'Here to help people': Eagles Ladies Auxiliary reinvigorates charitable mission

Until recently, the Fraternal Order of Eagles Ladies Auxiliary in Verona didn’t do much besides support the mostly-male Aerie, according to its president, Lee Ann Testa.

There was the occasional luncheon and members put on a children’s Christmas party each year, but that was about it. Annual fundraising totals were usually three figures.

This past year, the auxiliary raised more than $10,000 for local veterans, first responders, service organizations and the club itself. Specifically, Oakmont and Verona fire departments, Rosedale Food Pantry and Riverview Community Action Corp. received $1,000 each.

The group also collected personal care items and clothes around Christmas to donate to homeless veterans. Plus, they checked off the wish lists of 30 residents at the Southwestern Veterans’ Center in Pittsburgh.

According to Testa, all of this was made possible by the auxiliary’s rejuvenated membership and renewed focus on giving back.

“The Ladies Auxiliary is trying to reinvent our organization,” Testa said. “We’re not a bar. … We’re here to help people.”

Testa estimates that four to five women join the auxiliary each month, for a total membership of about 240.

To join, applicants must have the support of two current club members, pay an application fee, be interviewed and, finally, undergo initiation.

Kim Elk, the auxiliary’s secretary, went through this process about four years ago. At the time, she said, she joined for “social reasons” but quickly became engaged in the club’s service work.

“As I was entering into retirement, I found that interesting to be able to use some of my time to make as direct a contribution as I could to Verona, Oakmont and the veterans,” Elk said.

Exact plans for 2024 are still in the works, though the auxiliary will host charity bingo on four Sundays throughout the year.

Testa said the club also will continue to prioritize veterans, who she said “are a forgotten group a lot of the time.” She has her sights set on hosting a luncheon for veterans three times this year instead of one.

These days, the auxiliary plays a key role at the Verona club, said Sal Colella, Aerie’s president.

“The Ladies Auxiliary act as boundary spanners within the organization,” Colella said. “They tear down silo walls resulting in strong collaboration, communication and creativity.”