140 year of Shriners

140 year of Shriners

Tuesday, September 15, 2015

The Best and Worst Charities!

-- WHERE DOES CHARITY MONEY GO??? --

Some interesting stats in this message.

The Terry Fox organization contributes $0.83 for every dollar raised to cancer research.

The Canadian Cancer Society : $0.22 for every dollar raised.

Admin costs for the Terry Fox Run are low because most of the admin costs are paid by its many volunteers. Only $0.17 is used for run promotion and supplies. Every person organizing & managing absorbs all expenses other than the run donor sheets and some signage.

Do you know that the CEO of Shriners’ , the Imperial Potentate, makes $0.00 per year? How about that for a salary? There are 22 hospitals helping kids in Canada , the USA and in Mexico . His salary is matched by the Provincial Potentate’s income which is also $0.00 per year.

So the next time you see a Shriner in a mall, selling whatever, give generously.

Same for the Lions Clubs ---100 per cent of money raised for charity goes to charity. Even Lion's dinner meetings are paid for out of their own pockets.
As you open your pockets for yet another natural disaster, keep the following information in mind.

We have listed the charities from the highest (worst paid offender to the lowest (least paid offender).

The worst offender , for the 11th year in a row is UNICEF ,whose CEO receives $1,200,000 per year, plus a Rolls Royce for his exclusive use wherever he goes, and an expense account that is rumored to be well over $150,000.

Only pennies from the donations go to the UNICEF cause (less than $0.14 per dollar of income).

The second worst offender this year is Marsha J. Evans, President and CEO of the American Red Cross .
Her salary for the year ending in 2009 was $651,957 plus expenses. She enjoys 6 weeks fully paid holidays including all related expenses during the holiday trip for her and her husband and kids, and 100% fully paid health & dental plan for her and her family….for life!

This means out of every dollar they bring in, about $0.39 goes to charity causes.

The third worst offender, again for the 7th time, was Brian Gallagher, President of the United Way. He receives a $375,000 base salary (US funds), plus so many expense benefits it's hard to keep track as to what it is all worth, including a fully paid lifetime membership at 2 golf courses
(1 in Canada, 1 in the USA), 2 luxury vehicles, a yacht club membership, 3 major company gold credit cards for his personal expenses... and so on….
This equates to about $0.51 per dollar of income going to charity causes.

Fourth worst offender, in the fourth spot for every year since this information has been made available since 1998, is amazingly yet again, World Vision. Its President (Canada) receives $300,000 base salary, plus a home valued in the $700,000 - $800,000 range (completely furnished, all housing expenses, including taxes, water/sewer, telephone/fax, HD/high speed cable, weekly maid service and pool/yard maintenance), fully paid private schooling for his children, upscale automobile, and a $55,000 personal expense account for clothing/food, plus a $125,000 business expense account.

And get this: because it is a "religious based" charity, World Vision pays little or no taxes, can receive government assistance and does not have to declare were the money goes.

Only about $0.52 of earned income per dollar is available for charity causes.
Of the some sixty-odd charities we looked at, the lowest paid President/CEO/Commissioner was heading up a charity group in Canada .. We found, believe it or not, that it was...

Ready for this...?

I think you might be surprised...
It is none other than...

The Salvation Army 's Commissioner Todd Bassett, who receives a salary of only $13,000 per year (plus housing) for managing this $2 billion dollar organization.

Which means about $0.93 per dollar earned, is readily available and goes back out to local charity causes.
Truly amazing…
…and well done, "Sally Ann” and the “ Shriners” LIONS !!!!!!!
No further comment is necessary..
So think twice before selecting the Charity of your choice.

Which one really does the best for the most, or the least for the most, for that matter?????

Remember that charity starts at home.
Let's look after the people of this country.

99% of people probably won't forward this .

I just did!
It is better to be informed than not!!!

