2023 Impact Report

OREGON MASONIC CHARITIES

2023 Impact Report

OUR DEEPEST THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS, BRETHREN, AND MASONIC FAMILY FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT.

Dear Donors

These pages share stories of the impact of your support and contributions throughout the year. Reflecting on your integral role in our journey, we are filled with gratitude and appreciation for your unwavering support of our charitable mission. Your generosity has been the cornerstone of our success in making a positive impact in the lives of countless families in need. Through your selfless contributions, we’ve been able to provide essential resources, support, and hope to those facing challenging circumstances.

The families who benefit from your kindness are experiencing real and tangible improvements in their lives, and it is thanks to compassionate individuals like you that we can continue to make a difference. Your commitment to our cause is not just a financial contribution; it is an investment in the well-being and future of the communities we serve.

As we embark on another year of serving those in need, we hope Oregon Masonic charities remains at the forefront of your mind. Your belief in our mission propels us forward, motivating us to expand our reach and deepen our impact in the years to come.

Once again, thank you for being a supporter, donor, and friend to Oregon Masonic charities. Together, we are creating a brighter and more compassionate future for all.

Sincerely and Fraternally,

Timothy J. Best, Grand Master 2024-2025

The Grand Lodge of A.F. & A.M. of Oregon

WE BELIEVE

Men of good character can join together to foster a brotherhood of dutiful stewards to provide charity beyond ourselves and strengthen our communities. We believe that together we can make a difference.

MASONIC & EASTERN STAR HOME BOARD

Presumed elected officials as of June 2024:

CHAIRMAN

Craig Sipp

Immediate Past Grand Master

Timothy Best

Grand Master

Marc Strong

Deputy Grand Master

Richard Varner

Senior Grand Warden

Gregory Hinkelman

Junior Grand Warden

VICE CHAIR

Stephanie Beall

Junior Past Grand Matron

Lanni Strong

Worthy Grand Matron

Nancy Pugsley

Associate Grand Matron

Staff:

James Morgan, P.G.M.

Grand Secretary

Gary Ball

Grand Treasurer

OREGON MASONIC CHARITABLE FOUNDATION BOARD

Presumed elected officials as of July 2024:

PRESIDENT

David Fryday, P.G.M.

VICE PRESIDENT

Grant Sharp

Member

James Munson

Member

Gary Ball

Member

Richard Varner

Member

Gregory Hinkelman

Secretary

James Morgan, P.G.M.

YOUR GIFT MAKES A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE TO THOSE WHO NEED IT MOST.

$443,064 TOTAL DONATIONS

Thanks to your generosity, more than $440,000 was raised to benefit Oregon Masonic charities. Throughout this publication, you will see the impact of your charitable gifts. We wish to thank our members, supporters, trustees, donors, staff, and our community and business partners for making this work possible every day. Please note, the numbers printed in these pages reflect the 2023 calendar year.

• Visit our website at www.OregonFreemasonry.com/Donate.

• Online, specify an amount to be electronically transferred each month directly from your checking account or credit card.

• Call the Grand Lodge Office at (503) 357-3158 contribute over the phone.

• Consider listing Oregon Masonic charities as a beneficiary in your will, trust, or estate.

$1,217,565

To amplify the community-focused projects Oregon Lodges are involved in, Creating A Partnership aims to make a bigger impact on the recipients and community. The Oregon Masonic Charitable Foundation offers 50% reimbursement, repaying fifty cents for every dollar a Lodge extends in support of the community.

INDIVIDUALS OR FAMILIES

There are two categories of beneficiaries that qualify Lodges for fund reimbursement: Providing clothing, school supplies, coats, shoes, dental work, eyeglasses, etc. Lodge scholarships are also an eligible form of support.

COMMUNITY PROJECTS

Supporting sack lunch, backpack, health or reading programs, and other projects operated by charitable or other non-profit organizations. Public entities such as a school, firehouse, or police department also qualify.

CREATING A PARTN ERSHIP

“Thank you very much for the microscopes you have given us. When I first saw them, I cried for two minutes because of how beautiful they were.”

