First Posted: 9/16/2014

Order of Eastern Star Region 11C held a fundraiser called Caravan for Cancer on Sept. 13. Members of the Juanita Chapter No. 8 hosted it at the Waverly Masonic Lodge.

Other chapters, including Martha Washington No. 3 (Taylor), Laurel No. 67 (Waymart), Harriet Greene No. 198 (Hamlin), and Grace E. Barthold No. 216 (Olyphant) also participated in the fundraiser. They raised money for cancer patients by having a flea market/bake sale, in which they supplied the merchandise and the baked goods for the regional event.

Each year, Order of Eastern Star Region 11C chooses a cause to support and creates a regional fundraiser. This year, HelenBeth Vilcek, the current Grand Worthy Matron, came up with the idea to raise money for cancer patients. She chose Caravan for Cancer, in which state officials travel in a caravan and make stops for cancer projects. Regional Chairman Jean Trivelpiece was in charge of the event.

Order of Eastern Star is an organization that supports charity. The members also have fundraisers for other charitable groups such as the American Heart Association, MS Society and Salvation Army. They also give scholarships for education. The group has a fraternal fund, which helps elderly people in need.

“Eastern Star is a fraternal organization, which men and women can belong,” said Diana Brown, past matron. “Its main goal is to raise money through social events for charity.”

Members sold items both inside and outside the lodge. The bake sale was set inside the lodge’s dining hall, where hot dogs were also sold. Proceeds from the sale of the items, baked good, and hot dogs will go to help cancer patients and their needs.

“We appreciate everyone’s support and help,” said cancer representative Nancy McLain. “Without it, our fundraiser would not be as successful.”