Sunday, September 6, 2015

Remembering Why I Became A Shriner

By Randy Rudge, Membership Development Director, Shriners International

If you were asked, “What does your Shriner membership mean to you?” How would you respond? 
A few years ago, I was asked to do a Shriner membership presentation. I worked for months preparing what I would say and do. But, the night before the presentation I realized that it was nothing like I wanted it to be. So I decided I wasn’t going to do a presentation at all. I was going to listen. 
At the beginning of each workshop I had each member think about and write down why he became a Shriner. Then, I asked each to write his two proudest moments as a Shriner. I realize that for many it was hard to pick just two, but I wanted the first two memories that came to mind.
What the attendees didn’t know was that each of them was going to share what he had written. That became the most inspirational workshop I have ever participated in. 
What we heard were the true tenants of Freemasonry and the principles of our Shriners Creed. While there were inspiring stories regarding the children we serve in our hospitals, many of the stories dealt with the brotherly love and fellowship that are only achieved by being a member. 
When I think back about my membership, I think about the incredible friends I have made and how they have become my extended family. How they have lent a hand and listened when I was in need, shared a laugh, dedicated their time and made me their friend.
But most of all, I think of my membership as an incredible bond between me and my father. 
I remember the pride he expressed when I became a Shriner, all the responsibilities I took on, and the endless discussions with our mutual friends. And the fun we had together.
My dad passed away four years ago on March 6, after a long illness. During his illness, he had not been out of the house for many months, but he decided to attend a Shriners’ function. At the event, we sat him in a chair and noble after noble came up to him to shake his hand and say hello. 
Dropping him off at his home later that evening, I gave him a hug and said goodnight. I will always remember him looking back at me with tears in his eyes and thanking me. That was the last time he went out in public.
After listening to many stories similar to mine during the workshop, I asked the attendees what they learned from the exercise. What they said was that they experienced a lot of emotion, pride, love and fellowship in that room. 
My message is simple: As Shriners and leaders, it is our responsibility to guide others so that they achieve the same emotion, pride and fellowship we experience as Shriners. When we do, our organization will prosper. 
Now, I ask each of you to write down why you became a Shriner and your two proudest moments as a Shriner. If you would like to share your story, please e-mail me through Feztivities.

Thank you all for being Shriners. 

Saturday, September 5, 2015

Great Story- what's in like in you town?

Pardon me, but do you have the time?

Friday, August 28, 2015

Spare Time... Who has that luxury these days?
So, do you have the time?
There are a lot of people that are too busy, genuinely, to donate time away from their young and always busy families. But there are others, who might have some kids moving on to college and out on their own, and suddenly find themselves having some spare time. You can only go to Walmart and Orscheln's and wander around so many times before that becomes pointless.
Volunteering, aside of your job, provides you a sense of purpose, that most don't realize until they experience it. You just have to find something that fits you, and take a swing at it.
I think most would agree, unless you grew up in a home with someone who belonged to a Civic Organization such as the Moose or the Elks, or the Civitan, etc., you really don't know what they are all about. Don't be fooled "if you think the only thing Shriners - those guys in those odd-looking, tasseled, red hats in your local Independence Day Parade - do is ride around in tiny cars, you really need the Shriner Primer," quoted directly from the http://www.kosair.com/shriners.html. But I have read enough articles in our papers to understand that most of these organizations/clubs do wonderful things in the community.
The article about what one local business woman did in a cemetery was awesome! I am so happy to hear about someone coming up with their own community projects. We don't all have the spare time or the courage to create and lead a project, but two hands are better then one. She pulled in several volunteers and made a difference. Thank you for that!
So... there are some weeks where I have many hours of spare time, and some weeks where I don't have enough time to go through my mail even. You get my point? I started volunteering about a year ago for an organization that works with our local children. I wouldn't say I have a lot of spare time. I am a mom with one very active child in high school. I also have one that now lives on his own an hour from home. Ten years ago, my spare time gas tank was always on empty. But recently, I felt a calling to start helping other children out. I find time and donate it and feel good about what little I do. There are others who make my small effort look invisible, but together, we are all getting things accomplished.
And that's all you have to do -- what you can do. Maybe you consider what you do for the local schools volunteering, and yes, that most certainly is. Thank you! But I'm talking about when you're suddenly sitting around and one by one, the kids are moving on and out.. your hands will become idle. And you know what they say about idle hands. One day, it just hit me, what am I going to do with all this spare time?
I was recently surprised when I read in the paper that the Linton Rotary Club disbanded their organization. But because they aren't getting members they found it impossible to continue. Another organization is struggling with membership, the Linton Civitan Club. Saturday they are going to hold their regular meeting to decide how do they go forward, if they do.
Many would probably donate time, if they knew how to, where to, when to and why. The local organizations are so vague to me that I don't even know what to call their local "group," a chapter, an organization, a club? I have no idea what these organizations are and the rules for membership and who they benefit. What they do and how often they do it.
When they shut down the Rotary, that got me thinking. Do you have to own a business to be in Rotary? I thought yes, but I was wrong. I used to work for Angell's Food Center for many years. It was there I first heard of the organization "Rotary." I really never knew the rules of membership, or qualifications. But I googled it and found that they use to do the annual 4-H Hot Dog Cookout, Jonah Fish Fries. They are a worldwide organization.
Then soon after, I heard about Linton Civitan projects. Surely we have all seen, if not can still hear, the bell ringers freezing their bums off, ringing that loud and ear ringing bell around the holidays? That's the Civitan organization. They do Toys for Tots, Clothe a Child program, the Civitan Ham Breakfast at the Firehouse for the 4th of July Parade and many other things. I could go on and on, after I google some more examples, but that's just it, I'm 40ish and I had to google most of these organizations because there are so many here locally and yet I was completely unaware.
Surprises me really, that they aren't maintaining the memberships to keep on going. How can that happen, and why?? Some of us don't have the time, some of us don't know enough about them. Example, I thought you have to live in the city of Linton to be in the Linton Civitan - Ha, I was wrong again. The Civitan might not tickle your fancy, but if you're slightly curious, they meet on Saturday mornings in the Greene County Hospital cafeteria bright and early, 7:30 a.m. for breakfast, meeting at 8 a.m. Maybe just hear what they have to say, I bet you recognize a face or two.
I'm not trying to highlight any one specific organization, or throw shade on the other, but there are so, so many in this county, even off the radar that go anonymously unnoticed. I searched out Linton Civitan in the paper's search engine and along with the Civitan I had a quick review of all the ways we can get involved. Still, I realize we have many stages in life. Some of us work way too much, some of us are raising young families and fight to have the 20 minutes at the supper table every night just to be together. But some of us are at a point where we are tired of watching the reruns of the Andy Griffith Show. By the way, I think I have seen them all. Barney just cracks me up and even Aunt B was involved in Mayberry community projects.
So by the way, do you have the time? I certainly hope so. Find something that interests you and casually swing in for a meeting. If you don't feel the pull, try another one. With all our hands together, we can make many positive changes right here in Greene County.

