Masonic Outreach CAP Tip-In - Masonic Home of Missouri

Creating-A-Partnership

The Masonic Home staff is sometimes asked, “What can my Lodge or Chapter do in my community in partnership with CAP?” Often our response is seemingly generic, “What do children need in your community?” The beauty of the CAP program is that it allows Lodges and Chapters to meet their community’s unique needs for children.

The desire to help children and make a difference is sometimes met with uncertainty on where to begin. The CAP program is often used working with schools to purchase supplies for children,

truly inspiring

help children.

such as clothing or school supplies. Buddy Backpack Programs and past due school lunch payments are ways to help children with food insecurity.

But, there are so many different ways that CAP is being used to make a difference in communities across the state. In this special issue of the Masonic Outreach magazine, we are sharing a few of the many success stories from this past year.

It is truly inspiring to see what you are doing to help children. For Lodges and Chapters that might not have worked the program yet, we hope you find inspiration. For those of you working the CAP program year over year – we can’t wait to see what you do next!

Barbara Ramsay, Executive Director

It is

to see what you are doing to

Creating-A-Partnership

How does it work?

Creating-A-Partnership (CAP) is a matching program that creates a partnership between the Masonic Home and Lodges/ Chapters to help children in need within their communities.

Due to the overwhelming response, we are excited to see the continuation of the current doubling match. That means for

every $1 raised, $3 can be put back into children in your community. A maximum of $45,000 is eligible per fiscal year.

Once a need has been identified, the Lodge or Chapter must complete and submit the CAP application, along with their matching funds*, to Masonic Home of Missouri.

There are two ways to be involved in Creating-A-Partnership: Lodges and Chapters can work within their community to identify a child or children in need through schools or other local organizations. Funds can be used to provide school supplies, coats, shoes, hygiene items, eye glasses, and many other needs.

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Alternatively, Lodges/Chapters can identify projects within their communities through schools or other charitable organizations. Recipients of the CAP Project-Based funds must be a 501(c)(3) as defined by the IRS or a public entity, such as a school.*

To apply for Creating-A-Partnership funds, or for more information, visit: mohome.org/outreach-programs/partnership-programs/creating-a-partnership

Follow the CAP success stories on our social media:

@MasonicHomeofMissouri • @masonichomeofmo

* The matching funds must go towards the purchase of specific items for children and not for operating expenses.

Thank you! Rep of the Year

Brother David Bollinger

Each year the Masonic Home of Missouri recognizes a Masonic Home Representative that has gone above and beyond over the past year. Whether it be working the programs or making referrals, Masonic Home Reps are connectors that work to keep Masonic Home connected to the Lodges. This year’s recipient of the Masonic Home Representative of the Year Award is Brother David Bollinger of Greenville Lodge No. 107. Congratulations to Brother Bollinger on this award and many thanks for working to make a better community.

“A Mason is a Mason,” Bollinger states. And, he has been for 17 years. Inspired to find out more about Masonry after attending a Masonic funeral, David contemplated the allegories associated with the service. Impressed, he sought to join the Masons. Bollinger has been an active member of his Lodge, serving in numerous offices, most recently as Masonic Home Rep. When asked what tips he would share to other reps, his encouragement to communicate is top of the list.

Is there a secret to raising funds for renovation projects? “What’s the secret? Not to keep it a secret. I encourage all reps to knock on doors and say, ‘We got the money to help people.’”

Brother David Bollinger, many congratulations on a successful year. We thank you, and your community thanks you.

“Communication with Creating-A-Partnership Program (CAP) is key — Tisha is very helpful. We can get things replaced in our community to improve it, and we can do that by putting Lodges and Chapters out there. Tisha coaches and helps you understand the CAP program.”

Take Me Out to the Ball Field

Greenville Lodge No. 107 and Chapter #337 stepped in to help with recent baseball field renovations at Greenville High School. The CAP Program maximized the fundraising dollars to make much needed improvements to the baseball field. The field was more than 40 years old and needed updating, not only for aesthetic reasons, but for safety. Superintendent Rick Clubb felt discomfort regarding the outdated field. He felt the time was right to implement much needed renovations, which included updated backstops, better placed dugouts, and upgrades from chain links to cables.

“It brought the level of the community up,” said Clubb. “We’re very lucky to have the Masons and our local Chapter, they do a lot for the community.” Greenville Lodge and Chapter show the very essence of how the CAP Program works and the impact that can be made on a

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scale that will last generations. But, the work does not stop there . . . Greenville Lodge also supports Williamsville Elementary with their backpack program. “They’re a major help,” said Jessica Green, the elementary counselor. “This program minimizes food insecurity, and moms and dads have to worry about one less thing.” The backpack program provides three meals over the weekend, which include items like fruit, whole grain cookies, ravioli, juice, and milk. The program serves around 33 students.

