20080229 Westminster Eagle: “A pie in the face for a good cause,” by Kevin Dayhoff

Westminster Eagle Article

“A pie in the face for a good cause”

February 29, 2008 by Kevin Dayhoff

Photo by Kevin Dayhoff

Former Carroll County Commissioner Perry Jones, left, takes bids from Fraternal Order of Eagles’ members for the opportunity to toss a pie in the face of the local Aeries’ president, Ralph Goodwin, right, after last Thursday’s meeting at the non-profit’s facility on Airport Drive.

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Westminster - Last Thursday, after the regular board meeting of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles Post 4378 in Westminster, Ralph Goodwin got a pie in the face.

However Goodwin, who is the president of the local Aerie (lodge) on Airport Drive, was all smiles.

Former Carroll County Commissioner, Perry Jones, quickly explained that Goodwin was on the receiving end of the pie as a result of a friendly and very successful contest to raise money for the Eagles’ building fund.

Goodwin acknowledged that he got the pie in the face because Jones had raised more money that he did.

Then Jones opportunistically auctioned off the chance to wield the pie to Brandon Dillon, who energetically outbid a cabal of women in the auxiliary, for the pie-tossing opportunity.

The Fraternal Order of the Eagles (FOE) purchased the former location of Bullock’s Airport Inn on May 31, 2006 after quickly outgrowing their first home base on Main Street in Westminster.

Since the move, membership has doubled in size. The FOE Auxiliary – the fundraising wing of the local lodge - was recently lauded for having the number one gain in new membership of all the Aeries in over 1700 cities across the United States and Canada,

The extraordinary membership growth has come in spite of being “the best kept secret in Carroll County,” said Josie Goodwin, Ralph Goodwin’s wife, and the president of the auxiliary.

As Mrs. Goodwin took a break from cheering on lodge member Dillon, an employee of Finch Services, she detailed with a big smile, “We’re people helping people… That’s our philosophy. In 2007, we donated $9,000 to charities. We take care of our own and we take care of the community.”

Jones, who has been a member for several years, said, “I always wanted to join when I was a commissioner and the Eagles were on Main Street, but I just couldn’t find the time to commit … and do it right… I felt it was a great way to keep working for the community. These are some of the nicest people around – and hardworking too.”

Blaine Brown, a Westminster volunteer firefighter and Aerie member said he joined because he likes the family environment of the local organization. “This lodge helps people and does good things for the community.”

Tim Kyle of Kyle Electric nodded in agreement as he munched on some popcorn. He said that he’s a member “because it is a good American diverse club” that comes together for Carroll County.

As he wiped the pie away from his mouth, Mr. Goodwin proudly concurred. “Our lodge here in Westminster – and our whole Eagles’ organization emphasizes diversity in our membership. We are an inclusive club that looks like our community.”

As Kyle looked around the room, he also pointed out that members come from all walks of life; “from white-collar professionals to laborers.”

“And the FOE just put President John F. Kennedy’s membership card in our national archives in Grove City, Ohio,” added Mr. Goodwin. “Seven U.S. presidents have been FOE members.”

Mr. Goodwin elaborated that the philosophy of the Eagles to share its good fortune as much as possible in the community. The local post contributes annually to several charitable funds throughout its national organization.

These include donations to help fight heart disease, diabetes, cancer, kidney ailments, and spinal cord injury. Then, locally, the Eagles have donated to Junction Inc., Change Inc., Carroll Hospice, the Westminster Public Library and needy families.

Funds donated by the Eagles come primarily through events at the FOE hall, and through raffles, 50/50 drawings, and members' dues. “You name it, we try it," said Mrs. Goodwin, who approved of the growing agitation that “Perry (Jones) should take a pie too.”

1977 Western Maryland College graduate Bill Treherne looked up from his sandwich and said that the lodge is “bunch of good people who support a lot of charities, while we have fun… Very family oriented and good food too…”

And smoke free too, said Gina Greene excitedly from behind the counter as she served up a BLT sandwich. The transition to a smoke free facility was “absolutely no problem. I think it’s brought out more people. The members switched (effortlessly)…”

Since it was first chartered in Westminster on July 21, 1996, the local Aerie has gathered almost 900 members.

“We have lots of members but… there’s always room for more help, and always a lot to do,” said Mr. Goodwin.

Established in Seattle in 1898, the Fraternal Order of Eagles is recognized nationally and internationally for humanitarian, charitable and community service. Each year, the Eagles raise funds to help combat diseases like cancer and diabetes, and support children and older adults in need.

For more information about the Eagles and the Eagles Auxiliary, call Ralph or Josephine Goodwin at 410-848-0668.

Kevin Dayhoff can be reached at kdayhoff@carr.org. Jim Joyner contributed to this article.