- Orion, 8th Grader

Together WE’RE SHAPING A BRIGHTER FUTURE.

“Thank you! I appreciate the Freemasons’ support of our project and look forward to seeing so many students benefit from your generosity.”

- High School Teacher

Lodges received matching-funds to support local communities. 32

KERBY - Technical training equips youth with skills for vocational application.

COMMUNITY PROJECTS SCHOLARSHIPS READING INCENTIVES

RAINIER - Kindle e-readers help support child literacy and foster a love for reading.

PORTLAND - Foundations are great partners for Lodges, offering support to extend aid.

YOU’VE SHOWN STUDENTS HOW BEAUTIFUL THE WONDERS OF THE WORLD CAN BE

Access to quality learning equipment, exemplified by the dozen microscopes provided to a local science classroom, has a profound impact on students’ success. According to the recipient, Mr. Matteson, “ Magnification technology helps students engage more fully in hands-on, teacher-led

investigations, often inspiring them to delve deeper independently .” This fosters an expanded understanding and curiosity for the world. “The microscopes in our science lab have been in need of replacement for years, and it’s wonderful to finally have a reliable set, let alone such an amazing one,” he adds.

These tools enrich the school curriculum, enabling teachers to craft more interactive lessons, boosting academic performance, and igniting students’ interest

EXPAND MINDS You helped

in STEM fields. A student expressed gratitude, saying, “Thanks to your contribution, we explored new realms with the microscopes. Your generosity provided the resources to see things up close, [in a new light].”

This dedication to empowering students reflects the spirit of Masonic philanthropy, making the world more beautiful.

Pictured: W.B. William Cole of Holbrook Lodge No. 30 with teacher, Mr. Joe Matteson and students, exploring the new microscope set.

Since 2009, MasonicAid has offered steady assistance to our members and their families in times of need. MasonicAid seeks to support quality of life for worthy and distressed Oregon Master Masons, their wives, widows and children, and female members of the Oregon Order of the Eastern Star.

We proudly offer the following services (subject to eligibility):

RESOURCE NAVIGATION

Clients work with a MasonicAid case manager to help streamline the process and ensure they understand the best solutions available to them.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

MasonicAid can provide funding to assist members with health and household needs in their own homes and communities. We may also be able to offer a financial subsidy for those living in a retirement community.

CHILDREN’S FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

MASONICAID

140 CLIENTS!

“My doctor said if I had waited any longer [for braces], I would have had permanent damage. I am really thankful for this assistance! Thank you so much!”

- Grateful Young Adult

“I’ve always known the Masons were the ‘good guys’ but this makes me proud to be the daughter of a Mason and mother of another. Thank you!”

- Appreciative Sister, OES

CASE MANAGEMENT: We’re alongside our members, each step of the way.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: Supporting both emergency and long-term needs.

INFORMATION + REFERRAL:

Connecting to available resources.

The costs for medical, vision, or dental services and equipment can be overwhelming. Funds are available to lighten the cost of care for children and dependents through age 21.

The peace of mind - knowing your family is cared for - is almost as priceless as they are.

Subsidy assistance can be the pivotal factor that allows you to stay together through it all.

Orthodontic care, though often necessary, doesn’t have to be a heavy burden with MasonicAid.

PROVIDED CARE AND CONFIDENCE, WITHOUT DELAY, TO YOUR MASONIC FAMILY

Navigati ng fi nancial hardships can be daunting, especially when unexpected layoffs disrupt stability. For Terry, the crucial support provided by MasonicAid proved to be a lifeline during a challenging period. He emphasizes the importance of overcoming hesitation and reaching out for help.

