Eagles Grand Madam President Rebecca Pelkey Raises $212,744 for Brattleboro Retreat
by Mary Wilson // September 9, 2026
Grand Madam President Rebecca “Becky” Pelkey of the Fraternal Order of Eagles presented the Brattleboro Retreat with a $212,744.25 check during her Homecoming Weekend Banquet, marking a major milestone in her yearlong effort to support mental health care through her International Special Project. At the event, Arrowhead Aerie #4218 made an additional $5,000 donation, bringing the total raised to more than $217,000. And with donations continuing to come in, that total is expected to grow.
Pelkey, who served as Grand Madam President over the past year and now serves as Jr. Past Grand Madam President, presented the check to Kurt White, Vice President of Communications, Community Partnerships and Development, and Rob Szpila, Development Officer, on behalf of the Brattleboro Retreat.
Throughout her year as Grand Madam President, Pelkey traveled to Eagles clubs throughout the United States and Canada, sharing her personal story, raising awareness about mental health and encouraging members to support the Brattleboro Retreat.
Pelkey selected the Retreat as her Special Project because of her personal connection to the organization. Years ago, during a difficult chapter in her life, she sought care at the Retreat.
“The Brattleboro Retreat gave me my life back. Choosing to support them isn’t just about gratitude, it’s about helping others find the same hope and healing I did.”
“The impact of Becky’s leadership and the generosity of the Fraternal Order of Eagles is extraordinary,” said White. “This gift is more than a financial contribution. It is a powerful statement about the importance of mental health care and the difference compassionate treatment can make in someone’s life. We are incredibly grateful to Becky and to every Eagle who helped make this possible.”
Pelkey joined the Fraternal Order of Eagles in 1993 as a member of Arrowhead Auxiliary #4218 in Milton, Vermont. A retired Chittenden County deputy sheriff, she has dedicated much of her life to community service, including volunteering with the Fresh Air Fund and her local ambulance service.
Pelkey’s year as Grand Madam President was guided by the motto “We Are Better Together – Hand in Hand.” Her Special Project embodied that spirit by bringing Eagles members together across the United States and Canada to support mental health care at the Brattleboro Retreat.
The Brattleboro Retreat is grateful to Pelkey and the Fraternal Order of Eagles for their extraordinary generosity and for their continued commitment to supporting mental health care.
