GUAM- Shriners team gives kids free consults

Pacific Daily News • news@guampdn.com • May 25, 2010

— A medical team from the Shriners Hospital for Children in Hawaii will provide free consultative services for children with special health-care needs from June 21-25 at the Public Health clinic in Mangilao. Children age 18 and younger who have an orthopedic, arthritic or plastic surgical conditions such as deformities, disease and injuries involving the bones, joints and muscles, and "healed burns," including loss of any part of the child's body, will be seen. Patients will be seen by appointment only. For an appointment or more information, call Arlean Kloppenburg at 735-7117 or e-mail: arlean.kloppenburg@dphss.gov. Also, on June 18 the team will hold a clinic at the Guam Orthopaedic Center in Oka, Tamuning. Dr. Jan Bollinger's patients may call 646-6610 for an appointment.

KMIR 6 and FreeMasons

KMIR-TV ch6 Palm Springs Video is at http://www.kmir6.com/Global/category.asp?C=169134&nav=menu1458_5

They’re busting up for charity

Break-a-thon will display martial arts skills and help Shriners Hospital
Jill Barville jbarville@msn.com May 20, 2010 in Washington Voices

Jung Kim’s martial arts studio will hold a board break-a-thon fundraiser to benefit Shriners Hospital for Children. Former and current Shriners patients, left to right, Tyler Schmidt, Grant Gilmore, Spencer Young, Jerrod Galles (in back), Ryan Thompson and Gayle Gracio, shown with El Katif Shrine Potentate Von Chimienti, are taking sponsor pledges for Saturday’s event at Gonzaga Prep.

Fast facts

What: Jung Kim’s Martial Arts Break-a-Thon. Free event with sponsored board breaking, martial arts demonstrations and safety information. All donations benefit Shriners Hospital in Spokane.

When: Saturday, 10:30 a.m. Where: Gonzaga Prep, 1224 E. Euclid Ave.Contact: www.jung kimtaekwondo.com

More than 400 tae kwon do students from Jung Kim’s Martial Arts will break approximately 2,000 boards Saturday in a marathon board-breaking event to benefit Spokane Shriners Hospital for Children.

Master Jung Kim, who owns dojangs on the North Side, South Hill and Spokane Valley, said he sponsors a break-a-thon every three years to benefit a local charity because it’s part of the tae kwon do philosophy. It’s also a hands-on way to show his students the importance of giving back to the community. Each student raised pledge money for the boards they will break.

“My tae kwon do family is community based. Tae kwon do philosophy is not for yourself,” said Kim. “It is helping others, working as a team. I train (the students) to help other people.”

“A lot of people need help in this world right now,” he added. “I like to let (students) know we have to help other people or this world will be very challenging.”

With that community spirit, the free event at Gonzaga Prep will have representatives from the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, Spokane Police Department and Mayor’s office and also feature performances by the school’s instructors and elite demonstration team. To round out the entertainment, Kim will break a brick.

Kim and his team of teachers picked Shriners as the charity this year when, in the fall, they heard the hospital was at risk for closure. Since several of Kim’s students have benefited from the hospital’s orthopedic services, it was also a fitting cause.

“It is a cool event and the money is going to the right place,” said Jeanette Thompson, whose son Ryan was born with cerebral palsy and has gone to Shriners Hospital since he was 2. When Ryan was 8 he began studying tae kwon do because it’s a sport that helps his limited range of motion. Now, at 13, he has a black belt and will be breaking five boards to support the hospital where he continues to get care.

“Shriners has helped so many people, so many kids,” said his mom, adding that Ryan’s therapy at Shriners and martial arts training with Master Kim have been a successful combination that has helped him improve enough to not need surgery yet. “It is a very personal thing to us, too, because both have helped Ryan. The combination of the two has helped Ryan immensely. I can’t say enough about them. Master Kim is very in tune to each individual child’s needs, as is the Shriners.”

Though the nonprofit hospital is now slated to stay open and will begin billing insurance in July to offset a small portion of the cost of care, public relations director Sally Mildren said they rely on donations like Kim’s to provide specialty pediatric care at no charge to patients.

“We are grateful and the ongoing support of donors like Jung Kim is critical for us still,” said Mildren, noting that the Spokane hospital served about 9,000 children free of charge last year. “The way our community rallied and supported us in voice and donation is part of what helped keep us here.”

Kim said he hopes to raise $30,000 for the hospital through the break-a-thon and is covering event costs with the help of a few sponsors so that 100 percent of donations go directly to Spokane Shriners Hospital.

That’s what makes the break-a-thon especially fun for Tyler Schmidt, who received treatment at Spokane Shriners Hospital for severs disease, a painful condition that caused his muscles to grow at a different rate than his bones. Schmidt, 21, has a black belt and will be breaking five boards for the charity.

