RIVER FALLS — Moose Lodge at 620 N. Clark St. in River Falls recently celebrated 81 years in the city, continuing the push to have a long-term positive impact.

The group is an international fraternal organization of men and women with over 1 million members and 1,500 chapters located in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. The organization supports Mooseheart, an Illinois school, as well as Moosehaven, a community for seniors in Florida.

“For me, it’s all about the kids,” River Falls Moose Lodge Treasurer Kenneye Vorwald said. “I have been out to Mooseheart, and it’s just wonderful to see what we’re able to do with the donations that we give.”

Mooseheart Child City and School is a 1,000-acre campus that provides children both a home and schooling from infancy to high school. Students are supported all the way through school and even a year after graduation. As for Moosehaven, the community allows Moose Lodge members of 15 years or more who are 65 or older to move to the community free of charge. For non-long-term members, there is an opportunity to buy into the community.

Locally, Moose Lodge River Falls gives to organizations like Our House and the food shelf and provides meeting spaces for community groups including 4-H and Girl Scout groups. They host events throughout the year including brunches like the Rocky Branch Breakfast with Santa event that has become a favorite.

Moose Lodge brings in a Zumba class three times a week to promote exercise and health. They also rent the dining hall out for events. Members get meals throughout the month.

The organization is not for profit, so they can frequently be found at River Falls events fundraising to continue to make meaningful contributions. The mascot, Tommy Moose, was present at Taste of River Falls as they connected with community members.

“Even with the rain, we still ended up with like 25 kids coming to the booth to sign up for the raffle. It was just a nice family presence for the community,” Vorwald said.

Celebrating 81 years has meant a lot to the Moose Lodge members. They recently received a grant to redo signage and are excited for the new look coming to the exterior.

“It’s like a house, you still have to maintain everything,” Vorwald said. “We try to provide a clean and beautiful environment.”

Moose Lodge’s help is all volunteer based, and the motto is “Moving forward, Giving back.”

To learn more, visit www.mooseintl.org or go to the River Falls Moose Lodge Facebook page.