140 year of Shriners

140 year of Shriners

Thursday, April 30, 2009

Shriners Summer Solstice Fun Run


- Saturday, June 20
Join us for the Shriners Summer Solstice 8k & 5k.
What used to be known as the Shriners Fun Run will now be a celebration of Summer with on-course performers and a Solstice Festival.

The Shriners and Fleet Feet Sports invite you to join us for the Shriners Summer Solstice 8k & 5k. What used to be known as the Shriners Fun Run will now be a celebration of Summer with on-course performers and a post-race Solstice Festival.

New 2009 Highlights:

* Free Kids Runs
* Brooks Technical Fiber Shirts
* On-course Solstice Performers
* Post-race Solstice Festival

Beneficiary
Entry fees do not benefit the Shriners Hospital for Children and are not tax deductible.This race benefits the Ben Ali Shrine Center of Sacramento,

The Shrine and its 22 hospitals across North America, while maintaining separate legal and financial identities, are linked by the Shrine’s continuing support of Shriners Hospitals.
Ben Ali is one of 191 Shrine Centers across North America supported by more than 400,000 Shriners. The Center, their units, and affiliated Shrine Clubs embody the true spirit of fraternalism.

For information about the Ben Ali Shrine Center, call (916) 920-4107 or visit www.ben-ali-shriners.org. For information about the Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California, call (916) 453-2000.

Thank you for your support of the “World’s Greatest Fraternity.”

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Will the Governor agree with the Congressman on the Shriners Hospital for Children?

Congressman John Fleming sent a letter to Governor Bobby Jindal and leadership in the Louisiana legislature, urging consideration for state funding for LSU Health Sciences Center to allow Shriners Hospital in Shreveport to continue to provide free pediatric care to children in Northwest Louisiana.

The Colorado Corporation of Shriners International will be charged with closing six Shriners Hospitals, including the hospital in Shreveport, Louisiana, in July of this year.

The Hospital focuses on pediatric services such as orthopedic care, burn care, spinal cord rehabilitation, and cleft lip and palate care.

Sneak Preview in Sacramento

• Shriners Hospital Concours d'Elegance. The Shriners Concours will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 17 at Mather Field, Rancho Cordova,
A sneak preview from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. this Saturday at Town & Country Village, Fulton and Marconi avenues. Extraordinary and vintage automobiles, wooden boats, motorcycles and bicycles will be displayed. Visit www.shrinersconcours.com.

Tickets to JT/Shrine Open

Win tickets for the 2010 JT Shriners Hospitals Tournament

Nationwide is offering a chance to win a trip for 2 to the 2010 Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open in Las Vegas.
Check out www.justintimberlake.com for mote information

Ken Gillespie a finalist for international Shrine clown competition

Ken Gillespie, best known as Dizzy the Clown, has been a clown for many years.

He’s a volunteer clown for the Shriners and also a contract clown, or a clown who gets paid for his work.The Minot man now is a finalist in the competition for International Shrine Clown Association’s Clown of the Year for 2008.This in itself is a great tribute to your dedication to Shrine Clowning and the ISCA Sneaker Fund, said Larry Foooey Stringer of Arnold, Mo., chairman of the Clown of the Year Committee.The Sneaker Fund is a fundraising activity for Shriners Hospitals for children’s burn research.The ISCA Clown of the Year will be announced at the ISCA Mid-Winter Award Banquet in Atlanta Feb.

The nominees for the ISCA Clown of the Year are nominated by their peers.The ISCA Clown of the Year will also be featured on the cover of a future issue of Clown Alley, Stringer said.At the event in Atlanta next month, Gillespie said he will also compete in the Clown Extraordinaire Division, a top division.

When Gillespie, his wife and their children returned to Minot in 1980 he continued his clown work.

Claudia Gillespie also is a clown.Ken Gillespie ran Kiddy Land in Minot’s Roosevelt Park for a time and then managed Bump & Tilt, also in Minot.He said he was surprised that he was nominated for the ISCA Clown of the Year award.

The temple is in Grand Forks.In Minot, he said there are about 200 Shriners and about 15 Shriners clowns.The Shriners’ clowns do extensive charity work, including working the Shrine Circus, which visits Minot each year.Gillespie was nominated for the ISCA Clown of the Year award by Orren Buttons Anderson, Minot, and all the members of the Minot Merrymen unit of the Minot Shrine Club of Kem Temple.Ken is not a wealthy man but has traveled to Shriners Regional and National conventions more than he can afford.

Ken lives to compete at all levels at every chance he can and has won numerous regional and national clown awards, the nomination letter said.It goes on to say that Gillespie is a great recruiter, motivator, teacher and mentor of new Shrine Clowns and is a leader in the North Dakota Clown Association.

He has been the president of the World Clown Association and has brought their national convention to Minot.

Clown Association.Gillespie also is a regularly published writer of articles in the Shrine Temple publication Burning Sands and in the ISCA magazine Clown Alley.I do not believe you could find a more deserving person to receive this award or one who would represent ISCA as well.

Ken is truly a Shrine Clown who is a credit to his unit, his Shrine Club, Kem Temple, his community, his state and to the International Shrine Clowns Association, the nomination letter also said.

