INLAND EMPIRE: Masonic lodges to discuss reading program

 

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EVERGREEN MASONIC LODGE 

June 13, 2013; 04:32 PM 

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California Freemasons have been supporting numerous charitable needs over the years. The Masonic lodges of Riverside and San Bernardino counties, known as Division 8, have done something special for the last three years.

The Division8 Operation Committee, consisting of representatives from the 27 lodges, produces special events that tell the story of the charity that the Grand Lodge leadership has chosen to support.

These events have attracted audiences of more than 250 and are expected attract more as the reputation builds. Last year, 100 percent of the lodges participated and contributed to the literacy program called Raising-A-Reader.

Three years ago, the program centered on the commitment to raise funds to send World War II veterans to Washington, D.C., to see the new WWII memorial. California Masons were able to provide the trip for over 500 veterans.

The following year, the group focused on providing training for nurses to become certified in oncology so there could be more help for cancer patients and their families. More than $500,000 was raised statewide for that project.

This 2013 event, Raising-A-Reader — Investing in our Future, is scheduled for Saturday, June 15, at 2 p.m. at Evergreen Masonic Center, 5801 Chicago Ave, Riverside. It promises to be just as powerful and moving as previous events.

To learn more about the statewide California Masons’ Raise-A-Reader project, take a look at www.freemason.org/RaisingAReader/index.htm. Money raised for this charity will go to providing books to encourage young children to read by involving the parents in the process.

The Raising-A-Reader program is under the California Masonic Foundation, which is a qualified 501 ©(3) under federal and state tax rules.