others, you’ll find it behind the walls at Mt. Clemens Eagles #1269.
Just outside of downtown and along the Clinton River, Mt. Clemens FOE is a gem within a gem. The non-profit centered on the principle of “people helping people” is the fastest growing fraternal organization in the country right now. In fact, Michigan is no stranger to the FOE’s broad wings, boasting dozens of Aerie locations throughout the state.
It originated in 1898 from a gathering of six theater owners in a Seattle shipyard—who convened to hash out a musician’s strike. Since then, the FOE has soared to become an international non-profit powerhouse with a heart of gold.
Mt. Clemens Eagles #1269 is nested along the Clinton River and is one of the largest Aeries in Michigan. Over the years, Mt. Clemens Eagles have transformed their Aerie into a community hub, complete with a waterfront bar perfect for raising spirits and funds alike.
Through hard work and spirited fundraisers, they keep the eagle’s promise of “people helping people” alive and flying high. Every penny raised by the FOE, for charity, goes right back out to support some heavy-hitting causes. Kidney and heart disease, diabetes, cancer, spinal cord injury funds, plus numerous children’s and memorial foundations. Visitors can feel good about coming out, having a great time themselves and knowing that their efforts are helping people and causes in need.
Mt. Clemens Eagles just celebrated their 120 year anniversary and is showing no signs of slowing down.
“The club has consistently donated upwards of $150,000 per year to charitable organizations over the last few years through fundraisers held on the premises,” says Adrienne Quenneville, Auxiliary volunteer and co-chair of the Corn Roast.
The FOE has an Aerie, run by the men, and the Auxiliary, run by the women. Both groups at Mt. Clemens Eagles have teamed together to make this year’s attempt at fundraising a banner effort with a goal of $50,000 for the Capuchin Soup Kitchen.
“Success of our fundraising lies with participation from our membership and the community when we have open to the public events which strays from the norm of members only on a regular basis,” says Quenneville.
Mt. Clemens #1269 Aerie and Auxiliary are putting together two not-to-miss public events: an adoption event benefiting the Humane Society of Macomb on Aug. 2, and the annual Summer Corn Roast on July 26 supporting the Capuchin Soup Kitchen. The Corn Roast has taken place for more than 20 years.
Event details are below:
“Mt. Clemens Eagles has always been charitable but have ramped up their efforts since returning from the COVID shut down to fit the needs that now exist in our own cities, state and nation,” Quenneville says.
If you are unable to attend any events and want to donate, checks can be dropped off at Mt. Clemens Eagles and they will go to the cause of your choice.
Swing by your local Eagles club and experience firsthand why it’s known for “people helping people.” If you want a closer look at the Mt. Clemens Eagles’ goodwill in action, follow their journey (and some fun events) on their Facebook page.
Mt. Clemens Eagles is located at 25455 South River Rd., Harrison Township, MI.
U.S. Presidents Theodore Roosevelt, Harry Truman, and John F. Kennedy, NASCAR legend Tony Stewart, country stars like Billy Ray Cyrus and Lee Greenwood, and hockey icon Gordie Howe once called themselves Eagles. Today, the organization soars with over 800,000 members and 1,500 chapters across the U.S. and Canada, proving these Eagles really know how to stick together.