The non-profit organization Three of a Kind recently presented Eagles Healing Nest with a check for $10,000, fulfilling a dream of founder Shawn Thomas. Three of a Kind is a nonprofit organization that was begun by Thomas after three of his friends, Matt Steffens, Jeff Colbenson and Brett Johnson, each passed away unexpectedly. The organization sponsors a motorcycle ride each year to raise money in their memory.

 

“This is a significant milestone for us,” said Eagles Healing Nest Director Melony Butler. “We had two boilers go down and this donation is enough that it will keep our buildings warm.”

 

Eagles Healing Nest is a non-profit organization out of Sauk Centre. Their mission statement is “to provide assistance with the healing of the invisible wounds of war carried by our service men and women…past, present and future.” 

 

As a refuge for veterans looking to get their lives back together, the organization offers a place for them to stay for as long as needed along with therapy and educational classes.

 

Three of a Kind has supported the organization since its beginning in 2012.

 

“They have their boots on the ground, that’s what makes them different,” Butler said of Three of a Kind members. “They don’t just hand out checks, they come up to help, visit with the vets and are available to call on if a vet is in crisis.”

 

The money donated by Three of a Kind was raised during their annual auction and motorcycle ride event held each July. Along with Eagles Healing Nest, they support Clearwater’s Golf for Hope in Clearwater, Annandale’s Kruisin’ for Kids, Friends Family Barn and volunteer at the Clearwater Rodeo in August.

 

The organization also donates $3,000 in scholarships for students attending Monticello High School, the alma mater of Thomas’ three friends.

 

Three of a Kind would like to thank the following corporate sponsors of their July fundraising event; JEM Technical, Granite Shop of Minnesota, New Style Customs, TJ Potter Trucking, Rod Winter Trucking, TO Plastics, King Solutions, Clearwater Travel Plaza, Silver Bullet Saddle Club, Maple Lake Legion Riders, Clearwater Lions and Clearwater Sons of the American Legion.