“The break-a-thon is fun,” he said, “because you get to break boards and every board you break builds money up for the people you are donating the money for. By supporting them you are helping out a lot of young children.”

Lullalee's Golf for Literacy

Oct.4th, 2010 the 2nd Annual Golf for Literacy Hosted by Lullalee. LaFern Cusak-Master of Ceremonies.

Golf for Literacy- helping kids read

LaFern Cusak, Director of Public Affairs for the Southern California Broadcasting Association and host of 710 ESPN's Experience and Radio Disney AM1110 Playground will be the Master of Ceremonies for the 2nd Annual Golf For Literacy on October 4th 2010.

Local leaders such as Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa, Councilmen Dennis P. Zine of the 3rd district, Chief of Police LAPD Charlie Beck will come together to support and celebrate the reemergence and promotion of literacy, art and music for all children.

The following community businesses unite to help kids read: Farmers Insurance, Shriners hospital for children, Gino’s Cara, Totally Artistic, Give the World Your Heart, Kids Talk, and Naya Fresh Body Spa.

The following local organizations will benefit from this gracious event: Shriners Hospital for children in Los Angeles, The Boys and Girls Club of San Fernando Valley, Valley Woman Center and the Haven Hills center for Battered Women and children.

Who: Lullalee’s Golf for Literacy

Where: Malibu Country Club and Golf Course
901 Encinal Canyon Road Malibu, CA 90265

What: Charity Golf and Award Dinner

When: October 4 2010 Activity sign-in begin at 09:30AM

Lullalee/PS 501(c)3 operating in the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles, has a six year history of community service delivering art and literacy programs and special events that have touched the lives of thousands of children and their families. Lullalee has donated over $700,000.00 in books and services to children nationwide and globally.

Lullalee's alliance with Shiners Children's Hospital has produced five signature Car-Ni-Fair special events that are no less than groundbreaking when it comes to the health, literacy and well being of children. There is no greater joy than to see them play and learn in lieu of their often times adverse condition.

Contact: Nikolis Smith
Phone 800 366-1375 ext4613
Malibu California Email: nikolis@golfforliteracy.org

Call them Health's Angels.

Shriner Bill Voorhees signals the hundreds of riders... (Scott Sommerdorf / Salt Lake Tribune)
Motorcycle riders »They are known to have big hearts when it comes to kids.

By Bill Oram The Salt Lake Tribune

The men and women, most covered in leather and tattoos, mounted their motorcycles Sunday morning and watched 13-year-old Dallin Hunsaker stand on a makeshift stage and say, "Riders ready? Start your engines."

Hundreds of engines roared to life, a symphony of large and small Harleys and Hondas, street bikes and dirt bikes. All were ridden by people who showed up to donate and ride in the fundraiser for Shriners Hospital for Children.

Behind the 13-year-old boy with spiked blond hair and braces, Dallin's mother Darralyn Hunsaker scrunched her face and smiled. She looked out on the crowd of riders idling in the parking lot of Wright's Motorcycle Parts and Accessories in South Salt Lake, and savored the moment.

Without Shriners she doesn't know how she would have found treatment for Dallin, who has cerebral palsy.

"To me, it's really touching to see that these guys would take time out of their day," she said.

The ride lasted four hours and took riders through Emigration Canyon, East Canyon, Morgan and ended at West Bountiful Park. Organizer Tim Gallagher said the event had 657 registered riders and raised about $16,000.

"Motorcycle people are so generous, it's just mind boggling," Gallagher said. He is the manager at Wright's and started the charity ride in 1995.

The ride was marred by an accident between two motorcycles on eastbound Interstate 80 in Summit County that sent three people to area hospitals. Two men and a woman were not wearing helmets and suffered head injuries, but were all in stable condition Sunday evening.

Shriners has 22 hospitals nationwide, 18 pediatric hospitals and four burn centers. The Salt Lake hospital serves seven states.

Mike Babcock, the hospital's public relations director, said the motorcycle ride is one of the Shriners' biggest fundraisers.

"These guys love to ride, they're going to ride anyway, why not put the gas money to a good cause?" he said.

Riders said the beautiful weather and worthy cause made for a great day.

"It's the heart, that's all it is," said Bart Burress, who wore a U.S. Army bandana and, like many, sported a trademark handlebar mustache. "We've got big hearts for children."

After Dallin told the bikers to fire up their bikes, a little boy in a wheelchair raised his arms and covered his ears to muffle the noise. Nathan Glad, 3, has brittle bone disease and four times a year receives from Shriners an IV treatment called pamidronate. It builds muscle density and relieves pain. Because people donate to Shriners, Nathan's parents, Rachel and Ryan Glad, said they have no idea how much the care costs.

