In late September and early October, members of the Cedaredge-based Elberta Rebekah Lodge

 #106 delivered $12,000 in total donations to six schools in Cedaredge and Olathe.

In an age where every act of charity seems designed for maximum visibility, complete with hashtags and viral videos, these women, most in their 70s, 80s and even 90s, simply called the school principals and asked when they could stop by to present the checks. 

What happened afterward was magical. 

A GIFT BORN FROM EXPERIENCE

For Noble Grand Bonnie Pope, the idea came straight from the heart. 

A former school cook, she’d seen “too many children go hungry because their parents couldn’t afford the meals.” 

She also knew what it was like to go without, recalling that her own parents didn’t have enough money to buy school supplies. 

Students at Olathe Middle/High School stand with members of the Elberta Rebekah Lodge, who presented a donation to support student learning. 

So when the lodge sold its building and had funds to give, she proposed using some of the proceeds to support local schools. The idea received resounding support.

The timing was intentional—early in the school year so the money could be used for instructional materials like tablets, computers and books at Cedaredge Elementary, Middle and High Schools, and Olathe Elementary, Middle and High Schools. But Pope’s low-key approach led to an amusing misunderstanding. When she called one of the elementary school principals to arrange the donation, her calls went unanswered.

From left: Member Benita Hammond, District Deputy President Mary Story, Noble Grand Bonnie Pope

“I told her I was not a scam artist,” Pope said with a chuckle. “This is legit!”

The principal eventually called her back. The notion that someone would simply want to give money to schools—no strings attached, no publicity, no personal gain—seemed almost too good to be true. 

AN UNFORGETTABLE RECEPTION

When the Rebekahs arrived to deliver the checks, the response took them by surprise.

At Cedaredge Elementary, Principal Kathleen Keeling had assembled every student in the gymnasium. They sat in a circle on the floor, leaving a path for the four Rebekah representatives—Pope, Secretary Myrna Bertram, Right Support to Chaplain Margaret Blaire and District Deputy President Mary Story—to walk through.

“These were little kids,” Story said. “And they listened to every single word Bonnie had to say.”

Pope explained who the Rebekahs are: women following in the footsteps of biblical figures like Rebekah, Miriam and Hannah, dedicated to helping widows, orphans and those in need. 

At Olathe High School, the scene was similar. One elementary student holding a check for a picture was so excited he could hardly keep it still. 

“He was happy to hold the check up for the elementary,” Pope recalled. “It was special.” 

MORE THAN MONEY

For the Rebekahs, the donation represents a continuation of a mission that stretches back over a century. 

Elberta Lodge #106 was established in Cedaredge in 1907. The Rebekah organization itself traces its roots to 1851, when Schuyler Colfax—later Vice President under Ulysses S. Grant—created the Rebekah Degree so wives of Odd Fellows could form their own sisterhood. The first Rebekah lodge was instituted in Bloomfield, Iowa, in 1868.

“We’re a nonprofit organization but also a fraternal one,” Pope said. “We just donate to what we can.”

Over the decades, the lodge raised funds through biscuit-and-gravy breakfasts, burrito sales at Applefest and pie booths at Fourth of July celebrations. They donated $1,500 to help the Cedaredge school band buy new uniforms—their name still appears on the trailer.

Today, the fundraising events have given way to strategic giving from the proceeds of their building sale. This year alone, they’ve supported the local food bank, animal shelter, Christmas baskets, arthritis research and the eye bank. They sponsored six high school juniors on the Rebekahs’ Pilgrimage for Youth to Washington, D.C., New York City and Niagara Falls, and awarded $750 scholarships to graduating seniors from Cedaredge and Olathe.

When Olathe Rebekah Lodge #99, established in 1904, surrendered its charter due to declining membership, six of its members—including Pope—joined Elberta #106. 

“We wanted to include Olathe because of those members,” Pope said.

THE MAGIC OF SISTERHOOD

What keeps these women showing up, meeting twice a month and following traditions established in the 1850s? 

“I celebrated my 60th year in 2022,” Story said, “and I still love it. I love the ritual, the order, the fellowship. When I leave a meeting, I feel like I’m walking on air.” 

Pope agreed. 

“Camaraderie, for one. It’s just knowing we’re there for each other,” Pope added.

The lodge performs memorial services for deceased members and holds an annual Memorial Day ceremony at Cedaredge Cemetery, where they’ve installed a bench bearing their name and emblems.

Story admires Pope’s organization and the members’ dedication. She also marveled at members like Carol Mendenhall, 93, who always arrives “dressed impeccably” and has been part of the lodge for 70 years. 

“I feel so lucky to be part of it,” Story said.

Members of the Elberta Rebekah Lodge in Cedaredge, whose charitable efforts quietly support local schools, organizations and families throughout the community.

 Like many service organizations, the Rebekahs face an uncertain future. Membership has dwindled as younger generations choose different ways to connect and serve. Yet for the women of Elberta #106, the mission hasn’t changed, and neither has their resolve. 

“We’ll do what we can as long as we can,” Pope said. “We as Rebekahs try to help those in need to the best of our ability. That’s what we are about.” 

For more information about joining Elberta Rebekah Lodge #106, contact Pope at 970-209-9341. The lodge meets twice monthly and welcomes new members. 

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