Friday, September 4, 2015

Shriners In Florida Charity Calendar

Shriners calendar in Florida - What is your Shrine Temple doing for the rest of the year?
  • Sept. 4 - 5: Ocala Shrine Rodeo, 7:30 p.m., Southeastern Livestock Pavilion, Ocala, Fla.
  • Sept. 19: Those Guys Classic Rock Show, 6 p.m., Englewood Event Center, Englewood, Fla.
  • Sept. 24: JMEA Fourth Annual Fun Shoot, Jacksonville Clay Target Sports, Jacksonville, Fla.
  • Sept. 26: Tindale Oliver Charity Golf Tournament, noon, Summerfield Crossings Golf Club, Riverview, Fla.
  • Sept. 26: 12th Annual Leigh Dittman Shiners Charity Event, 5:30 p.m., India Cultural Center, Tampa, Fla.
  • Oct. 3: Shriners Hospitals for Children - Tampa 30th anniversary, 10 a.m., 12502 USF Pine Drive, Tampa, Fla.
  • Oct. 6: Phil Dirt and the Dozers concerts, 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., Savannah Center, The Villages 
  • Oct. 7: Clearwater Jazz Holiday partners with Shriners Hospitals at Clearwater Marine Aquarium, 5 p.m., Clearwater, Fla.
  • Oct. 18: Walk for Love in Mahi Temple Region
  • Oct. 24: C&W Charity Golf Classic, Driving Fore A Cure, 8 a.m., Sanctuary Ridge Golf Club, Clermont, Fla.
  • Oct. 26: Camel race - Silver Spring Shores Presbyterian Church, Ocala, Fla.
  • Oct. 29: Monster Mash - Shriners Hospital, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.12502 USF Pine Drive, Tampa, Fla.
  • Nov. 1: Great Chowder Debate, noon, Conch House Restaurant, St. Augustine, Fla.
  • Nov. 7: 15th Annual Ferraris on the Circle, 10 a.m., St Armonds Circle, Sarasota, Fla.
  • Nov. 7: Plaza Cadillac/The Villages Shrine Club charity golf tournament,  8:30 a.m., Harbor Hills Country Club, Lady Lake, Fla. 
  • Nov. 14: Shootout for Shriners Kids, 2 p.m., Tampa Bay Sporting Clays, Land O' Lakes, Fla.
  • Dec. 19 - 20: Railroad Show at Florida Fairgrounds, Tampa, Fla.  (9 a.m. - 5 p.m. on 12/19 & 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. on 12/20)