The renovated Greenville High School baseball field through matching CAP funds.

2022 saw the first year of participation for Victoria Chapter members with the CAP Program. Their application to support the installation of an inclusive playground paved the way for a partnership with Southwest Early Childhood Center in Jefferson City.

The Center serves the community with early childhood educational needs such as pre-kindergarten, early childhood special education, and Parents As Teachers (PAT). Their mission to “cherish their little hearts, grow their brains, create lots of opportunities with their friends and build on their skill . . . takes a community,” shares Principal Danielle Westmoreland. But, there is a problem! “School funds from taxes can’t go towards the playground, they have to go to classrooms,” said Jennifer Lewis, a Chapter member. And, while it is proven that outdoor play is essential to the development of children, (see sidebar) funds do not align with this concept. “CAP has been a big help; play is important for developing both social

and motor skills,” shares Jennifer. Making a playground that is accessible to special needs children allows kids who are less mobile to use the equipment, such as children that can scoot, but not climb.

Congratulations to Victoria Chapter, we cannot wait to see what your next project will be.

It’s Showtime

“All the world’s a stage.” A quote from Shakespeare’s play As You Like It. And we all have a part to play in life, just as the actors do in theatre. Kahoka Chapter #40 stepped in to play their part with their contributions to the Clark County R-1 Middle School, where they helped raise funds to make stage improvements. Renovation funds were needed to replace things that were at least 70 years old; the curtains dated back to the 1970’s and the rails dated even further back to the 1950’s.

After initial bids were received, it looked like the project might not even be a go, with quotes in the tens of thousands. But, with networking and persistence, the school was able to get in contact with an Amish seamstress who got the project back on track.

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Kahoka Chapter jumped into action with a soup supper to raise funds, and the fundraising hit the ground running.

Each actor in this play took their role and made a dream a reality. The stage, a multipurpose venue, supports everyday school activities and gives the community a place to come together for events. It will be a part of the daily activities for many years to come.

- William Shakespeare

“All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players.”

Ye ars of P a rticipati o n 3 Riding Through Life

“Everyone remembers their first bike ride. It’s a rite of passage,” said Jim McManigle, Masonic Home Representative for Bolivar Lodge No. 195. A main focus for Bolivar Lodge and the use of their CAP dollars is to support National AMBUCS, Inc., a nonprofit charitable organization that is dedicated to inspiring mobility and independence. National AMBUCS, Inc. has a nationwide network of volunteer chapters, working in partnership with physical, occupational and speech therapists by providing Amtryke adaptive trikes for kids with special needs.

AMBUCS, American Business Clubs, in Bolivar hosts Trek for Trikes annually, a fun, family event that helps raise funds for the trikes. With individual bike costs averaging $800 - $1,000, Bolivar Lodge has been instrumental in keeping that childhood rite of passage of riding a bike going.

“When the Masons donate, it’s usually enough for two trikes,” said Holly Shuler, organizer of Trek for Trikes.

“These trikes afford children the opportunity to have this experience without assistance from an adult.” Each trike is specially crafted to accommodate the special needs of children.

“CAP is a godsend,” said McManigle, “It allows Lodges to increase financial impact and enhance the overall impact in the community.”

Friend Lodge has been a friend indeed to Christian County schools. As a new participant in the CAP Program, it was a great start with the unanimous vote of the Friend Lodge membership to support both Ozark Elementary and Nixa High Schools through the Operation Half Pint (OHP) Program.

The monies raised provided an estimated 2,000 cartons of milk for students K-5. OHP provides over 300 milks each day to Ozark students at a cost of over $19,000 per year. The charity is entirely donation-based, and 100% of all donations are used to purchase milk for students on the free/ reduced meal program.

with additional Because Milk Matters!

snacks such as nuts, cheese, and crackers. Thank you to Friend Lodge No. 352 for all their hard work.

Hungry to Help

Lebanon Lodge is no stranger to coming up with fundraising ideas. After seven years, they have the formula down to a science and know what works. And, what works is food! Each year Lebanon Lodge puts on several delicious fundraising events in order to raise much needed financial support

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Approx. Lives Touched 2,460

Total Assistance $45,020.00 Ye

for community projects. The ham and beans dinner and sausage and pancake breakfast are successful, but the real money maker is the pie and cake auction. But how did a simple trip to the store bring about a partnership for a Lodge and a community? Bill Cape, Masonic Home Rep for Lebanon Lodge, was in Bargains for Missions, (a store where all goods are donated and profits go to those in need) when he overheard Melanie Richardson’s conversation about the school district having a need for supplies. Cape struck up a conversation where they discussed how the Masons could be part of the solution to provide Community Child Care Center with the supplies they needed. And, just like that, over a random encounter, a need for the community was met. Lebanon Lodge members rolled up their sleeves and got to work. “The Masons really stepped in and got involved. They don’t mind pitching in and doing the brunt work,” commented Richardson.

