GBU Life Districts

What is a GBU Life District?

A district is made up of 20 or more GBU members that get together for service, fellowship and fun! District members enrich the communities they live in by promoting GBU's four Community Pillars—Wellness, Education, Charitable Giving and Hometown Hero Support through events and activities. From volunteering at a pet shelter to sponsoring a little league team, GBU districts give back to the community in a variety of ways. Learn more about existing GBU districts, where they are located, the causes they support, and how you can join one.

How can I get involved?

To learn more about our districts or how you can join one, complete the form below and we will be in touch with you shortly.

Join a District

District Events

By Laqueeta Coleman May 4, 2026
Join us for a wonderful lunch followed by our monthly meeting, where we’ll discuss upcoming events and donations. When: Sunday, August 16, 2026 1 PM Where: T A Travel Center (Truck Stop) 6364 Dixie Hwy Bridgeport, MI 48722 No RSVP's needed. Contact District President Leo Ohlendorf with any questions at 989-295-2347 or email leoberiding@gmail.com
By Laqueeta Coleman April 22, 2026
Join fellow GBU Life members for an afternoon of big league excitement, good company, and plenty of fun for all ages. Enjoy shaded lower baseline seats in Section 114 as the Detroit Tigers take on the Chicago White Sox . This event is a great way to build connections, meet district officers, and enjoy a summer day at the ballpark. When: Saturday, June 20, 2026 Lunch: 11:30 a.m. First Pitch: 1:10 p.m. Where: Comerica Park 2100 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201 What's Included: Your registration includes: One same day game ticket Party Deck Buffet (hot dogs, hamburgers, cole slaw, tortellini pasta salad, potato chips, soda, and water) Two drink tickets for adults 21+ Pricing Members (age 16+): $50 Kids (age 4–15): $25 Kids (age 3 and under): Free, must share a seat with a ticketed guest and may not obstruct other guests' view Parking not included Important Ticket Information An email address and phone number are required at registration. Digital tickets will be sent to the email address provided and accessed through the MLB Ballpark app, which attendees must download. VISIT GBU.ORG/EVENT0620 to register. Space is limited. Please register by May 20, 2026. *Special bonus: Attendees will receive a GBU Life seat cushion!
By Laqueeta Coleman April 15, 2026
Join us as we sing at the German–American Culture Center
By Laqueeta Coleman April 9, 2026
Join us for Join Hands Day as we come together to beautify our community. We’ll meet in the GAF Maibaum Area to plant flowers and lay down fresh mulch. Bring your helping hands and enjoy a rewarding day outdoors with fellow members. When: Tuesday, May 19, 2026 10 AM – 4 PM  Where: GAF Society 3624 Seaman Rd. Oregon, OH 43616
By Laqueeta Coleman April 9, 2026
You’re invited to a savory Steak Roast dinner made just for our members. Enjoy a delicious meal featuring a fresh salad, a perfectly baked potato, and a juicy strip steak. Come relax, dine, and enjoy great company at this special gathering. When: Tuesday, June 16, 2026 6 PM – 7 PM Cost: $8 Where: GAF Society 3624 Seaman Rd. Oregon, OH 43616
By Laqueeta Coleman March 10, 2026
Join fellow district members as we team up with the Bavarian Festival! District 699 will be hosting a table alongside the Volkswagen Club. Stop by, connect with friends, and celebrate the fun and heritage of the festival together. When: Saturday, June 13, 2026 10 AM - 9 PM Where: River Place Shops 925 S. Main St. Frankenmuth, MI 48734
By Laqueeta Coleman March 10, 2026
Join us for a wonderful lunch followed by our monthly meeting, where we’ll discuss upcoming events and donations. When: Sunday, June 21, 2026 1 PM Where: daVinci's Restaurant 524 N. Main St. Frankenmuth, MI 48734 No RSVP's needed.  Contact District President Leo Ohlendorf with any questions at 989-295-2347 or email leoberiding@gmail.com

Click on the downward arrow to learn more about where our districts our located, the causes they support and contact information if interested in attending a future meeting or event.

Home State Region

Great Lakes Region

Midwest

Region

Super Districts*

  • District 818-Orlando, FL

    Community Pillars: Charitable Giving, Education


    Partner Organizations: The German American Society of Central Florida.


    If you would like to attend an event, please contact Ani Braun at 407-234-6511.

  • District 45-Altoona, PA

    Community Pillars: Charitable Giving, Education, Hometown Hero Support, Wellness


    Partner Organizations: 

    • Unter Uns Club
    • GBU Foundation
    • PA Federation of Clubs
    • SVDP Food Bank
    • Sweet Grace Ministries
    • Dreams Go On
    • Mountain Lion Backpack Program
    • Miracle League of Blair County
    • Relay for Life
    • Brian Morden Foundation.

    If you would like to attend an event, please contact Robin Kessler at 814-943-4481.