“Bills kept coming and MasonicAid stepped in and really helped me. Times can be tough for everyone - it’s nice to know this help is available. So don’t be afraid to ask!” These services are handled from the Grand Lodge office, expediting assistance to those who need it most. Characterized by genuine care and quick response times, MasonicAid can assist the Masonic Family with smooth efficiency, when state services can often take weeks to process

applications and payments. This can alleviate any apprehension, fostering dignity and respect in additi on to the tangible impact of timely aid. “As a Mason, knowing this support exists makes me feel great and I’d recommend it to any Brother. I plan to pay it forward in the future, maybe help someone out like I was helped.” Visit www.MasonicAid.com to learn how we might serve you and your family!

To support our community and local schools, Oregon Freemasonry partners with Fox12 News to honor a Classroom of the Month and invite the public to nominate those in need of supplies and support at www.KPTV.com/classroom.

Throughout the school year, recipients are selected from those nominations and awarded $1,000 in supplies of their choice, typically from a wish list.

Local Freemasons are invited to participate in the presentation of these supplies. Fox12 films the presentations to air across digital and television platforms, including Good Day Oregon, sharing the good works of Freemasonry and building relationships and rapport.

Without fail, the recipients are humbled by the award and often child-like themselves in picking out all the new tools and supplies for their students. It’s a great opportunity to fill the gap for classrooms in need and support those who diligently invest in children.

LOCAL PARTNERSHIP:

CLASSROOM OF THE MONTH

“I love working with the Masons!”

“I was blown away that our little country school could have this kind of opportunity, to get things that we couldn’t really afford. These kids don’t get that often. It’s incredible and will be remembered for a really long time.”

- Ms. Emily Rayo Middle School Teacher, Mt. Angel

In 2023, we provided in school supplies to local classrooms and students. $9,000

Enthusiasm and awe greet the Freemasons who hand-deliver supplies to students.

“Part of making an impact on your community is taking the time to make an impact on kids, and [to me] that means helping them with their education.”

- W.B. Steven Sutton Giveaway Participant, Pacific Lodge

The supplies provided are from Amazon lists, hand selected by the students and classrooms.

Educators are very grateful for the recognition and generous support provided to the class.

STEPHANIE KRALEVICH

YOU GAVE STUDENTS THE SUPPLIES THEY NEED TO THRIVE AND SUCCEED

For four years, Fox12 and the Oregon Freemasons have united for Classroom of the Month, supporting local students and educators across 11 counties. This initiative highlights the Craft’s community engagement and dedication to student success. Statewide nominations spotlight the

EQUIP YOUNG LEARNERS You helped

infl uence on student learning outcomes and address resource requirements. Winning classrooms are recognized for their outstanding efforts and provided $1,000 in supplies, chosen by teachers and students, easing financial strain.

“The Freemasons enter with supplies to an enthusiasti c and heartwarming display, where educators are humbled by the recognition and the students can barely sit still. It’s a joy to act as liaison between the Masons,

schools, and Fox12,” reports Ms. Marissa Douglas, Marketing Director for the Grand Lodge of Oregon.

The partnership not only donates supplies, but also celebrates educators’ and Oregon Freemasonry’s role in the community and commitment to shaping future generations. Sure to be something the students remember, Classroom of the Month showcases collective action’s power in making a difference.

EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE

students benefited from the support provided to their families.

As our longest-standing program, Educational Assistance has benefitted the children and grandchildren of Oregon Master Masons since 1950. Specifically, financial assistance is provided to help families struggling to make ends meet while children are in public schools (K-12) and post-high school, through age 22.

This program meets members of the Masonic Family where they’re at when hardship or needs arise, supporting the educational success of their children and grandchildren. Every family deserves the peace of mind that comes with knowing their children’s well-being won’t be compromised by soaring costs, ensuring that no difficult decisions need to be made.

“Thank

you so much for your thoughtful award to my son. We are directing the funds toward a math tutor to catch-up before middle school and for braces, which we just found out he needed. We could not do this without you!”

- Grateful Parents

Student success is of utmost importance, prompting this offering to help pay for school supplies, tuition, and even utilities and rent if the child lives at home. Need-based support is coordinated through the Grand Lodge office with help from the associated District Deputy and Lodge.

PRE-PAID CARDS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED BEGINNING THE 2024-2025

SCHOOL YEAR!

