Sanford Eagles #3677 is gearing up to host its annual Cash Bash on Saturday, March 15 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Eagles clubhouse, at 508 W Saginaw Road in Sanford.
The event offers a day of fun, scholarship fundraising, and fellowship, including a live performance by
Double Jack starting at 8:00 p.m.
Bringing back a tradition of service
After the catastrophic 2020 Sanford flood devastated the club, members worked tirelessly to rebuild and reinstated their scholarships.
“When we finally re-opened, our Madam President at the time suggested having a Cash Bash to lift our members’ spirits,” says chairperson of the Sanford Eagles Cash Bash, Tan O’Dell.
“The first and second events were very successful,” O'Dell says. “We donated funds within our club, as we were still catching up from the flood. The committee realized what a great event we were hosting, and we began talking about bringing back the old tradition of giving scholarships away.”
Now, the Sanford Eagles Scholarship is open to a broad pool of applicants and is not restricted to high school graduates. The organization also welcomes those returning to college later in life, as well as individuals pursuing trade school, beauty school, or comparable educational programs.
Why volunteering matters
The core of the Sanford Eagles' mission, and an important aspect of the scholarship, is volunteerism. “Volunteering is essential to make a non-profit organization effective,” O'Dell says.
“Members of organizations like ours make it successful. We have volunteers who help with events such as the Cash Bash, STAY, and 98.5 UPS Bike Nights.”
“We host kids’ Christmas and Easter parties, which are organized and run by volunteers. Each of our public events is open to the public, making the attendance potentially larger, therefore needing more hands on deck.”
Beyond club activities, the Sanford Eagles are dedicated to broader community outreach. “We raise funds for families in need and adopt families during the Holiday season. The funds raised come from our generous members’ pocketbooks. It’s important to us that people know we operate to help. Our motto is ‘People Helping People.’”
Community service hours
As part of the scholarship requirements, recipients must complete ten hours of community service at Sanford Eagles events or Adopt-A-Highway projects.
“We currently have one of our recipients from last year hitting the pavement for silent auction items for this year’s Cash Bash. She’s responsible for following up with each business she solicits to donate items, and she is responsible to gather any donated items and bring them to the Sanford Eagles.”
Another recipient helped with the 2024 Kids’ Christmas Party. “He wrapped gifts, helped decorate, and was at the party itself lending a hand wherever needed. He has fulfilled his required service but wants to volunteer more because he found it to be rewarding.”
How scholarships are awarded
The selection committee evaluates applications by looking for completeness, clarity, and a genuine understanding of philanthropy and volunteering.
“We have had some applicants do their application without reading the instructions, which are clearly explained on the application itself,” says O’Dell.
“We appreciate legible handwriting and pay close attention to how the question regarding Philanthropy/Volunteering is answered. We want our applicants to understand what the Eagles organization does and what’s important to us, which is helping people.”
Advice for aspiring volunteers
When asked for tips on how to show a commitment to community service, O'Dell shared:
- Find something you enjoy and look for opportunities to volunteer in a non-profit organization. Once you volunteer, you find that your heart feels fuller, and you’re a little happier.
- Remember that many non-profits need volunteers. From hospitals, senior centers, and animal shelters to beautification projects along Eastman Avenue and community gardens around Midland, there’s a place for everyone to help.
- Even a small contribution of time counts. Even if you can only volunteer four times per year, it will make a difference in the organization(s) you choose to volunteer for.
Cash Bash details
“Only 150 tickets will be sold,” O'Dell reminds the public. “Don’t miss your chance to take part in this exciting event and support a great cause.”
Each $50 ticket includes an Irish dinner, limited drinks, and multiple chances to win cash prizes. For every 15th ticket drawn up to the 135th ticket, the holder wins $50. There are also three grand prizes: $1,500 for first place, $750 for second place, and $375 for third place.
Those interested are encouraged to secure their tickets soon by calling the Sanford Eagles at 989-687-2767.