A national convention for the Fraternal Order of Eagles was held in Albert Lea over the weekend.

Grand Worthy President Elect Wayne Clark of Staunton, Va. and Grand Worthy Madam Elect, Peggy Carver, of Hermiston, Ore., as well as presidents of 12 state and two Canadian province organizations came together in Albert Lea to discuss fund-raising initiatives, goals and ideas for advancing each.

&uot;Essentially it is for the national and state organizations to go over objectives and events for every year,&uot; Clark said. &uot;Hopefully we can make sure we are all on the same page.&uot;

Clark said the Eagles raise more than $10 million each year in for causes such as cancer research, diabetes, and many other diseases and ailments. Last year, the Eagles raised more than $500,000 for victims of the Sept. 11 attacks.

The Eagles of Albert Lea hosted the group.

&uot;It turned out just great,&uot; said Albert Lea Eagle Ron Sorenson. Sorenson is the National Ritual Chairman for the organization.

The Albert Lea Eagles Auxiliary hosted the event. The Minnesota state president, Dwayne Scherff, Sr., played host to the almost 75 guests on behalf of the state. They stayed at the Country Inn and Suites.