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Oroville girl is a Shriner success



Kalyn plays at Playtown Park Thursday. She was born with several bone abnormalities

By MARY WESTON - Staff Writer Enterprise Record-ChicoER.com

OROVILLE -- The little girl with the big smile who rode in the Feather Fiesta Day Parade with the Shriners two years ago, is still smiling even though she's scheduled for a second orthopedic surgery next month.

After the surgery, she will be in a body cast for six weeks.

Kalyn was born with several bone abnormalities of the hip and leg that in many children lead to amputation.

"I was told that she would never walk, and now she is running and jumping, and I can't keep up with her," said her mother Heather.

Peterson thanks the Shriners for medical care that will allow Kalyn to lead a full, active life.

"Shriners don't just drive little cars in parades," Peterson said. "The Shriners do so much to help children and families, and they get very little recognition."

Kalyn was born on March 1, 2006. After 10 days in intensive care, the doctors didn't know what was wrong with her.

"We were then referred to what we now hold so dear to our hearts, Shriners Hospitals for Children in Sacramento," Peterson said.

Shriners hospitals treat children up to 18 with serious conditions including orthopedic problems, spinal cord injuries and burns at no cost, regardless of financial situations.

During the first hospital visit, Heather was diagnosed with a hip and pelvic defect called Proximal Focal Femoral Deficiency, Fibular Hemimelia that caused shortened leg bones, and Knock Kneed Syndrome.

Kalyn had a surgery in May 2008 to lengthen her left leg

Friday, April 24, 2009

Are you getting ready for the 2009 J Timberlake Shriners Hospital for Children PGA Tournament


The time is getting close for you to get your tickets or to sign up to work the JT Shriners Hospital for Children PGA Golf tournament in Las Vegas this October 12th to 18th, 2009, at TPC Summerlin.

Besides the tournament featuring some of the best golf pros, celebrities and amateur players, Timberlake will also host a concert show in Las Vegas to benefit Shriners Hospitals for Children. Last year's concert held at the Planet Hollywood Hotel and Casino on the Las Vegas Strip, presented musical guests Leona Lewis, Jonas Brothers, Rascal Flatts, 50 Cent and Lionel Ritchie and raised more than $1 million for this noble cause.

Last year's event was won by Marc Turnesa, who earned his first PGA victory and secured his PGA Tour card for the next two years. For more information about the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open.

Please visit jtshrinersopen.com. or For more information on the volunteer program, please contact Mike Zampini at mzampini@jtshrinersopen.com or call (702) 589-4946.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Houston Shriners Hospital for Children now Treating Burns

By Christi Myers,ABC ch.13 For full story go to ABCLocal.go.com

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- When the Shriners burn hospital in Galveston closed in January after Hurricane Ike, it left a huge void. There was no place in Houston that could treat children with severe burns, but that has changed. In this exclusive report, we learned the Shriners Orthopedic Hospital in Houston is now taking children with burns.

Since the hurricane, burn patients have been treated unofficially at Houston's Shriners Orthopedic Hospital. However, after April 1 it will be official that both hospitals have been melded into one, and now Shriners Orthopedic Hospital in Houston is seeing 2,000 burn patients from Galveston.

"They're teaching us about burn care, we're teaching them about orthopedic care and the end result is the same level of quality," said Steve Reiter, CEO of Shriners Hospital for Children of Houston.

Twenty-four staffers have been hired from the Galveston Hospital. The burn surgeons come here from Galveston's UTMB Burn Center.

"It's been an easy transition and a great transition. The Houston hospital has been accommodating, the operating rooms are wonderful, the clinics are wonderful and our patients, I think are happy," said Dr. David Herndon, Chief of Burn Services, UTMB.

Another void was filled just one week ago, when UTMB's Burn Center in Galveston began taking children with emergency burns for the first time. Now all emergency burn patients, children and adults, can be treated. Shriners Hospital in Houston will do the follow-up care for burned children and continue its orthopedic programs.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

“RED FEZ INVITATIONAL” April 23-24th


Put your team together and join us in sunny Arizona for a weekend of fun and frivolity while representing your Temple.

Over the past 11 years we here at El Zaribah have enjoyed what has grown to be one of the premier golf tournaments in the Valley of the Sun, the annual Shriners Golf
Classic, that benefits Shriners Hospitals for Children. Well, last year we stepped it up to another level and started the “Red Fez Invitational”.

The second annual Red Fez Invitational will be incorporated into our annual Shriners Golf Classic and is open to all Shrine Temples (or outlying Shrine Clubs) to participate. Shriner teams must be comprised of Shriners only and shall compete for a large traveling trophy. A Shrine Temple may enter as many teams as they wish. Tournament format will be a 4 person scramble with Shrine teams competing in both the Shriners Golf Classic and Red Fez Invitational. Golf Tournament is April 25, 2009. Pre-tournament party, April 24, 2009. Of course, our goal is to build the Red Fez Invitational to a stand alone tournament.

The winning team, just like Khiva Temple from Amarillo, Texas who won it in 2008, will have its Temple’s name engraved on the traveling trophy that will be sent to that Temple (or Shrine Club) for display after the tournament. Each member (4) of that winning team shall also receive an individual trophy for themselves. The traveling trophy shall be returned to El Zaribah each year during the month of February.