  • District 84-Lancaster, PA

    Community Pillars: Charitable Giving, Hometown Hero Support


    Partner Organizations: 

    • The Humane League
    • Manheim Township Fire Rescue

    If you would like to attend an event, please contact Terry W. Suter, Jr. at 717-283-3628.

  • District 87- Swiss Society of Taylor, PA

    Community Pillars: Education, Wellness Charitable Giving


    Partner Organizations: 

    • Community Intervention Center of Scranton
    • St. Francis of Assisi Soup Kitchen
    • Women's Rescus Center
    • Shriner's Hospital

    If you would like to attend an event, please contact Bruce Zahornacky at 570-702-7019

  • District 146-Johnstown, PA

    Community Pillars: Charitable Giving, Education, Wellness, Hometown Hero Support


    Partner Organizations: 

    • Band of Brothers Shakespeare Company
    • GBU Foundation
    • Circle of Support Child Adovacy Center
    • Victim Services Inc.
    • Operation Reach Out
    • Bottle Works Ethnic Arts Center 
    • Sandyvale Memorial Gardens & Conservancy
    • Stackhouse Park 
    • Needy Children Shopping Tour
    • St. Vincent DePaul 

    If you would like to attend an event, please contact Barbara Weimer at 814-255-4710.


  • District 291-Summerhill, PA

    Communtiy Pillars: Charitable Giving, Wellness, Education, Hometown Hero Support


    Partner Organizations: 

    • Lilly Recreation Association
    • Relay for Life
    • Summerhill Recreation
    • GBU Foundation
    • American Legion
    • Wreaths Across America
    • Adams Township Fire Company
    • Cambria County Youth 4-H Club
    • Wilmore Sportsmen’s Club
    • Local school clubs and parent-teacher organizations
    • Portage Food Pantry
    • St. Michael Legion Baseball 

    If you would like to attend an event, please contact Tara McIntyre at 814-472-6830.

  • District 684-Brentwood, PA

    Communtiy Pillars: Charitable Giving, Education, Wellness, Hometown Hero Support


    Partner Organizations: 

    • Various Food Banks
    • Operation Reach Out
    • YMCA Camp Kon-O-Kwee
    • GBU Foundation
    • Coraopolis Community Development
    • Parkinson's Foundation
    • Wheels, Wings and Wishes
    • South Park Rangers
    • South Hills Pet Rescue
    • MADD
    • Tunnels to Towers
    • Whitehall Community Lions Club
    • Brentwood Dukes Football
    • Drop the Puck on Cancer
    • Baldwin Towhnship

    If you would like to attend an event, please contact Gary Madison at gmadison1@verizon.net.


  • District 72- Mens Swiss Society of Toledo, OH

    Community Pillars: Charitable Giving, Education, Wellness


    Partner Organizations: 

    • GAF Society
    • Toledo Swiss Singers
    • Logan Roberts Memorial Scholarship Fund
    • Wings for Ewing Sarcoma Foundation

    If you would like to attend an event, please contact Jim Tscherne at 419-277-3619.

  • District 73- Ladies Swiss Society of Toledo, OH

    Community Pillars: Charitable Giving, Education, Wellness


    Partner Organizations: 

    • GAF Society
    • Jake and Cooper's Bark Park
    • Toledo Swiss Singers
    • Isaiah 117 House Resource Center

    If you would like to attend an event, please contact Fran Tscherne at 419-277-3619.

  • District 699-Frankenmuth, MI

    Community Pillars: Charitable Giving, Education, Wellness, Hometown Hero Support


    Partner Organizations: 

    • Frankenmuth Police Department
    • Pet Angel Adoption and Rescue
    • GBU Foundation
    • Frankenmuth Jaycees
    • Mustard Seed Shelter
    • Saginaw County Commission on Aging
    •  Michigan Heroes Museum
    • Hands Across America
    • One Week, One Street
    • Birch Run Bridgeport Chamber of Commerce

    If you would like to attend an event, please contact Dan Pierce at 989-482-9020.

  • District 701-Pontiac, MI

    Community Pillars: Charitable Giving, Education


    Partner Organization: The D.A.S.V Foundation


    If you would like to attend an event, please contact Dennis Hogan at 248-330-9959.

  • District 707-Grand, Rapids, MI

    Community Pillars: Charitable Giving, Education, Wellness, Hometown Hero Support


    Partner Organizations: 

    • Grand Rapids Home for Veterans, Community Rebuilders
    • GBU Foundation
    • DABlodgett Home for Children
    • Mary Free Bed Foundation
    • Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan Foundation
    • West Michigan Jazz Society 
    • Blue Star Mothers of America
    • The Hope Project
    • Mid-Michigan Honor Flight

    If you would like to attend an event, please contact Gayle Clouse at 616-540-8876.

