During their 2023 fiscal year, members of the Fraternal Order of Eagles (FOE) Aeries of North Carolina and Virginia raised $78,216.40 for Outer Banks Hotline, Dare County’s only crisis intervention and prevention center serving survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking. Outer Banks FOE Aerie 4506 is included in the Aeries of North Carolina and Virginia.

The FOE is an international philanthropic organization, and 100 percent of funds raised provide grants that support various causes. Each year, the FOE president selects one nonprofit organization as the benefactor of annual fundraising efforts. “I researched and met with a number of different local non-profits but chose Outer Banks Hotline because of its local impact,” said John Sanborn of Nags Head, 2022-23 president of the FOE Aeries of North Carolina and Virginia.

“There’s a lot of good people in the Eagles who care about supporting victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking,” noted Sanborn. “They realized from our many meetings and conferences that the work Outer Banks Hotline does is good and goes directly to the community it serves.” Sanborn’s goal was to raise $60K. “I am very proud of the money we raised, and certainly happy we exceeded my goal,” he said.

“We are deeply grateful for the dedicated work John Sanborn and the Fraternal Order of Eagles did to raise this generous donation,” said Judy Burnet, president of the Outer Banks Hotline Board of Directors. “Our commitment to driving positive change is strengthened through this gift, enabling us to have an even greater impact on the lives we serve in Dare County.”

Sanborn, who strongly believes that the work Hotline does and the services it provides serve an important need in Dare County, wasn’t sure how his selection would be received by the other FOE clubs in Virginia. “I thought they would shy away. I honestly didn’t know how would feel about funding a small nonprofit in North Carolina, but boy, did they support it! Under the direction of Leslie DeLigio and Liz Puma, the local Aerie 4506 alone raised over $19,000!”

Outer Banks FOE Aerie 4506 currently has 400 members. The Commonwealth of Virginia Aeries have 20,000 members, both men and women. Several of the clubs also have Junior Order of Eagle members ages 8-17, boys and girls, who join in the effort of raising funds and awareness.

In addition to serving survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking, Hotline also provides community outreach to prevent interpersonal violence in schools, hospitals, businesses and clubs. Contact Hotline directly at 252-473-5121 for more information.

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