By Melody Brunson
Washington Times-Herald
WASHINGTON —
Rupert Boneham, a well-known reality television star from CBS’ “Survivor,” will be in Washington on Saturday as part of the Eagle Fest.
Eagle Fest, a street festival, begins at the Aerie, 500 E. Main St., at 11 a.m.
Rupert, a mentor for troubled teenagers, became famous in 2003 after “Survivor: Pearl Islands.” He finished eighth, but was ultimately voted the Fan Favorite with 85 percent of the vote, which garnered him $1 million.
Rupert, known for his big beard and tie-dye shirt, also appeared on “Survivor All Stars” and “Heroes v. Villains,” placing fourth and sixth, respectively. He will be signing pictures and t-shirts inside the Eagles for a $3 donation to his project, Rupert’s Kids, a nonprofit organization in Indianapolis aimed at helping at-risk youth.
The Eagles will also be raising money for community projects, including an ultrasound for Daviess Community Hospital’s cancer patients.
At the street festival there will be games for children, including a ring toss, duck pond, corn hole, Plinko and wheel, operated by Junior Eagles from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
There will be a silent auction from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and food cooked by the Eagles Auxiliary. Hot dogs, hamburgers and turkey strip dinners will be available. Cost is $6 for adults and $4 for children ages 5 to 12. Children under 5 will eat free.
Eagle Riders will have popcorn, carmel apples and ice cream for sale, and there will be an application booth where one can apply for membership to the fraternal organization. Inside the Aerie from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m., the band American Pie will play.
Eagles State Conductor Debra Staley, who is also the Eagles Auxiliary secretary, said, “We work hard each year to give back to the community. We support Senior and Family Services bingo, we give to Shop with a Cop, to DCH, to both high schools, the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, and we have supplied plaques for Daviess County 4-H.
“We have helped with the K-9 for the city police, with Feed My Sheep, Friends of Animalsm and we support our charities, like heart, cancer, Golden Eagle, diabetics and more. We also keep the motto of ‘People Helping People, for Home, Country and God.’ This is the heart of the Eagles,” Staley said.
The Eagles has been in Washington for 107 years.
Staley added, “If you would like to see the Eagles at work, come out and see us Saturday. See what we do, maybe join, and be a great Eagle too, or just come on out. Everyone is invited to enjoy the games, fun and music.”