Adhering to our slogan, “Shriners, having fun and helping children”, we want to make sure you have just that on your visit. Visiting Temple teams will be assigned an El Zaribah “Ambassador” to assist with transportation to and from the airport as well as events throughout the weekend. Prior to your team’s arrival, we will make contact with them to learn of their travel plans and to offer assistance.

Aside from the golf pre-party known as “The Bash Before The Clash”, you’ll enjoy a steak luncheon immediately following the tournament as well as a special Red Fez Invitational Awards Banquet held at the El Zaribah Shrine Temple, later that evening. This banquet is included in your entry fee and does include your lady. IF, we get enough interest, we will plan a “Ladies Getaway” while the men are playing golf, which will also be included in your entry fee.

More detailed information as well as entry forms and a list of hotels that are offering special “Shriner Rates” during your stay can be found at http://www.sandbaggersgolf.com/ We have also arranged a special rate for a practice round at The Legacy Golf Resort for Shriners only on Thursday or Friday, April 23rd and 24th

Spring Havre,Mt. PRIDE

Start the day with the pancake breakfast sponsored by the North Central Montana Shrine Club.

“We encourage everybody to support the Shriners,” Cripps said. “They will be having breakfast to get our day started.
That usually has a pretty good turnout too.” Hank Tweeten, treasurer of the Shrine Club, said the group has been doing a pancake breakfast with the spring Havre PRIDE cleanup for about four years.
The pancake breakfast will run from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the VFW Club on 2nd Street. The money from the pancake feed — all-you-can eat at $5 for adults and $3 for children 10 and younger —
The profits will help pay for the activities of the club, including transporting local children for treatment at the Shriners hospitals for Children, Tweeten said. The Shrine Club helps transport the children to the hospitals where treatment is provided free-of-charge.

Shriners lay off 10 People


By Mary Vorsino
Advertiser Urban Honolulu Writer

The economic crisis has forced Shriners Hospitals for Children to lay off 10 people at its Honolulu facility and has officials increasingly worried about the prospect of raising $3 million in donations for the completion of its new state-of-the-art hospital on Punahou Street.

The 10 employees laid off in Honolulu included at least one doctor and several nurses.

The news comes as Shriners is considering closing six hospitals on the Mainland because of the economic downturn. Ralph Semb, president and chief executive officer of the Shriners board of trustees, who was in Honolulu yesterday to oversee progress at the Punahou hospital, said the Honolulu layoffs are part of a number of cost-saving measures being taken nationwide to help Shriners stay afloat.

In recent months, the organization has seen its $8 billion endowment dwindle to about $5 billion.

The endowment is the largest source of money to pay for operations and care at 22 Shriners hospitals in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The principal of the endowment cannot be touched.

"The economic downturn has certainly affected us," Semb said.

Still, Semb said, construction of the new Honolulu facility will go on as planned.

Shriners has committed $59 million toward building the new hospital, which will include new operating rooms, family quarters and inpatient beds, along with state-of-the-art equipment and recreation areas. The rest of the construction funds — about $14 million — are supposed to come from donations.

So far, Shriners has raised $11 million from businesses, foundations and the public and needs $3 million more — likely before the end of the year — to keep construction of the Punahou facility on track.

Iwalani Obrey Dayton, Shriners Honolulu director of development, said officials are optimistic they'll achieve their goal. But they're concerned that it might take them longer to reach it, which could push back the completion of work. "People are being a lot more conservative (with giving)," Dayton said, adding she has already seen donations drop off because of the economic crisis. "Are we worried? Yeah."

The hospital is scheduled to be completed in May 2010.

Construction of the $73 million facility kicked off a year ago, and one of the buildings — which will house medical offices and operating rooms — is nearly complete. A blessing ceremony for the building is set for May 28. While construction is under way, operations are conducted in a medical trailer.

Shriners Honolulu, which opened in 1923 in Liliha and moved to its present site in 1930, provides orthopedic surgical and rehabilitation care to children up to age 18 at no cost, regardless of parents' ability to pay. The hospital sees about 600 new patients a year, about 80 percent of whom are from the Islands. The rest come from all over the Pacific, including from Guam and Micronesia.

The facility gets about $16 million in operating money from the Shriners endowment.

Reach Mary Vorsino at mvorsino@honoluluadvertiser.com.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Shriners Wheels

May is the month for California Shriners wheels.
Start off May 9th in Clovis, Ca. with the Tehran Shrine 11th Annual Classic Car show held at Sierra Vista Mall’s South Parking Lot With over 24 different classes on display, there is something amazing to see for all car enthusiasts. Join us on Saturday from 10am to 3pm in the south parking lot of Sierra Vista Mall, Clovis & Shaw.

Head over to San Jose on May16 and see the Shriners little cars in the WSA Parade. The Shriners are coming in from Az., NV., NM., Ut. and Mexico they will be in a verity of vehicles and costume. You will see more than the little cars that were featured in Car & Driver last year.