  • District 510-Toledo, OH

    Community Pillars: Charitable Giving, Education, Wellness, Hometown Hero Support


    Partner Organizations: 

    • GAF Society
    • Oregon Health and Welfare
    • Ohio Grand Chapter Order of Eastern Star
    • GBU Foundation
    • The Gary Sinise Foundation
    • Tunnels to Towers
    • Toledo Holzhacker Buam (THB)
    • The Old Newsboys Goodfellow Association
    • Lucas County D.A.R.T.

    If you would like to attend an event, please contact Jacqueline Martin at 419-350-6684.

  • District 810-Cleveland, OH

    Community Pillars: Charitable Giving, Education, Wellness


    Partner Organizations: 

    • Tapestry Partners International
    • Creative Living Coffee
    • Feed My Starving Children
    • Cornerstone of Hope

    If you would like to attend an event, please contact Lynne Powers at 216-441-1040, ext. 2.

  • District 815-Dayton, OH

    Community Pillars: Charitable Giving, Education, Wellness 


    Partner Organizations: 

    • Relay for Life
    • GBU Foundation
    • East End Community Services
    • Five Rivers MetroParks Foundation
    • Kettering Childern's Choir
    • Dayton Liederkranz-Turner

    If you would like to attend an event, please contact Chris van Breukelen at 937-885-4784.

  • District 821-Sterling Height, MI

    Community Pillars: Charitable Giving, Education, Wellness, Hometown Hero Support


    Partner Organizations: 

    • Saxonia Rheingold Chorus
    • German American Cultural Center
    • Local senior centers
    • VFW
    • Michigan Military Museum

    If you would like to attend an event, please contact David Bohde at dsnlb02@aol.com. 

  • District 43- Swiss Society of Milwaukee, WI

    Community Pillars: Charitable Giving, Education


    Partner Organizations: 

    • Swiss Turners
    • Swiss Society of Milwaukee
    • Swiss Singers
    • Milwaukee School of Languages

    If you would like to attend an event, please contact Deanne Clare at 414-852-0876.

  • District 715-North Central, WI

    Community Pillars: Charitable Giving, Education, Wellness


    Partner Organizations: 

    Friends of Town Line Lake Park

    Kiwanis Club

    Northwoods Alliance for Temporary Housing, Inc.


    If you would like to attend an event, please contact David Schmitz at dschmitz@newnorth.net.

  • District 1000-Lutheran Fraternities of America (LFA)

    Community Pillar:  Charitable Giving


    Partner Organizations: 

    • Lutheran Heritage Foundation
    • Compassion Pregnancy Center
    • Macomb Charitable Foundation
    • Forgotten Harvest
    • Leader Dogs for the Blind

    If you would like to attend an event, please contact Glenn Penzien at 586-944-5004.

  • District 2000-United Lutheran Society (ULS)

    Community Pillars: Charitable Giving, Education, Wellness, Hometown Hero Support


    Partner Organizations: 

    • Shared Blessings Mission Store
    • GBU Foundation
    • Operation Troop Appreciation
    • GBU Foundation

    If you would like to attend an event, please contact Lynn Kostelnik at 412-464-1488.

  • District 3000-Hungarian Reformed Federation of America (HRFA)

    Community Pillars:  Charitable Giving, Education, Wellness


    Partner Organizations: 

    • Bethlen Communities
    • Hungarian Human Rights Federation
    • American Hungarian Foundation
    • Franklin Township Food Bank
    • The Latrobe Foundation
    • GBU Foundation
    • Humane Society of Ohio Valley
    • Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank
    • American Hungarian Friends of Scouting (AHFS)

    If you would like to attend an event, please contact Melissa Pepin at 732-668-2602.

  • District 4000-Sokol USA

    Community Pillars: Charitable Giving, Wellness, Education, Hometown Hero Support


    Partner Organizations: 

    • New Jersey Food Bank
    • Toys for Tots
    • GBU Foundation
    • The Special Olympics
    • The Liver Foundation
    • Greater Chicago Food Depository
    • Push for Empowered Pregnancy
    • The University of Pittsburgh
    • The American Red Cross
    • The American Cancer Society
    • Wounded Warrior Project
    • The Salvation Army

    If you would like to attend an event, please contact John Kennedy at 203-948-5693.

  • District 5000-Independent Order of Vikings (IOV)

    Community Pillars: Charitable Giving, Education


    Partner Organizations: 

    • Concordia Language Villages
    • Illinois Fire Safety Alliance-Camp “I Am Me”
    • Arthur C. Luf Children’s Burn Camp
    • Great Lakes Burn Camp
    • GBU Foundation
    • The Hope Project

    If you would like to attend an event, please contact Jennifer Thissell at admin@iovikings.org.

*A super district is defined as a district that is created as a result of a fraternal merger/acquisition/other transaction or a regional district approved by the GBU Board. They typically have lodges or assemblies located throughout the United States.