Gratis FOE donates to hospice, Alzheimer’s Association

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GRATIS — The Fraternal Order of Eagles in Gratis presented a check of $2,000 to both the Alzheimer’s Association and Crossroads Hospice during their meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 4.

The $4,000 raised was from the FOE’s annual cornhole tournament, which was held in honor of Don “Chief” Combs.

Combs recently passed away from Alzheimer’s and his widow, Sue, presented the check to both groups.

“He loved the Eagles,” she said. “I was so proud when the girls decided to do the cornhole tournament in his memory. We are just glad to be able to do something for these organizations because we felt they’ve done a lot for us.”

The event alone brought in $2,000 and then the men of the FOE matched the earnings.

Sue said she was so happy to do something positive for Alzheimer’s research as the disease often doesn’t get the support and fundraising it deserves.

“There really is not much that goes on for Alzheimer’s research. We want to push that,” she said. “And Crossroads Hospice was just absolutely wonderful. They came into the home and provided a wonderful atmosphere. Don passed away very peacefully with all his family beside him.”

Sue has remained a charter member of the organization and said Don always had an internal clock – when it was five ‘o’ clock, it was time to head down to the Eagles. His love for the organization never wavered.

“The support that the Combs family has had from this organization is beyond words,” said Sue. “(Don) loved his Eagles. It’s amazing the things they keep in their mind as the mind deteriorates. His love of the Eagles was there the whole time.”

It was the ninth year the Gratis FOE has held the tournament. In the past, they have also raised funds for Breast Cancer, Diabetes, Preble County Veterans Organization, Intracranial Hypertension, Humane Society, and the Preble Shawnee band.

Sue Combs (left), along with the several members of the Gratis FOE Women’s Auxiliary, presents a check for $2,000 to Kathleen Feisley (center), the clinical services coordinator for the Alzheimer’s Association in Dayton.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/41/2015/11/web1_IMG_0258.jpgSue Combs (left), along with the several members of the Gratis FOE Women’s Auxiliary, presents a check for $2,000 to Kathleen Feisley (center), the clinical services coordinator for the Alzheimer’s Association in Dayton.

By Jeremy Erskine

[email protected]

Jeremy can be reached at 937-683-4061 or on Twitter @jerskine_RH.

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