If you are a sports car fan drive over to Mather Field in Sacramento on May17th for the SCCA/Shriners Hospital for Children Concourse d'Elegance the Honor Marks for this year are Merecedes, Ford & Oldsmobile (check Logo Link).

We are not going to leave out you Big Rig fans. Just hit old 99 or Hyw.5 to Gault and the Cherekee Truck Parts Big Rig Show it's the biggest one in the West. The Sierra Shrine Club will be happy to see you at this Shriner Hospital for Children Fund raiser.
(check on the Logo Link)

If you are in So. Calif. and are a music & Wine lover you might want to check the Rythem on the Vine events(click on the logo link) go the web sight for more information

Monday, April 20, 2009

Shriners holds open house


Story by:Tania Dall / KXLY4 Reporter

SPOKANE -- Spokane's Shriners Hospital for Children held its second annual open house for families, kids and patients on Saturday.

Visitors got a chance to take part in face painting, parachuting, bubble blowing, and health awareness activities. But the hospital isn't sure if it'll be around to have an open house like this next year.

Kids get free medical treatment at Shriners Hospitals, but tough economic times mean Spokane's hospital and five others across The country could be forced to close. It's a scenario patients and families don't want to see happen.

Jessica Miller loves to ride horses, but her family knew something was wrong when she couldn't sit up straight in her saddle.

"My daughter was diagnosed with Scoliosis about nine months ago and it was rapidly progressing, getting worse and worse," said Jessica's Dad, Scott Miller.

The Miller's traveled from northeast Oregon to Spokane so Jessica could get the surgery she needs to correct her spine. She had the operation at Shriners on Tuesday.

"The nurses have been really nice, really caring," said Jessica.

Shriners Hospital averages 8,500 patients a year, 650 surgeries and is funded entirely by an endowment trust which has tanked because of the financial crisis.

"As with every organization that trust has taken a hit in value, In our case it's about a $3 billion loss," said Sally Mildren with Shriners Hospital For Children.

While patients like Jessica recover, the hospital hosted an open house for the community on Saturday. Amy Warner, a former patient, brought her two kids to the event.

"I was a patient for probably about 18 years, spent approximately five years of my life in here having braces, surgeries, casts and therapy," said Warner.

Doctors said Warner wouldn't do a lot of things because of Cerebral Palsy.

"I wouldn't walk, certainly I wouldn't have children, lots of things they said I wouldn't do and I've done all of it," she said.

Now Warner is a 32-year-old mother of two, she says it wouldn't have been possible without Shriners Hospital.

"I came in not being able to walk, braces, casts and came in here today in heels," she said. "So it's huge they need to keep it open."

From former patients to current patients, all with a simple request for the community, don't let the doors of Shriners close for good.

"I just want Shriners to stay open and up and running, It's a great hospital for kids," said Jessica.

A vote is scheduled for July to decide the fate of Spokane's Shriners Hospital.

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Free Shriners Hospital offers lifeline to families

April 16, 2009 in Opinion
Our View: The Spokesman-Review

There’s no good time to lose a community institution as extraordinary as the Spokane Shriners Hospital for Children.

But if the Shriners close it after more than 80 years of free orthopedic care provided to children in four states, plus Canada and Mexico, it will be at a potentially horrible time.

Financial pressure is crushing families, workers are losing jobs and the health insurance that goes with them, homeowners are losing their houses, states including Washington are withdrawing health care coverage from low-income working people. For families with those woes, plus the pressures of a child with severe orthopedic problems, the Spokane Shriners Hospital will no longer be the godsend for them that it has been for thousands of others.

Unfortunately, economic conditions and societal trends have ganged up to give the Spokane Shriners Hospital a thrashing.

The national endowment that supports the 22-hospital network has been hammered by an anemic stock market. Moreover, donations are down, partly because of dwindling ranks among Shriners whose energy and antics have been a fundraising mainstay. Individual members of the fraternal organization also have been largely responsible for finding and referring the young patients.

Meanwhile, in contrast with the 1920s when the hospital network was founded, health insurance plans have grown common, giving many families financial options that render the appeal of free care less compelling.

As many families are finding out, however, a recession can disrupt those comfortable circumstances in a hurry.

The puzzling fact is that many of the beds at Spokane’s hospital lie empty, even though its care is free at a time when health care expenses are notoriously burdensome. The hospital’s average population last year was down to seven, while officials say it needs to be at least eight for efficiency’s sake – and they’d prefer 10 to 15.

But in less than three months, on July 6-7 in San Antonio, Texas, the national organization will decide how to handle its financial emergency, very possibly by closing six hospitals, including Spokane’s.

Nationally, there seem to be no promising alternatives. Locally, officials are exploring health care partnerships that might allow the Shriners’ mission to continue, even if not in its own brick-and-mortar home.

That wouldn’t be the same, of course, but if there’s a chance to preserve this service for families in need, it warrants the community’s encouragement.

El Zagal Shrine Host Screening Clinic

The Shriners will host a free screening clinic for children ages 17 and younger with bone, muscle or joint problems from 2 to 5 p.m. April 30 at the Fargo Ramada Plaza Suites, 1635 42nd St. S.

To make an appointment, call Lisa at the El Zagal Shrine at (701) 235-7521. For those unable to attend, call (888) 293-2832 for application information.

