Eagles recognized for outstanding community outreach

Social club is Chamber’s ‘Organization of the Year’

 

TRI-CITY AREA — Just like the majestic and powerful bird the club is named for, the Imlay City Eagles continue to spread their wings over the community and its members.

Officially known as the Fraternal Order of Eagles #4082, their public-spirited efforts have been recognized as the 2025 ‘Organization of the Year’ by the Imlay City Area Chamber of Commerce. They’ll receive the award at the annual Chamber dinner-dance at Castle Creek Golf Club this Saturday.

Club president Mike Woodworth says they’re both honored by and pleased with the accomplishment, which was a pleasant surprise for all.

“Considering that this hasn’t happened for the Imlay City Eagles yet, we’re all pretty proud of it,” he says. “Our mission is ‘people helping people,’ which is what we try to do all year, every year.”

Indeed, the Eagles and its auxiliary group have consistently, and quietly made a positive impact on the community for dozens of years.

Active since the mid-1970s, the club has hosted fundraisers, donated to area schools and other charitable organizations. They’ve manned the beer tents at Attica Days and the Eastern Michigan State Fair, and donate all tips to local causes.

Recently, member volunteers raised $4,700 for a fund to help former Imlay City police officer Roger Evoy, who’s been diagnosed with cancer.

In November, the Eagles offered free haircuts to all area veterans, and every year members and its women’s auxiliary bring an abundant Christmas celebration to youngsters and families in need. This year, the auxiliary donated 150 backpacks filled with school supplies to local students.

The Eagles also offer a scholarship for local students interested in pursuing a career in agriculture or biology. Created a few years ago by Woodworth, the John Shepherd Scholarship Fund honors his good friend of many years, who died suddenly of a heart attack.

Currently, the Eagles and its auxiliary boasts about 800 members, and welcomes others interested in making a positive impact in the community while developing lasting friendships.

Woodworth says he experienced this firsthand while working on the recent building renovation, which was completed this past fall. The facelift was funded in part through grants from the Imlay City Downtown Development  Authority and the Eagles headquarters. The work was completed by member volunteers.

“The camaraderie and friendships we build are remarkable,” he says. “I experienced this when we were working on the outside of the building. You really get to know each other and know you’ll be friends forever. We make connections. We help the community, and we help our own.”

Woodworth says club members become like family, and take part in helping each other when tough times arise. Fundraisers, funeral luncheons and the like are commonplace at the Eagles’
hall.

Along with its charitable works, the Eagles club hosts a variety of activities for both members and the community. The kitchen is open seven days a week; overseen by a member who’s a professional chef on Tuesdays and Fridays. Visitors can stop in, play Keno and enjoy a bite; however only club members age 21 and up can purchase alcohol.

The Eagles host weekly euchre and corn hole tournaments, and are part of the newly created Imlay City Social District.

Woodworth says anyone interested in becoming a member is welcome to stop in and fill out an application for consideration.

“Once you’re approved and sworn in, your membership is good at any Eagles club in the United States and Canada,” he says. “There’s just a lot of good things going on here. We meet and get to know each other while doing community outreach.”

The newly renovated Eagles hall is located at 170 S. Almont Avenue in downtown Imlay City. For more information or to learn about the application process, call 810-724-1954.

The Eagles #4082 will be recognized at this Saturday’s annual Chamber dinner dance at Castle Creek Golf Club. Doors open at 5 p.m.; dinner follows at 6 p.m. Awards will be presented at 7:15 p.m. For ticket information call the Chamber office at 810-724-3256.

Editor’s note: The Imlay City Eagles #4082 Auxiliary was recognized by the Chamber as the 2023 Organization of the Year.

 

‘Citizen of the Year’ remains Chamber’s secret till Saturday Night

The Annual Chamber Dinner Dance will be held this Saturday, Jan. 17 at Castle Creek Golf Club. Doors open at 5:00 p.m., dinner follows at 6 p.m. Awards will be presented at 7:15 p.m. It has been a Chamber tradition to keep the highest honor, ‘Citizen of the Year’ a secret until the night of the event. This year’s selection is expected to be a very well deserving community member as it has been in past years. For ticket information call (810) 542-3256.