So much in the news each day is about people hurting one another, that it is easy to forget how much good there is in the world. The Independent Order of Odd Fellows is an organization that doesn’t get as much press as some of the other fraternal orders, but they are certainly deserving of it.
In 2003, the New Jersey Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation began Camp CHAT (Children Have Arthritis Too). We had numerous family programs, but there are 10,000 children with some form of juvenile arthritis in New Jersey and we wanted to provide a weeklong camp experience for this group with very special needs. Camp is one of the most expensive projects any nonprofit undertakes.
The Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Rebekahs of New Jersey were the first group of donors to step up and say “we will help.” And they have continued that support, providing the majority of our Camp CHAT funding each year. Their generosity has made the dream of attending camp a reality for more than 150 children.
The Arthritis Foundation has long been a charity that the Odd Fellows and Rebekahs support nationwide, donating a total of more than $400,000 each year. But the generosity of the Odd Fellows and Rebekahs in New Jersey is inspiring because their gift goes beyond just funding Camp CHAT.
They are one of our largest supporters of all Arthritis Foundation programs, including specially designed exercise classes for adults, and they come out to our events to volunteer.
The Odd Fellows are one of the oldest fraternal organizations in the country, and we urge people to learn more about this wonderful service group and the opportunities they offer to get involved in the community. After all, why should helping others be so odd?
Lorna Krkich
president
Arthritis Foundation
New Jersey Chapter