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Shriners Hospitals for Children had a Visible Role in the American Burn Association annual meeting

Representatives from Shriners Hospitals for Children had a visible role in the annual meeting of the American Burn Association, held in San Antonio, Texas, March 24-27.

David Greenhalgh, M.D., chief of burns at Shriners Hospitals for Children — Northern California, received the Presidential Leadership Award for his exceptional service in treatment, teaching, research and prevention. And, Robert Sheridan, M.D., assistant chief of staff of Shriners Hospitals for Children — Boston, was elected president of the American Burn Association for the 2009-2010 year.

Tina Palmieri, M.D., FACS, assistant chief of burns at Shriners Hospitals for Children – Northern California and chief of burns at the University of California Davis Medical Center will serve her third and final year as ABA program chair in 2009 and is in line to be incoming president of the ABA in 2012.

Ingrid Parry, PT, MS, a physical therapist specializing in burn rehabilitation, was nominated to the ABA Board of Trustees as one of the four non-physician members. The nomination came from the Membership Advisory Committee on which she has served for three years and will chair in 2012.

Researchers from the Shriners Hospitals for Children — Cincinnati hospital presented findings related to the prevalence of childhood obesity among reconstructive pediatric burn patients, addressing sexuality with adolescent burn survivors, and children’s reaction to stress as a factor in their rehabilitation process.

“The depth of our research shows tremendous progress,” said Richard J. Kagan, M.D., chief of staff. “Our research about the physical ailments of burn care has always been world-class. But as the survival rate has improved for patients with extensive burn injuries, taking a closer look at life quality issues will help us address all of our patients' needs.”

All of the Shriners Hospitals for Children that treat burn and burn-related injuries were active participants in the conference through submitting posters and abstracts, giving presentations and/or serving as symposium moderators.

During the meeting, posters and abstracts are reviewed and judged by panels of experts. Here are just a few highlights from the conference that reflect Shriners Hospitals for Children’s expertise:

• Amy Dugan, Ph.D., from Shriners Hospitals for Children — Cincinnati received the Robert B. Lindberg Award for best scientific paper submitted by a non-physician. Her paper dealt with the effects of a common anti-anxiety medicine on infections.

• The Little Heroes Preschool Burn Camp poster submitted by Shriners Hospitals for Children — Northern California won Best in Category in the Pyscho Social/Comfort Management category.

• Patty Sharp and Mary Dougherty from Shriners Hospitals for Children — Cincinnati won third place for their prevention poster, "Microwave Noodle Soup: Super Easy, Super Fast, Super Hot.

The annual meeting of the American Burn Association is the largest of its kind, bringing together hundreds of medical professionals from the different areas of burn care, including teaching and rehabilitation.

Shriners warns of Sacramento scam artist using hospital's name

From Stan Oklobdzija:

Shriners Hospitals is warning of a scam where a man purporting to represent the organization is fraudulently raising money, according to a news release.

The hospital became aware of the scam Friday when a Curtis Park resident notified the hospital that a man was in the neighborhood claiming to raise money to send a baseball team to Hawaii, the release said.

The man said he was working with Shriners Hospitals for Children and would donate books and toys to the hospital as part of the fund raising, the release said. Shriners Hospital is advising the public that they are NOT a part of this promotion.

Monday, April 13, 2009

Employees at Paramount Equity Mortgage Host a Spring Event at Shriners Hospital for Children

As a special Easter surprise, 27 employees from Mortgage Operations at Paramount Equity Mortgage held a "Build a Bunny" party for Shriners patients and their families. The Spring Event took place Wednesday April 1st in the hospitals central activity area. Festivities included a Build a Bear project, an ice cream social, and a special musical performance by former American Idol hopeful, and Paramount employee, David Zaragoza.

(PRWEB) April 11, 2009 -- A hopping good time was had by all at Shriners Hospital for Children - Northern California. As a special Easter surprise, 27 employees from Mortgage Operations at Paramount Equity Mortgage (http://www.paramountequity.com) held a "Build a Bunny" party for Shriners patients and their families. The Spring Event took place Wednesday April 1st in the hospitals central activity area. Festivities included a Build a Bear project, an ice cream social, and a special musical performance by former American Idol hopeful, and Paramount employee, David Zaragoza. "We all had an amazing time with the children at Shriners Hospital; it has had such a positive impact in our lives." Says Aimee Manzo, Paramount employee and event organizer.

Paramount Equity encourages their employees to volunteer in their community, through a benefits program called The Power of One. Paramount Equity gives 1% of each employees annual hours back to the employee to use in the form of volunteer/charity work. This equates to about 20 hours of charity work per employee per year. Paramount Equity's Mortgage Operations department combined their efforts to use their volunteer hours to help Shriners Hospital for Children. Paramount Equity employees also did some internal fund-raising to make a financial contribution to the Shriners Hospital as well. "We find our employees become very empowered when they have the opportunity to volunteer their time to a cause that they are truly passionate about." Say Hayes Barnard, Owner and President of Paramount Equity Mortgage.

