Published: May 07, 2008 11:42 am            

Women of the Moose add Relay to list of community work

Annual walk is just one of many ways group helps community

The Women of the Moose got off to a rocky start when they began participating in Relay for Life two years ago — but it didn’t take long for the team to turn things around.

“This is our third year,” said Ruth Heid, Women of the Moose team member. “Our first year, we didn’t have a clue what we were doing. We walked in, we had no chairs, no food, no nothing and we looked around and all these people had their tents set up.

“That night, we didn’t stay all night, obviously, because we weren’t prepared. Last year was the first year we actually stayed all night, and did all the fun laps. We’re looking forward to doing them again this year.”

Though they had a rocky beginning, it wasn’t enough to keep the Women of the Moose away from the walk.

“It’s hard to explain, but if you’ve ever been there to see the survivor lap — it gives you cold chills ... it brings tears to your eyes,” Heid said. “That’s really special. It’s hard to stay up all night anymore, though, I’m not as young as I use to be.”

The team has done at least three fundraisers to try to reach its goal of $2,000, but they didn’t stop there. They also helped by donating the Moose Lodge to host a Relay for Life Craft and Bazaar. The team is made up of 15 members, including members who have directly and indirectly been affected by cancer.

“I think a lot of people in our lodge have been touched by cancer,” said Tawnya Fluhr, Women of the Moose senior regent and Relay team member. “I think that’s what drives everyone. Everyone’s been touched; we’ve had a relative or a friend or loved one go through that. We all just want to do what we can to try to beat this thing.”

Relay for Life is just one of several community activities the Women of the Moose are a part of. They are involved with nine other volunteer organizations and activities. These activities include a yearly coat drive, monthly visits to the Providence Nursing Home, hosting holiday parties and dances for Rauch Inc. and New Hope Services, as well as other health walks.

“It makes me feel like I am accomplishing something by helping other people. It gives me a good feeling inside,” Fluhr said. “I think that’s how everyone else feels. When we take our pledge as Women of the Moose, one part of the oath is that we help in our community and set an example of being charitable in the community.

“We try to help others and at the same time have fun while we are at it.”

        

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.