Heard of Moose?

Heard ofMoose?Have you heard of Moose? Of course you have!But you may not know exactly what we’re about.Find out how more than 1 million men and womenacross North America are receiving as much asthey’re giving.

Caring for the youngMoose International’s support and commitment to Mooseheartprovides children and teens in need with a nurturing Mooseheart, found the nurturing home and solid educationlike hundreds of other children athome and school.that she needed to reach her full potential.The number-one reason that most Moose membersMooseheart, supported by the more than 1 million mencontinue to be involved with the organization is its commitmentto caring for the young – and specifically the children are unable to care for them. The children, from all over theand women of the Moose, cares for children whose familiesat Mooseheart. Located just west of Chicago, the nonprofit world, represent all racial and socioeconomic backgrounds.Some have lost one or both parents; others were livingin environments that were not conduciveFrom our members… “I visited Mooseheart and willnever leave the Moose because of what we do. Taking to healthy growth and development.care of kids and seniors.”At Mooseheart, Cortney received a high schooleducation and extensive training in the Naval Junior“When I joined the Moose I didn’t know about Mooseheart or Reserve Officers Training Corps, where she becameMoosehaven or involvement in the community–but now this a leader in the 2012 platoon and was chosenis my main reason for being a member.”Commanding Officer. Cortney, who graduated withhonors from Mooseheart on June 2,residential facility and school is currently home to more than is headed to Central Ohio Technical School this fall. Someday,she hopes to work for the FBI. “I don’t know what would200 young people in need.Cortney Heston, 18, spent the last 11 years of her life have happened if I had stayed at home – but it definitelygrowing up at Mooseheart. Her mother, who was no longer wouldn’t have been this. I don’t think I would be preparingable to take care of her, learned about Mooseheart from her for a high school graduation if I stayed there,” she said.own mother, an active Moose member in Florida. Cortney,Cortney credits the Moose members for providing herwith a caring environment and solid education. If it wasn’t forthem, there wouldn’t be a Mooseheart,” she said. “What theydo is amazing. They take their own money and give it to usso that we can have the clothes on our backs, the educationthat we’re getting and the scholarships we are eligible forthat most kids have to apply for.”Moose members raise money annually to provide scholarshipsto the roughly 90 percent of all Mooseheart graduateswho go on to a two- or four-year college. If you know of achild in need, please contact Mooseheart at 630-906-3631.

Caring for seniorsEvery day for the next 20 years, 10,000 Baby Boomers will the Jacksonville area. For him, the move to Moosehavenreach age 65. These Boomers face many issues, including came due to the medical condition of his wife Barbara, whohow they will pay for retirement as they age. While Baby was beginning to forget things. A trip to a neurologist ledBoomers consider their options, the Moose organization, to Barbara being put on a series of drugs – but they did notwhose members include more than 1 million men and improve her quality of life.women across North America, has found a solution that has “I didn’t know what to do and I didn’t know where toproven successful.turn,” said Jack Shea. Finally I called the Alzheimer’s Society,and they sent me a list of places. I didn’t realize Moosehavenhad a place for Alzheimer’s patients.” Shea found thatMoosehaven had the perfect setup for him in the form ofBrandon Place--with Barbara living roughly 300 yards away inPeeler Hall with other residents who suffer from age-relateddementia, including Alzheimer’s disease.Today, roughly 300 residents enjoy a wide variety ofavailable facilities in this community on the banks of thebroad St. Johns River -- including an indoor swimming pool,bowling lanes, exercise equipment and game rooms. Theyalso enjoy arts and crafts, ceramics, sewing, painting andcomputers. Fishing from the 450-foot concrete pier, golf outings,dances, special dinners, shopping, and sightseeing tripsIn 1922, the organization founded Moosehaven, a 72-acre are all regularly scheduled events.waterfront retirement community near Jacksonville, FL. Since The residents also benefit from the on-campus LifeCarethen Moosehaven has provided thousands of Moose membersand their spouses with a secure, relaxed, and enjoyable of care.Center, a 130,000-sq.-ft. facility designed to meet all levelsretirement experience. Moosehaven earned a top “5-star”rating in a U.S. News & World Report listing of Best NursingHomes.For families like Jack and Barbara Shea, From our members… “We asked a lot of people and we neverMoosehaven has proven to be such a blessing. “I found one person who said they wouldn’t make the samedon’t know how I got so lucky to fall into somethinglike this,” said Shea, who joined the Moosedecision again.”24 years ago.“Just to see the seniors, it’s like they found aShea went from a 20-year career in the U.S.whole new life.”Navy to a second career as a car salesman in

