TORNADO RELIEF
The following programs are available for assistance to those affected by the recent disasters in Oklahoma:
- Emergency ‘Promises Matter’ Grants are available to Master Masons and their widows. Contact your Lodge Secretary, or contact the Foundation directly at 405-348-7500.
- Any Lodge fundraisers, pass-the-hat donations, or treasury donations are eligible for automatic matching funds from the Foundation. No Matching Funds form is required, simply submit a check written to the Masonic Charity Foundation and marked ‘Tornado Relief’. Funds will be collected and distributed in the coming weeks. For details:
- Prevent Blindness Oklahoma is replacing eyeglasses at no cost for children and adults who were victims of the May 19-20 tornadoes. Contact Prevent Blindness Oklahoma at 405-848-7123 or Ryan @ Black Optical at 405-879-6776. More information: www.preventblindnessok.org
- Charity Navigator has provided this list of charities with available aid for those affected by the recent tornadoes: http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=content.view&cpid=1567&utm_source=EmailDirect.com&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=Moore%2c+OK+Tornado++Relief+Campaign
- Other ways to help Oklahomans in need: http://www.reddit.com/r/oklahoma/comments/1epz3w/how_to_help/
Members, please make it a point to check on your brothers and their families. Thank you to all those who have already contributed to this need. Please contact our office if we may be of assistance in any way: 405-348-7500.
$150,000 Gift to Benefit Oklahomans Affected By Alzheimer’s Disease
On March 22, 2013, Grand Master Brad Rickelman had the honor of presenting a $150,000 grant to the Alzheimer’s Association Oklahoma/Arkansas Chapter for 2013. The grant was made possible by the E. M. Woody Fund for the Aged, LLC, and is intended to increase the services available for Oklahomans affected by Alzheimer’s Disease. The Oklahoma/Arkansas Chapter hopes to use the grant funds to establish satellite offices in Enid and McAlester, Oklahoma. In recognition of the fact that Alzheimer’s Disease affects many Oklahomans each year, the Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma hopes to offer similar grants again in 2014 and 2015.
More information about the Alzheimer’s Association’s activity in Oklahoma can be found on their webpage, at: http://www.alz.org/alzokar/
Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma Contributes $50,000 Toward YWCA Capital Campaign
Grand Master Rickelman and Rita Moore, YWCA Campaign Chair
Raise $15 Million to provide shelters for women and children and community programs in Oklahoma. An ambitious goal, indeed. Yet, Jan Peery, CEO of the Oklahoma City YWCA and Rita Moore, YWCA Capital Campaign Chair are nearing that goal.
Even more impressive, is that the capital campaign is scheduled to continue through 2015. The Oklahoma City YWCA operates an emergency women’s shelter that is at full occupancy 99% of the time. In 2012, the organization launched a capital campaign to build a new emergency shelter, renovate existing facilities, and establish a permanent endowment in Oklahoma City. They are well on their way to reaching that $15 million goal.
Oklahoma Grand Master Brad Rickelman and Masonic Charity Foundation Executive Director, John Logan, were honored to be present at a recent YWCA Capital Campaign event. The program included astonishing facts about the impact of domestic violence in Oklahoma, and stories of those who found relief through the shelter and community programs offered by the YWCA.
The Masonic Charity Foundation was grateful to be able to contribute $50,000 to this wonderful cause in 2013, and encourages all who can, to help the YWCA reach their goal. More information about the YWCA’s capital campaign and programs can be found at: http://www.ywca.org/site/pp.asp?c=djIMI0POKvG&b=7777935
Masonic Fraternity of Oklahoma Proudly Supports Another Successful OETA Festival!
2013 OETA Masons Night Volunteers
The Masonic Fraternity of Oklahoma proudly participated in another successful OETA Festival in 2013! For years, the Fraternity has not only been a proud sponsor of OETA programming, but has also served during the Festival to answer phones and accept pledges on behalf of OETA. This year was no exception. Members of the Fraternity, employees, and members of the Board of Directors of the Masonic Charity Foundation joined their friends and spouses in the OETA studios. Volunteers watched excitedly as pledges and donations delivered the network closer to their annual goal. The highlight of the evening came when Grand Master Brad Rickelman presented a check representing the Fraternity’s 2013 contribution of over $50,000 to BJ Wexler. Lodges from across the entire state joined this fundraising effort to show their support of the education and service that public television brings to Oklahoma. Find more details under our “Success Stories” page.
Thank you to all who donated and volunteered!
Featured Stories
- 2013 Ride Against Childhood Hunger to Benefit Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma
In 2013, the Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma will again be a proud sponsor of the annual fundraiser for benefit of the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma. This campaign is a Charitable Appeal from the Grand Master, who has urged each Masonic Lodge in the State to contribute in support of the Food Banks. In 2013, ... - Permanent Endowments Established for Preservation of Oklahoma Scottish Rite Temples
In April 2013, the Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma had the distinct pleasure of entering into endowment agreements with the Guthrie Scottish Rite Temple and the McAlester Scottish Rite Temple to establish permanent funds for preservation of these historic Masonic landmarks. The endowments were approved by the Masonic Charity Foundation’s Board of Directors in January 2013, and ... - Masonic Charity Foundation Endowment Assists University of Central Oklahoma Central Pantry in 2013
In July 2010, the Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma established an endowed fund with the University of Central Oklahoma Foundation. In 2013, the UCO Foundation has designated the recipient of the endowment fund income as the Central Pantry located on the UCO campus. The pantry was opened in November 2012, and made possible through a partnership with the Regional ... - Washington Lodge Assists Washington Volunteer Fire Department
The Washington Lodge partnered with the Washington Volunteer Fire Department contributing their time and energy to host the annual fish fry fundraiser. A total of $5,362 was presented to the Washington Fire Fighters which will be used to maintain, repair and purchase firefighting equipment.
- Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma Receives the Achievement in Aging, 2012 Business Partner of the Year Award
Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma Executive Director, John Logan, accepted an award which was presented by the OKDHS Aging Services Director, Lance Robertson at the 37th Annual Oklahoma Conference on Aging in Norman, Oklahoma.