Social Butterflies

Plattsburg Lodge has utilized, and found success leveraging, the power of social media. How? Post, Share, Comment!! Facebook has been a huge component in connecting local businesses and projects, which has seen successful fundraising efforts. Without a dedicated Plattsburg Lodge page (coming soon!), personal, community, and business accounts were used to spread the word. Multiple groups received support as a whole community worked together.

First-time projects that have surfaced through the social media “ask for support” have found a new opportunity to work with the Lodge. “It’s been wonderful. It really has,” said Jackie Tilford, coordinator for Global Orphan Project (GPO), when asked what it was like working with the Plattsburg Masons. “We gave away 100 coats. It was a really wonderful thing to do. It was a wonderful collaboration. There’s not one kid in Clinton that doesn’t have a new coat. The Masons are very helpful, prompt, professional, and courteous, and very easy to

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work with.” The GPO’s mission is to break the orphan cycle. They focus on one child at a time, providing sustainable, local, family-style care that is deeply rooted in compassion, hope and the belief that every child deserves a chance.

For first-time recipients of CAP Program funds, Clinton County R-III (CCR3) has been amazed by the Masonic commitment to help. How has $16,872 helped CCR3? “Huge impact. Huge,” said Megan Thomas of Ellis Elementary School. “When we raise money, we are not nearly as successful as the Lodge. The Masons are well established here and a respected organization. If they’re saying, ‘Hey, donate to this good cause!’ . . . that gets people’s attention.”

Now that is the power of the collective!

What’s Poppin’?

CAP, is as its namesake invokes, is a partnership. But, in some cases it is the action taken by an individual that leads the way forward. Bobby Grisham, popularly known as the “popcorn man,” is one such individual. A Mason with 60+ years of service to the Fraternity, Bobby’s sales of popcorn and peanuts at local ball fields and gymnasiums has been a huge part of the overall contribution to Ozark County schools over the years by Robert Burns Lodge. Why is it important to Bobby? “It’s all about those kids. It’s really been a blessing to be able to help.”

This dedication to the service of a community has not gone unrecognized. In 2021, Bobby was awarded the Senior Service Award for his years of service to the community and local schools. The award was instituted in 2005 by the Missouri Lieutenant Governor to promote and highlight accomplishments of senior citizens. Senator Karla Eslinger wrote in her nomination letter, “Bobby’s dedication to the community and passion for service, especially

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- Bobby Grisham

to the youth of Ozark County is unwavering, which has been demonstrated through his activities as a volunteer.” Bobby also received the Masonic Hoe Rep of the year award in 2004 & 2021, the only 2 time recipient.

While Bobby is eager to share these accolades with his fellow Masons who pick up and package the popcorn. It is the longevity and commitment of one individual whose impact can be felt in an entire community, beyond the final whistle of the game.

“It’s all about those kids. It’s really been a blessing to be able to help.”

One Stitch at a Time

What happens if a Lodge, a Chapter and the Masonic Home of Missouri combine forces? It sounds like there should be a punchline, but the answer is simple. Great things!

Weston Star Chapter #319 and Weston Lodge No. 53 show how their combined efforts play a huge part in increasing the impact of the CAP Program. Over the years this partnership has shown how the “small and mighty” make a difference.

If you find yourself in the Weston area on a Wednesday, stop by and say hi or, better yet, lend a hand or drop off some fabric. You will find three to four Chapter members chatting and sewing, though there are more than that that have helped in making the blankets for the project, says Donna Cook about her sewing group. We are “small but mighty.” Over the past four years, members of the Weston Star Chapter have put their creative sewing skills to use producing around

Christmas quilts sewn by Donna Cook and her sewing group, to be delivered before Christmas.

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700 blankets for the Ronald McDonald House Charities. These blankets become part of a child’s comfort, at a time when they are away from home and undergoing treatment.

Weston Lodge works closely with the Chapter to raise funds for the materials. The last Saturday of the month a sausage biscuit and egg breakfast fundraiser ensures a run to the fabric store is possible. The Chapter also raises funds to purchase materials with craft sales, selling table runners, place mats, pot holders, and other hand made goods.

The creativity does not stop there . . . coupons maximize the dollars raised to purchase the flannel and fleece that will ensure the next group of children are wrapped in comfort.