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Shrine 11th Annual Car Show Saturday May 9, 2009

At Sierra Vista Mall’s South Parking Lot With over 24 different classes on display, there is something amazing to see for all car enthusiasts. Join us on Saturday May 9th from 10am to 3pm in the south parking lot of Sierra Vista Mall for the Shrine 11th Annual Car Show.

Entered vehicles will be eligible to win a $250 cash drawing, awards, goodie bags, merchant awards, best car club participation trophy, best of show award and more.

This is a rain or shine event. Registration is $30 and vendor booth space for car related vendors starts at $75 per space. For registration forms and additional information, please contact the Tehran Shrine Center at (559) 251-1991 or stop by and see them at 5407 E. Olive Avenue in Fresno. Their hours are Monday through Thursday 8am to 3pm, and Friday 8am to 12pm. Or you may call Dan at (559) 291-4005 or Gary at (559) 285-2026 or email to: lunarlithic@aol.com.

You can also pick up registration forms at Sierra Vista Mall’s customer service booth during regular mall hours.

Sierra Vista Mall is located on the southeast corner of Clovis and Shaw Avenues in Clovis.
For more information on this and other events, check our website at www.sierravistamall.com or call (559) 299-0660.

Sierra Vista Mall…the fun starts when you arrive!

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Shriners Parade: "Cool Truck Show" & Shriners Hospital for Children

Shriners Parade: "Cool Truck Show" & Shriners Hospital for Children

Upstate rallies to save Shriners hospital

The Following story is only one of such stories from around the country where Shriners Hospitals for Children are on the closure list.
What are you doing to help the hospital in your area? It could be on the next list! There are six units listed in this article. One of them is in the west.


By LIV OSBY - The Greenville News

Word of the possible closing of the Greenville Shriners Hospital for Children has mobilized the community, with calls for fundraisers, letter-writing campaigns and even a Facebook page dedicated to keeping the facility open.

The hospital is one of six around the country that face closure as the organization deals with financial problems.

But patients, their families, local Shriners and residents say that would be a huge loss for the community and are taking steps to stop it.

“It’s unreal the calls I’m getting,” said Bob Rogers, recorder for the Shriners Hejaz Temple in Mauldin. “A lot of people are saying ‘What can we do to help?’ “

Fourteen-year-old Brooklynn Myers, who had spinal surgery at the hospital in December, collected money at her church softball game Saturday, and her mom wants to host a softball tournament to benefit the hospital.

“We definitely want to do something to help,” said Bridget Myers. “Everything they have done for Brooklynn has been free of charge.”

Gina White says she’s going to do whatever she can, too. Her daughter, Miracle, was born with spina bifida and has been a patient at Shriners for 13 years, undergoing 37 surgeries to keep her spine from crushing her internal organs. Now 15, Miracle must return to the hospital every two weeks and was just hospitalized eight weeks for an infection.

“If it were not for Shriners Hospital in Greenville, she would not be here,” said the Batesburg woman. “Shriners is a major part of our life. Closing the hospital would be traumatizing.”

Joe Rossi of Greenville is a drummer in a local band who wants to stage a benefit concert in June with some other area bands. His former stepdaughter, Marissa Brown, was a patient at Shriners Cincinnati burn center after being scalded by hot tea.

“At the time, I did not have insurance, and an angel appeared in the form of a Shriner,” he said. “Through many years of surgeries, (she) is now an 18-year-old beautiful woman.”

“They did take care of me,” said Brown, of Pickens. “I love them to death.”

Rodney Brown, chairman of the board of governors for the Greenville Shriners Hospital, said he’s been contacted by many who want to help. And Rogers said local Shriners are working on fundraisers, such as the “I Can Help” festival at the temple on May 23.

Ralph Semb, chief executive officer of Shriners Hospitals for Children, said he’s impressed so many people want to help. But cuts must be made one way or another because the organization can’t continue drawing down its endowment to make up for the budget shortfall, he said.

“We want to continue to take care of children,” he said. “But if we do business the same way, we won’t have any money left.”

Semb said inpatient volumes are down throughout the 22-hospital system as more is done on an outpatient basis. Already, he said, construction has been halted on hospitals in St. Louis, Los Angeles and Montreal, and several hospitals are destined for consolidation.

The other hospitals on the list are Erie, Pa.; Spokane, Wash; Shreveport, La, and Springfield. A hospital in Galveston, Texas, closed since it was damaged in Hurricane Ike, is also on the list.

The Greenville hospital treated about 15,000 children with orthopedic conditions last year and employs 249 people. Semb said it made the list because it is underutilized.

Brown disputes that, saying the hospital sees more patients every year, always operates under budget and is the only Shriners hospital between Florida and Kentucky.

Aside from investment losses, the Shriners are hampered by a changing culture that has left the once 940,000-member organization with just 350,000 members, most 70 or older, Semb said. That means fewer members to raise funds for the hospitals, which provide special orthopedic and burn care to children at no charge regardless of ability to pay.

The organization uses income from an endowment to run the hospitals, but it dropped from $8 billion to $5 billion, he said. And to keep all the hospitals running, the endowment needs to grow to $12 billion by 2014.

Officials are exploring a relationship with Greenville Hospital System, including the system purchasing the facility with Shriners Hospital continuing to provide the medical services, he said.

