In 1981 a representative of Children's Mercy Hospital came to Vernon County asking for some help. The hospital was providing services to the families of Vernon County but the costs weren't being covered. After the presentation Nevada Eagle Aerie No. 3770 members got together and came up with a fundraiser to help out. The first year $1,500 was collected, last year it raised $15,000.

Diane Ray is in charge of the event this year and Lucy Dade is on hand as the lodge historian. Dade and her late husband were instrumental in getting the benefit and membership drive off the ground.

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"We went on a tour of Children's Mercy and saw the babies, you can't do that now, but seeing those preemies just made you want to help them," Dade said. "When my husband died in 1999 we had a memorial fund for Children's Mercy and it raised $2,750 for them."

Each year more and more activities are added to make the day of the benefit a full one. The annual benefit and membership drive will be April 5, and a poker run has been added this year.

"It's pretty simple," Ray said. "You get a card at each lodge, you go from here to other lodges until you end up back here. You can do it on a bike or car or whatever. You can have more than one riding with you but each one has to pay the entry fee and we'll give each person a card they have to show at each place to get their playing card."

Other activities include a video bowling tournament, a lipsync contest, a pool tournament, a cake walk, jail and bail, ring toss and a grab bag-duck draw. In addition to the other activities the fund-raiser will include two types of auction; a silent auction and a live auction, conducted by Curtis and Sons. A drawing featuring a $1,000 first prize, a $500 second prize and two third prizes of a half-hog, donated by Forkner Farms, each.

"The people and businesses have been very generous, not just in Nevada but all over Vernon County and El Dorado Springs," Ray said. "We really appreciate all the donations and the help people have given."

Dinner will be served between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m., for $7. Dinner will be brisket, ham, two styles of potatoes, baked beans, roll and dessert. Music will be provided by Polish Pride DJ and Karaoke.

Anyone wishing to donate items or want information on the benefit can call Diane Ray at (417) 684-7805, Sondra Moore at (417) 684-7054 or the Nevada Aerie at (417) 667-9283. For information on the poker run, call Dave or Becky Jones at (417) 684-1759.