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The Scottish Rite
Grand Almoner’s Campaign
Win-Win
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Cover photo: © iStockphoto/hillwoman2
What the Scottish
Rite Means to Me
When I reflect on my Scottish Rite membership,
I think of longtime friends and Brothers. They symbolize the types of friendships that don’t just happen,
but are built through camaraderie over the years and are nurtured by
common interests like working together on great causes and charities.
My closest friends are Scottish Rite Masons.
I spent most of my career in fundraising, and I had the good fortune
to be successful at raising millions of dollars for various charities
including long-care facilities and hospital causes. It was my pleasure
to tie into the Scottish Rite benevolent work along with some very good
friends and associates. My good friend, the late Illustrious Verdon
Skipper and I shared a passion for the Children’s Dyslexia Centers.
We met frequently and spoke on the phone nearly every day as we
worked to make the Children’s Dyslexia Centers in New Jersey
financially secure. We did accomplish this goal, although it is always
a work in progress.
I must congratulate Commander McNaughton on the Grand Almoner’s
Fund, which is assisting members throughout our Fraternity. I feel this is
bringing us back to the basics of Freemasonry as a fraternity first! When
I took my obligation as a Freemason at my lodge altar more than 60 years
ago, I promised to take care of Brother Masons in need. The Almoner’s
Fund is Freemasonry at its best. Other Masonic bodies should take note.
I have personally witnessed the good works of the Grand Almoner’s
Fund here in New Jersey in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. Many
Masonic families affected by this disaster were assisted greatly by the
Scottish Rite. I saw tears of gratitude from Brothers and widows helped
through the timely generosity of the Almoner’s Fund. I fully support
Commander McNaughton’s leadership and applaud the focus of the
Grand Almoner’s Fund. It is my deep privilege to confirm my full
support of this fine fraternal gesture.
In fraternal fellowship,
Malcom B. Wernick , 33°
Win-Win
The Grand Almoner’sFund
T
his simple yet powerful concept describes the most soughtafter outcome in personal and business interactions. It is a phrase
familiar to all of us—but here’s a twist. The paradigm of win-win
very much aligns with the fundamental tenets of our Masonic
values. How?
Studies show that people with a win-win view of life demonstrate
a solid character marked by integrity, commitment, and a spirit of
abundance. They thrive in high-trust relationships and in supportive
organizations and systems. They implement the belief that it is “not
your way or my way,” but that there is a better way—a higher way.
We can surely add, the Masonic way.
The specific elements of win-win—integrity, commitment, and the spirit
of abundance—also clearly reconcile with our obligation to care for
Masons whose lives have been disrupted through misfortunate events.
Win-Win
Integrity
When we knelt at the altar of Freemasonry and pledged an oath to
care for one another, that act is, at its core, a symbol of true integrity.
Keeping this essential promise alive is what unites us as a society of
friends and Brothers. It is what binds us together as Freemasons.
Win-Win
Commitment
The spirit of win-win can only survive in an organization when there
are systems in place to support it. Your Scottish Rite has vowed to put
Masons first in all we do. To “care for our members” is our covenant
with each and every one of you. Our hope is that you will join us in
honoring our profound duty to provide relief to our members and their
families in need. We have the capacity, the leadership, and the will to
achieve in unity what no man can accomplish alone.
Win-Win
Spirit of Abundance
If you think about it, an “abundance mentality” is readily nurtured
within the Scottish Rite. We bind together in genuine trust and fellowship to strengthen our fraternity and to live in truth, pursue justice,
and act honorably in our communities. We give freely of our time, our
skills, and our devotion. We know the power of standing as one, shoulderto-shoulder, linked in sacred honor to each other. What we give away
to our Brothers in need we know flows back to us a thousandfold.
Win-Win
The Grand Almoner’s Fund
The Grand Almoner’s Fund provides us with the ultimate expression
of win-win. In the pages ahead, we share how your pledge so positively
impacts the lives of Masons and their families made vulnerable by
profound crises.
Through the Grand Almoner’s Fund, we come together and raise
our capacity to ease pain and suffering to the ultimate exponent. Your
support allows us to collectively honor our most significant Masonic
promise. At the same time, we are comforted knowing a member
facing great misfortune is now able to give thanks for hope restored
with the words, “But for Scottish Rite....”
Win-win, indeed.
The Grand Almoner’s Fund is committing $500,000 annually
to Masons, their children, and their widows in need regardless
of affiliation.
© iStockphoto/Tatiana Morozova
Our goal is to raise a minimum of $10,000,000—funds that
will provide relief at the ready to Masons in crisis when they
need it most.