Bringing communities closer togetherThe men and women of the Moose find that their involvementin their community brings them closer together.pounds of chicken. Literally we took meals out to people“We cooked over 1,700 Boston Butts and 17,000Year after year, women and men who join the Moose cite in devastated areas,” said Tuscaloosa Lodge Administratorthe many varied opportunities to volunteer as the numberonereason they join. By volunteering their time, talent and The Lodge’s action served as a catalyst; after that initialDonnie Joe Bryant.resources and extending a helping hand within their communities,Moose members conduct community service groundswell of support and gratitude grew exponentially.purchase and outreach to a few hundred neighbors, theprograms valued between $75 million and $100 millionAnd, coast to coast, Moose Lodges and Chapters purchaseTommy Moose by the tens of thousands from Mooseannually.From our members… “Already been telling everyone about International, then give them free of charge to thepublic-service and medical personnel–who, in turn, giveall the great work the Moose does -- from doing weeklythem to children in times of distress. The dolls are keptmeals for seniors and monthly Bingo fundraisers forin police cars, fire trucks and ambulances, where theypeople in need. We sponsor Boy Scout troops, softball are ready to be given to children when those children orteams and donate to Relay for Life, many cancer events their families have been involved in a fire, an accidentand fire victims.”or another traumatic situation.Moose members participate in activities ranging fromhosting spaghetti dinners benefiting local homeless sheltersto responding to natural disasters.Men and women members in Muskego, WI put on theirhard hats and joined forces with Home for our Troops, anorganization that builds homes for war veterans. The Moosemembers were proud to help build a home for U.S. MarineCpl. Jeremy Stengel, who lost a leg and suffered severe headtrauma in an explosion while on patrol in Iraq.In Tuscaloosa County, Alabama, members came togetherwhen more than 500 businesses and thousands ofhomes were damaged in tornadoes that struck in April 2011.What started out as a small gesture by Lodge Governor JeffSullivan became a community-wide humanitarian effort tofeed thousands of families devastated by the storms and leftpowerless for more than a week.

Celebrating lifeAcross North America men and women are finding both camaraderie in their extended family. The members camepersonal fulfillment and fun in being part of an organization together and built the 16,000-square-foot Moose facility afterthe previous building burned to the ground. In a fraternitythat is as committed to giving as much as receiving. Whetheryou are single and looking to meet new friends or a married where many Lodges thrive as members come to enjoy livecouple with young children seeking an affordable meal, men entertainment, Cape Coral succeeds by offeringand women of all ages gather for events that areFrom our members… “They are my family away from my family!”wholesome and fun for the entire family; and whereprices are much more reasonable than any afternoonor evening of entertainment at a commercial“I joined the Moose to spend time with my family. Now, theMoose IS my family. I try to explain to those not active in theestablishment.Moose how much they are missing, and about all of our workAnd, the organization is bringing people closertogether. For many Moose members, the Moose for our communities, Mooseheart and Moosehaven.”means much more than having a place to socialize on Fridaynights. They have met their family. “I met my wife at theMoose 39 years ago … and we held our wedding receptionat the Moose Lodge. It has been a most enjoyable 40-yearexperience,” said Richard Sloane, who has been a memberfor 41 years.In Cape Coral, Florida, nearly 4,300 men and womenmembers of the local Lodge and Chapter are finding fun andentertainment six nights a week. People get up and danceand eat dinner and catch up with friends.I don’t know where I’d be without the Moose,” said RonDuke, head chef at the Lodge. Duke’s wife Melissa and theiryoung children, are also integral components in the Lodge.Melissa works as one of the food servers while the childrenwere dubbed “Moose babies.”“What you have here is better than ‘Cheers,’” Duke said,referring to the TV series. “It’s more than just you knowingeverybody. It’s that you know their parents or grandparentsor their wives and kids.”The great food at an affordable price is just one reasonmembers continue to gather at the Lodge. Many membersstop after work to enjoy a cocktail at the Tiki bar and catchup with friends or plan their next fishing trip together.

Beyond new family and friendsFrom young families looking for affordable, fun activities, to energetic retirees eagerto make a difference in their communities and meet new people … the Mooseorganization has something for everyone. If you’re over 21, and community-minded,then Moose membership is probably for you!The benefits of becoming a new member extend from affordable meals to discountson prescription drugs. If you’re 50 or over and a U.S. resident, Moose membershipincludes membership in AARP, and all of the extra benefits that it offers!Why join?Members-Only Benefits•It’s affordable: Annual dues range from just $35 to$100 per year—generally less than half the cost of otherservice-related membership organizations. And the specialMember Benefits package far outweighs the cost of annualdues, with some members saving thousands of dollars eachyear.•It’s flexible: As a member, you choose how involvedyou want to be. Whether you join through a local Lodge becauseyou want to get involved in planning and running localevents and activities, or join as a Moose “at large” to focussupport solely on Mooseheart and Moosehaven; you stillreceive the full benefits of your membership.In addition to the “feel-good” camaraderie as a Moose member,there are tangible benefits to your membership. Your annualmembership dues will more than pay for itself in savingsthrough:• Special pricing on insurance—including Auto Insurance,Term Life, Cancer Care Protection, Accidental Death,Medicare Supplemental and Emergency Travel Assistance• Discount programs covering dental care, vision care,Lasik eye surgery and health screenings• Discounts on prescription drugs•It’s enjoyable: We have fun! Lodge- and Chapter-basedactivities are always happening just around the corner.Fundraising BBQs, darts tournaments, golf competitions andVegas nights are just some of the ways our members letloose.• Special rates on wireless service through leadingcarriers through the Moose Wireless Solutions Center• Deals on travel, including discounts on Choice Hotels,cruises, car rentals and moreTo learn more about becoming a Moose memberplease visit www.heardofmoose.org.