Dr. William Schmidt, medical director of GHS’s Children’s Hospital, said a variety of options are being considered.

Meanwhile, some 1,200 Shriners will vote whether to close the hospitals, cut their budgets by 25 percent to 30 percent, or do nothing at all at their annual meeting in July.

“My guess is the representatives will vote with their hearts and keep the hospitals open,” Semb said. “And then it will be a 25-30 percent decrease in operating budgets. I’m not sure they can survive that.”

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

"Cool Truck Show" & Shriners Hospital for Children


Shriners Children's Hospital
"Cool Truck Show"
Sponsored by Cherokee Truck Parts
Brannon Tire,A & L Truck Supply, Yokahama Tire
Lets Make This The Largest
Truck Show in The WEST!
May 29 - 30th 2009
Galt Flea Market - Galt, Ca

(Please Pre-Register Your Vehicle Early So We Can Order Your T-Shirt!)
FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO www.cherokeetruckparts.com/truckshow.html

Monday, April 6, 2009

Shriners Support North Dakota Guardsmen During Flood Mission


Vehicles sit covered in snow outside the El Zagal Shrine in Fargo, N.D., while the North Dakota National Guard’s quick-reaction force waits for a mission, March 30, 2009. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Chris Erickson

This artical has been reprinted in several papers. I think It should be read by all Shriners. This is typical of how Shriners react to Emergency in their neighborhood-Gwiz

By Army Spc. Chris Erickson
Special to American Forces Press Service

April 1, 2009 - Shriners here temporarily have shifted their focus from helping children to helping National Guard members. Members of the international organization that supports a health care system of 22 hospitals providing specialty pediatric care, research and teaching programs are providing refreshments and warm, dry shelter for citizen-soldiers and -airmen activated to help in fighting a massive flood.

The North Dakota National Guard has concentrated its efforts on ensuring the dike system in the Fargo area holds. To ensure leaks are promptly plugged, quick-reaction forces have been set up at 11 staging areas in the community. The El Zagal Shrine and Masonic Temple in northeastern Fargo is one of those places.

George Vettel, a temple member, said the city asked the organization to keep the building open so the National Guard could use it.

"We're here now to make sure that they have whatever they need, whether it's food, coffee or pop, or anything else," Vettel said. The shrine members also are making sure the building is maintained during inclement weather.

Although the Red River in Fargo crested earlier this week, the quick-reaction forces remain vigilant.

"If we get sustained winds of 30 miles per hour, that could erode some of the dikes," said Army Staff Sgt. Charles Todd of the 1-188th Air Defense Artillery, a member of the force based at El Zagal. "Even if the water level goes down, the pressure is still there on temporary dikes."

Between missions, life for the soldiers and airmen is a waiting game, and many of them have found time to help out at the shrine.

"They mopped the floor, put plastic down on the carpet, shoveled snow, cleaned chairs and swept mud off the street and sidewalks," Emily Garten said.

Bill Hovell, chief of staff at the El Zagal Shrine, said the organization has been working closely with the servicemembers since they set up at the shrine, and he is grateful for the work the North Dakota National Guard is doing.

"You look at the officers and higher enlisted, and they're very professional," Hovell said. "Then I saw a young man in uniform who looked barely old enough to shave. I asked him what brought him here. He looked me right in the eye and said, 'I enlisted to serve,'" Hovell said with a smile.

Barten said the community has been an important part of helping out the servicemembers based at El Zagel.

"We've gotten a lot of donations from various places in town - restaurants, other Shriners and area residents," she said. "We've fed close to 80 today for lunch. We're planning for that many for meals, because this is a command and control site."

Army 1st Lt. Loren Soma of the 957th Multi-Role Bridge Company in Bismarck said he and others have helped to build dikes throughout Fargo, including Lindenwood Park and Oak Grove Lutheran School, and have placed barriers on the eastern edge of the city.

Soma agreed that the response from area residents had been outstanding. "It's nice to have the support of the community," he said. "We've been working hard all week, and it's nice to have a break. We're actually getting babied here."

Blizzard conditions have not affected the morale of the soldiers and airmen at El Zagal, and during some down time, a group of soldiers decided to build a snowman, which Hovell thought brought some levity to an otherwise serious situation.

The waiting game has not taken away from the Guard members' professional attitude. "We are still on full guard," Todd said.

Hovell expressed his gratitude for the National Guard. "As Shriners, we couldn't have better guests," he said. "We're honored."

(Army Spc. Chris Erickson serves with the North Dakota National Guard.)

Saturday, April 4, 2009

Oroville Screening Clinic April11 for Shriners Hospital for Children

From 9 a.m.-1 p.m., April 11, at Oroville Sports Club, 2600 Oro Dam Blvd. Sponsored by local Shrine clubs to identify children, up to age 18, who can benefit from expert orthopedic, spinal cord and burn care provided free at Shriners' Hospitals for Children. No appointment necessary. Please bring children's birth certificates, immunization records and social security number if possible. Questions, information regarding the clinic, call Jeff Ford, 532-6463, Oroville screening clinic chairman. www.shrinershq.org/hospitals/.