The Grand Almoner’s Fund at
H
ere are a few testimonials highlighting the Grand
Almoner’s Fund at work. We warn you, some are tough
to read. As you make your way through these accounts
and hear the words of thanks, be aware of the impact
your donation has on lives of these most deserving
members of our Masonic family.
“ G o d H a d a P l a n f o r O u r I n fa n t ”
The death of a child is one of life’s ultimate tragedies. Reaching out to soothe
and care for each other at such a devastating time is one of the only comforts
we as human beings can offer. Reading the moving words here of our grieving
Scottish Rite Brother, we see in stark relief how much being there to help
truly matters.
“I write to you with the utmost gratitude to the Scottish Rite and the Grand
Almoner’s Fund for graciously providing funds for the funeral and burial of
our three-day-old daughter. The pregnancy was healthy, but complications
© iStockphoto/kZenon
Work
during labor deprived the baby of the chance for a sustainable life. We were
not prepared to lay our newborn daughter to rest only days after meeting her,
but God had a plan for our infant that included her going to be with Him.
“It all happened so quickly. Part of the devastating realization was planning
our baby’s funeral. Thankfully the Grand Almoner’s Fund was there to help
us with the financial burden. That assistance was a huge relief, and it lifted
such a tremendous weight off our shoulders. It was a breath of fresh air to
receive such good news while we were dealing with so many emotions.
“I am exceptionally proud and honored to be part of such a loving and
caring Brotherhood that was there for me and my wife in our time of need.
We sincerely appreciate the generosity of the Grand Almoner’s Fund. It is
our hope that the fund will continue to bless families who find themselves
in similar situations.”
Yo u n g , H a r d -Wo r k i n g M as o n Fac e s
Deep Financial Trouble
For young and old, adversity does not discriminate. AJ, an 18-year-old
Master Mason was in dire financial straits. In addition to going to school,
he worked part-time to help support his family of eight. His mother, the
primary breadwinner, fell, broke her hand, and was unable to work as a
dental assistant for several months. Surgery was needed to repair the
damage, and medical bills piled up. Then she lost her job.
AJ’s sister, who also provided major financial support for the family, experienced a lay-off from her full-time job. She has since been able to secure only
part-time employment as she searches for a permanent position. No matter
how many hours AJ took on in his job, the family was quickly losing ground.
Eviction notices were at the door, and car repossession was in the works.
Just when they thought all the medical bills were paid, an unexpected
$5,000 charge for anesthesia arrived.
© iStockphoto/PeteSharrard
AJ wrote, “My part-time job pays me no where near enough to cover our
current bills along with the ones that are past due. I don’t know what else
to do, or where else to turn.”
Dave Glattley, 33°, Deputy of New Jersey, worked to provide relief to this
industrious young Mason. “The Brothers in AJ’s lodge think very highly of
him,” said Glattley. “He is a talented and engaged ritualist, earning his first
two lecture bars shortly after being raised. AJ’s connection to Freemasonry
is already strong, and he demonstrates so much integrity and generosity
of spirit. He needed help and was most deserving of what we could do
for him.”
Relief from the Grand Almoner’s Fund provided AJ’s family with some time
to regroup and find new, stable employment. AJ expressed his appreciation
this way, “Please accept my deep appreciation for all the Scottish Rite has done
for me and my family. With your help, my family was able to get our heads
above water. I think the world of the craft and of the Brethren who have
shown me the true meaning of Masonry. I will never forget all the Scottish
Rite has done.”
AJ has so much generosity of spirit. He was
most deserving of the help we were able to offer.
— Dave Glattley, 33°
Touchstones of Thanks
“ L i k e a n A n g e l f r o m H e av e n ”
After the death of my husband I was not sure how I was going to make it.
He did not have a pension, and it took months to apply for widow’s benefits
from Social Security. The bills went on as usual, and I was so worried. Then,
like an angel from heaven, came the generous support from the Grand
Almoner’s Fund. It was the answer to my prayers. My grandson was so
moved, he petitioned his grandfather’s lodge and is proud to become
a Freemason. — CC
“ I Was S p e e ch l e ss ”
When I received your very generous gift of Brotherly love I was speechless!
I had two strokes and two severe bouts with vertigo. Now I am working
on being able to walk with a cane. The support we give to each other is truly
something special. I wish more people understood what a Mason is. All I
can say is how much I thank you and love you for your support. — JK
Healing from a Double Lung
T r a n sp l a n t
I am writing to express my sincere gratitude to you and the members of the
Northern Masonic Jurisdiction for generously helping to defray the cost of
my double lung transplant. I am so very fortunate to have received incredible
gifts these past months—cards and gifts of Masonic fellowship, prayers, your
financial relief, and, of course, the gift of incredible new lungs. I look forward
to my continued recovery and seeing you at Annual Meeting. — TB
© Creatas
The Commander’s Circle
P l e as e ta k e y o u r s e at . . . .
