140 year of Shriners
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
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.”
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.
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.
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