My Moose Moments: What I’ve learned since starting at Moose Charities (So far…)

By Jenna Johnson

Everyone knows starting a new job means learning a lot of new things, so I wasn’t surprised when I encountered a ton of new information after starting my position as Development Assistant for Moose Charities. Here are a few of the things I’ve learned so far:

1. Mooseheart and Moosehaven exist!
   • Mooseheart
     • I grew up in a Moose lodge right up the road and it wasn’t until I began my job at Moose Charities that I learned about Mooseheart Child City and School, how crazy is that? Our Moose Charities office is located on the Mooseheart campus, so I quickly learned a lot about this truly amazing place. To be honest, I had driven by Mooseheart a dozen times and never thought much of what it could be. I was blow away to discover that this 1,000 acre campus, was home to children and teens in need. Since starting my job, I’ve learned that the Mooseheart campus used to have a railroad running through it and there’s still a rail car on the campus today. Another interesting fact I learned was that the railroad and the campus’ close proximity to the Fox River helped sway the leaders of the Moose Organization to choose this location in 1912 for their planned home and school. Today, the campus is complete with it’s own school, thirty residence homes, various student vocational buildings, a lake, the Moose International offices, and much more. Every day I learn something new about a place that for years was right under my nose and my learning motivates me in my position which helps raise funds to continue the success of this unique child city. 
   • Moosehaven
     • Not only does the Moose Fraternity support children in need at Mooseheart, but it also provides support for seniors at Moosehaven City of Contentment in Orange Park, Florida! I still have lots to learn about Moosehaven, so I plan to add more about it as I encounter more interesting facts.
2. More to Moose Lodges than What Meets the Eye
3. Variety of Donation Programs 
4. Moose Charities Sweepstakes (yes really, we give away money!)
5. Mooseheart Holiday Lights 

More tidbits to come on #2-5 in my next posts!