Friday, April 3, 2009

Sports Car Club of America Helps Shrinser Hospital for Children- Sacramento



Shriners Hospital Concours d’Elegance names well known SCCA Chief Judge Butch Wright as its Grand Marshal for the 2009 Concours d’Elegance on May 17th, 2009.

Butch Wright was born in Texas. In the 1970’s Butch,his wife Shirley and their three sons moved to Fresno, California. That relocation proved to be a California advantage!

During his teen-age years an automobile came into Butch’s life; his first car – a 1939 Pontiac. General Motors in those days equipped Pontiacs with flat-head engines of either six or eight cylinders. Ask Butch; he’ll know. Butch gave the Pontiac many hours of loving care in the form of polishing and maintenance.

One car led to another and another. He had lots of them he says, including a 1959 MG. The MG is the car that fostered his love for British automobiles. Butch bought his first Jaguar,a 1959 XK 150-S roadster in 1986. It was a ‘keeper’and he still owns it!

Butch’s passion for fine cars compelled him to join the Sports Car Club of America Concours judging team in 1980.
He has served in the capacity of SCCA Chief Judge for the past 12 years and describes the experience as having been a pleasure.

As Chief Judge it’s been Butch’s duty to place SCCA judges into classes
requiring specific expertise to properly carry out the judging duties.

Knowing that judges are knowledgeable and well placed ensures entrants their automobiles will be judged by those well qualified to make such determinations.

Shriners Hospital Concours d’Elegance proudly celebrates Butch Wright as its
Grand Marshal for 2009!

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Orlando to Host East-West Shrine Game in 2010

The East-West Shrine Game, college football's premier all-star game, will be moving to Orlando in 2010.

The 85th East-West Shrine Game will be played at the Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium at 3 p.m. EST on Jan. 23, 2010, and will be televised live on ESPN2.

It will be the first time the game has been held in Orlando, which will serve as host city for at least the next two years. The game got its start in the San Francisco Bay area in 1925 before moving to Houston the last three years (2007-09).

The East-West Shrine Game is the oldest college all-star game in the country and features the finest athletes in the U.S. and Canada. In 2008, 95 of 105 players on the East-West Shrine Game roster were either drafted or signed by National Football League clubs with 44 selected in that year's draft. A total of 307 East-West Shrine Game alumni were on 2008 NFL opening-day 53-man rosters, practice squads and injured-reserve lists.

"The East-West Shrine Game has always fielded players among college football's best," said East-West Shrine Game Executive Director Jack Hart. "With all 32 NFL teams represented by GMs, coaches and scouts during game week, our players have the terrific opportunity to showcase their talents and get their first glimpse of life in the NFL ... 'Just Like on Sunday.'"

While the teams are divided by East and West, the players come together for the beneficiary of the event, Shriners Hospitals for Children, an international pediatric specialty health care system.

"We are very excited to engage in this partnership with Orlando and bring our game to this great city," said Ralph Semb, president and CEO of Shriners Hospitals for Children. "We hope our supporters all over the country will come out and enjoy this spectacular event at what will be a newly renovated stadium. We also have Bahia Shriners, our local Shriners International fraternity chapter, here in Orlando. One of our Shriners Hospitals for Children is located in nearby Tampa, as well."

In addition to being a favorite tourist destination, Orlando has hosted some of the country's most prestigious football games. The Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium is home to the annual Capital One Bowl, Champs Sports Bowl and Florida Classic, the nation's premier HBCU event. The 85th anniversary of the East-West Shrine Game promises to be an exciting event in Orlando.

"Florida is a hotbed for college football, so it's a natural fit for the East-West Shrine Game to be hosted in the City of Orlando at the Florida Citrus Bowl," said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. "Additionally, this game isn't just an opportunity for these athletes to showcase their skills; it is an opportunity to showcase Orlando as our country's leading tourist destination."

The Orlando contingent that helped bring the game to the East Coast includes Florida Citrus Sports, the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Central Florida Sports Commission (CFSC). It is the first time these three organizations have worked together to bring an event to Central Florida.

"We are excited to welcome the East-West Shrine Game to Orlando," said Gary Sain, president and CEO of the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc. "We believe that Orlando is the perfect venue for the players, fans and their families. Orlando puts a smile on the faces of visitors, and the Shriners organization makes families smile with all that they do for children."

With the addition of three games in the fall as part of the recently announced United Football League, the stadium now has 10 annual national television broadcasts planned for 2009.

"Economic impact and national television exposure are extremely important to our community, especially now, and we believe the East-West Shrine Game can grow to be even more impactful in the future," said Sam Stark, CEO of the CFSC.

As a nonprofit organization that provides all care with no financial obligation to patients or their families, Shriners Hospitals for Children relies on donations to carry out its mission. To date, the East-West Shrine Game has raised millions of dollars for Shriners Hospitals for Children and has helped inform millions of people about the mission of this extraordinary philanthropy.

"We are extremely proud that the East-West Shrine Game, the nation's second-oldest postseason college football tradition, will now call Orlando home," said Steve Hogan, CEO of Florida Citrus Sports.

For more information, please visit
www.shrinegame.com or www.shrinershospitals.org.