H
elp from the Grand Almoner’s Fund moves lives from states of devastation
and desperation to places of greater stability and calm. Won’t you take your
seat and be part of this most essential and meaningful work?
On the occasion of the 200th anniversary of Scottish Rite Freemasonry, Sovereign
Grand Commander John Wm. McNaughton, 33°, commissioned a special honor
to recognize the most generous donors to The Grand Almoner’s Fund.
The Commander’s Circle is made up of two levels of giving:
• The Gold Circle is an exclusive honor limited to donors of $10,000 or more to the
Grand Almoner’s Campaign. A gold pin has been commissioned to acknowledge
members of this group.
• The Silver Circle recognizes those who donate or make a bequest of $5,000
or more to the Grand Almoner’s Campaign. A silver pin recognizes the members
of this group.
Members of these donor societies are commemorated
on a plaque in the newly-constructed Supreme Council
Headquarters located in Lexington, Massachusetts.
W ays t o G i v e
Direct donations and pledges
that can be paid over a period of
up to five years are excellent ways
to support the Grand Almoner’s
Campaign. Bequests are also encouraged and deeply appreciated.
Gifts of securities may be donated
as well. Gifts of real property may
be possible, but are subject to
review before acceptance.
Grand Almoner’s Campaign
Attn: Jim S. Deyo, PO Box 519, Lexington, MA 02420-0519 • (781) 862-4410
© iStockphoto/hillwoman2
Your donation can be sent in the envelope provided.
Or you may contact the Development Department directly at:
Commander’s Circle Donors
T
he Commander’s Circle is a special group of donors who have chosen to honor their commitment to the principles of our fraternity through
their generous support of the Grand Almoner’s Fund. Their passion and
their giving is a true and lasting expression of “Masons Caring for Masons.”
Gol d D o n o r s
David R. & Pauline Bedwell
Frederick and Evelyn Berenbroick
Thomas H. & Dorothy Corson
Jim and Margie Deyo
Donald and Wendelyn Duquette
James T Elliott Jr.
Philip and Arlene Elliott
David & Monica Glattly
Bradford & Kathleen Goebel
Marlin & Kay Gray
Garry D. & Sonia G. Hageness
Philip L. Hall
Brian and Lynne Hartel
Alan R. Heath
Keith & Judy Hoskins
Charles R. Lefever
Albert R. Marshall
Carl L. Martenson
John W. McNaughton
Lois L. McNaughton Memorial Fund
Donald D. (Pete) Miller
G. Michael & Ruth Morris
Sven R. Mossberg
Carolyn Ribordy
Mark C. Roth
Peter J. Samiec
David & Cheryl Sharkis
Verdon R. Skipper
Neil & Willa Jean Smalley
Robert William Smith
Richard J Stewart
George G Talisse
James & Susan Tungate
Malcolm B. Wernik
Gary B. Williams M.D.
Silver D onor s
Harold & Phyllis Aldrich
Elbridge & Mareetta Brewer
Keith W Cravens
William R Faulkner Jr.
Benny L. Grisham
Dr. Richard Carlton Haney
Leon F Higgins, II
Jeffrey B. Hodgdon
John J. Hunt
Robert Johnston
Douglas & Diana Kaylor
James A. Manninen
Samuel C. Nana-Sinkam
Robert & Jane Ogg
Laurence E Perkins
Frank & Debbie Sekeres
Richard V. Travis
Charles Carter Wicks
Gifts from Trusts, Estates,
and Organizations
Amwell Lodge #12 F & A.M.
Congdon-Overlook Lodge #163
Edward Parkinson Clark Trust
Estate of Charles McGrattan
Estate of Paul E. Lange
Hilmar Gulseth Revocable Living Trust
James M Alter Trust
Lafayette Consistory S.P.R.S
Louis S. Ehrich Trust
Mount Olivet Chapter of Rose Croix
North Jersey Past Master’s Association
Scottish Rite Bodies Valley of Hartford
Valley of Pittsfield A.A.S.R.
Valley of Portsmouth/Dover
The Grand Almoner’s Fund is a fund of the Scottish Rite Benevolent
Foundation, a qualified charity under 501(c)(3) of the Federal Tax Code.
All donations are fully tax-deductible to the extent allowed under law.
scott i s h r i t e n m j . o r g
Grand Almoner’s Campaign
— John Wm. McNaughton, Sovereign Grand Commander
“The labor of love for one another has been the
hallmark of Freemasonry since time immemorial
and will ever be the truest of our values.”
PO Box 519
Lexington, MA 02420-0519
Grand Almoner’s Campaign