Labor Day Breakfast


Wednesday, September 2, 2015

The Nile Shriners present the ultimate haunted house experience this Halloween season with the return of Haunted Nightmare at the Nile

Seattle's Only Haunted Golf Corpse to 

Deliver the Screams Again in 2015

MOUNTLAKE TERRACE, WA, September 02, 2015 / -- Prepare to

experience your worst nightmare this October as the Nile Shriners 

present their 5th annual haunted attraction, Haunted Nightmare at 

the Nile. Screams will be heard across Lake Ballinger at 11 terror-filled

 shows, including October 9, 10, 16, 17, 22, 23,24, 29, 30, 31 and 

November 1. Shows run from 7 pm to 11 pm on Friday and Saturday

 nights and 7 pm to 10 pm on Thursday and Sunday nights. 

Tickets are $15 or $20 for a faster VIP line and can be purchased 

online or on-site at the box office.

Those who survive the various haunted houses will love catching their
 breath in the Food and Fear Garden. Exclusive Haunted Nightmare
 merchandise and photo-ops will be available as well as plenty of food,
 sweets and beverages (including frothy evil elixirs for our guests 21 and over).
Mark your calendars for the Nile Halloween Family Funfest on Sunday,
 October 25th. From 3 pm to 8 pm, the Haunted Nightmare creatures 
retreat to their coffins, caves and crypts, allowing families to enjoy a much
 tamer haunted house experience. Admission is just $10. Halloween candy
 awaits those children brave enough to experience the various haunted 
attractions. Bouncy houses, cotton candy and face painting will entertain 
the children while mom and dad enjoy a car show, vendor booths and plenty
 of great food.
Darkness sets the stage for the return of the ever-popular "Fright Light Night"
 on November 1st. On this final night of haunting, the Nile's haunted grounds 
go pitch-black, leaving you with only your cunning and a special finger flashlight (available at the box office) to guide the way.
Haunted Nightmare at the Nile is a volunteer-driven, non-profit event 
benefiting the Nile Shriners. Ongoing needs include actors, airbrush 
and SFX makeup artists, set designers and security personnel. 
Those interested in joining the haunted attraction Scream Team should
 register at http://hauntednightmare.hauntscheduler.com.
The haunted house is located adjacent to I-5 off Exit 177 at Nile Shrine 
Golf Center - 6601 244th St. SW Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043. For tickets 
and info, visithttp://www.HauntedNightmare.com.
About Haunted Nightmare
The Haunted Nightmare team of volunteers began producing haunted 
attractions in 2009 for various charities. The event included locations 
in Bothell and Snohomish, leading up to their current partnership with 
the Nile Shriners in 2013. They are a proud member of the Haunted 
Attraction Association and are C.H.A.O.S. certified (Certified Haunted 
Attraction Operator Safety Program).
About the Shriners
Shriners International is a fraternity based on fun, fellowship and the 
Masonic principles of brotherly love, truth and relief. Throughout history,
 both the Freemasons and Shriners have had a reputation for secrecy, 
but their mission is straightforward. Shriners are committed to:
- Being the premier fraternal organization for men of good character.
- Providing attractive, quality programs and services for its members,
 their families and their friends in a spirit of fun, fellowship and social 
camaraderie.
- Fostering self-improvement through leadership, education, the 
perpetuation of moral values and community involvement.
The Nile Shriners first received their charter in 1909. Land for the current 
Nile Shrine Center was purchased in 1924 and has evolved into what it is
 today, featuring 3,000 feet of choice waterfront on Lake Ballinger, an 
18-hole golf course, a lodge featuring a bar & grill and multiple rooms 
for private events, multiple warehouses for storage and meeting areas 
for various clubs, caretaker and groundskeeper quarters, extensive 
picnic areas and more. The Nile Shriners have been a positive influence 
in the community for decades, and their units, such as Clowns, Mini Bikes 
and Oriental Band, continue to bring smiles at local parades.


Read more: http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/2661515#ixzz3kcB46AHg