Before the race, Jon Harris, who serves on the hospital's board of governors and was dressed as clown "Spinner," kneeled down to be at eye level with Nathan. He smiled and playfully said hello. Then he looked up.

"This is what we're all about," he said, "right here."

boram@sltrib.com

Meet the Masons: Charity open house next week at Utah's Masonic temples and meeting houses

By JaNae Francis (Standard-Examiner staff)


The public is invited to a statewide open house at 10 of Utah's Masonic temples and meeting houses next Saturday, May 22.

The event is designed as a project to help support the Utah Food Bank. All those who arrive at a temple between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. with a non-perishable food item will be admitted for a tour.

There are four Masonic lodges in the Top of Utah circulation area. They are: Ogden's at 1240 20th St. (at the corner of 20th Street and Harrison Boulevard); Bountiful at 143 W. 1000 North; Brigham City's at 305 S. 100 East, and Clearfield's at 452 E. 700 South.

The Freemasons are not a church, but a fraternity of men who all believe in a higher power.

"This is a great opportunity for anyone curious about Freemasonry to walk in, tour our lodge rooms, and ask questions," said David L. Smith, a member of the Ogden Lodge.

"Everyone is welcome to visit. We look forward to this chance to openly discuss Masonic activities and contributions to the community."

"We're trying to demystify to the public," said John Liley, public relations chairman for the Grand Lodge of Free Masons in Utah. "We are a public group. We are a charitable organization."

Liley said public tours of Freemason temples and meeting houses are not rare.

"Throughout the year, you can call and get a public tour if you wanted to," he said.

Those interested just need to visit the Utah Masonic website, utahgrandlodge.org, to get a list of secretaries of the respective lodges.

Liley said only the Salt Lake Masonic temple has a full-time staff, so he encourages sending e-mails to request an appointment.

But the statewide organization hopes next Saturday will draw a big crowd.

"Doors will open to the public for tours and to meet local Freemasons who will be happy to answer questions about our ancient fraternity," states a news release on the event.

"We try to do this every year," said Liley. "Last year, it was kind of neat. We had folks that went to two different buildings."

Liley said the public tours also a good opportunity for those men interested in joining the fraternity to get more information about the group.

"We have 2,000 members in the state," he said. "We are seeing an upswing in membership."

The Grand Lodge of Utah was formed in 1872 and has since worked diligently toward supporting and improving communities and in general of promoting the ancient landmarks and values of Freemasonry, which have provided a positive influence in the development of our country, according to the statewide website.

"In today's complicated and fast world, the ancient traditions and values of Freemasonry provide a much needed source of moral strength and honest friendship among its members," it states.

"The Ogden Masonic Lodges moved into this building in September 1967." Smith said. "At that time we had three Lodges with 116 members. We now have two Lodges with 218 members."

Smith said Utah Masonic Temples house 29 constituent lodges from Logan to St. George.

The more than 80-year-old Salt Lake Masonic Temple houses six lodges in addition to the Grand Lodge of Utah and activities of the York Rite, the Scottish Rite, The Shrine, Eastern Star, and other organizations, he said.

"Freemasons have an accomplished history in Utah dating back to 1859," Smith said. "They continue to be active in community and charitable initiatives, such as the Shriner's Hospital for Children, the Masonic Foundation of Utah, with donates $250,000 a year to Utah charities, and Children's Learning Centers, which treat children with speech disorders in Ogden and Salt Lake City."

For more information, call the Salt Lake Masonic Temple at (801) 363-2936.

Trio plans cross-country bike ride for Shriners Hospitals

Two Utahns and a Nevadan are planning to ride bicycles more than 3,300 miles across the United States to earn money for Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Skyler Zeschke, 17, of Kaysville, Utah, Willard White, 46, of Morgan, Utah, and Jim Francis, 60, of Mesquite, Nev., plan to begin their ride May 28 and anticipate the trip will take more than two months. All three are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The trio, accompanied by White’s wife and two daughters in a support vehicle, will begin the journey at Coos Bay, Ore., and ride through Idaho, Utah, Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennslyvania and end their trip in New York City. They plan to maintain a pace of 45-65 miles a day.

White and Francis both had pioneer ancestors who crossed the Plains, so the trip will also be a reverse crossing in honor of those ancestors. Part of the charted course will include the actual pioneer trail.

The group is inviting any Scout troops along the route to come ride and earn the cycling merit badge.

The inspiration behind the big idea stems from how Shriners Hospitals for Children has played an instrumental role in preserving the health and lives of White’s three adopted daughters in recent years.

"They have probably spent more than $1 million on our girls. This is our way of giving back," said White, who served as a missionary in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

To follow their trip or donate directly to Shriners Hospitals for Children, visit www.inspirationroad.com. Posted by AllHumanity Organization