Through this collaboration, dozens of families were helped throughout the school year. Our donors should take pride in the impact they have made, and will continue to leave, in the lives of these students and families.

Healthy pastimes like sports can cost families an average of $800 per child annually.

Funds play a crucial role in addressing food insecurities, giving families peace of mind.

Students achieve the greatest success when equipped with essential supplies & support.

LODGE REPAIR & IMPROVEMENT GRANTS

While the numbers presented in this publication focus on assistance provided to our members, their families and communities, it is important to note that funds were also distributed to maintain our Masonic history.

Grants are available to any Oregon Lodge up to $10,000 annually, provided in the form of matching funds to support improvements and ensure longevity of Lodge buildings. This has enabled Lodges to finally conduct work that has been on hold for decades. Masonic buildings are more than just a meeting place, they are a beacon of the history and brotherhood of Freemasonry - worthy of conservation.

In 2023, more than

$189,000

was provided directly to 23 Lodges to maintain our Masonic history.

DONORS

Donors

FOUNDATION

David & Lois Rodger Trust

John Moffitt Foundation

McArthur, Robert Glen

CORNERSTONE

Aidan Health Services, Inc.

H.W. Fryday Trust

Insurance Partners, LLC

Rainier Lodge No. 24

UBS Financial Services, Inc.

Vista Masonic Lodge No. 215

MASTER

Jennings McCall Center

McMenamins, Inc.

FELLOWCRAFT

Beaverton Masonic Lodge No. 100

Belshe, James R.

Burkholder Jr., Warren

Desanno, Dennis

Duncan, Thomas & Marie

Eugene Lodge No. 11

F. & M. Schoene Endow. Fund

Gerbrandt Family Fund

Hansen Hunter & Company P.C.

Hyman Sadoff Irr. Living Trust

Masonic Low Twelve Club, Inc.

O.E.S. Grand Chapter

Pacific Northwest PGA

Washington Lodge No. 46

APPRENTICE

Ball, Gary

Case Jr., Arthur D.

Cornerstone Lodge No. 157

East Gate Lodge No. 155

Ebert, George

Fox, Dalton

Goodall Foundation

Keller, Bob M.

Larrance, Stephen

Long, Robert O.

Marys River Lodge No. 221

Multnomah Lodge No. 1

Munson, James V.

Newkirk Trust

Pfendler, David F.

Posler, Mark L.

Sandy Lodge No. 158

Senior Care Northwest

Sipp, Craig A.

Spire Technologies, Inc.

The Oliveros Law Group

Tigard-Orenomah Lodge No. 207

Thank you to our generous donors

Smith, Dennis J.

Washington Chapter 18, Royal Arch Masons

Washington Commandery No. 15, Knights Templar of Oregon

Willamette Lodge No. 2

PETITIONER

Acacia Court Chapter No. 22

Adah Chapter No. 34

Adarel Chapter No. 3

Albro, Martha

Alexander/Thamy Family

Alpine Chapter No. 82

AmazonSmile Foundation

Andrews, Robert B.

Armstrong, Gregory J.

Ashland Lodge No. 23

Bandon Lodge No. 130

Barclay, Robert & Anna

Barr, John S.

Beall, Stephanie

Best, Timothy J.

Bitar, William

Borbely, Steven G.

Boyd, Robert I.

Breshears, Dale

Browning, Debra

Butler, Rex K.

Buescher, Greg

Bush, D. Arthur

TOTAL NUMBER OF DONORS

Calhoun, Darell

Camara, Jonathan

Canfield, Harry & Judith

Cascade Cherry Growers, Inc.

Cayce, Eric

Clayton Owens Trust

Cobbs, Noel

Copper, Bruce

Cray, Lee V.

Czarnecki, Jay

Daphne Chapter No. 139

Daniels, Raymond Davis, Charles

Dickson Memorial Fund

Doellefeld, Gaylord K.

Dorman, James W.

Dugan, Larry A.

Dumas, Jay

Duncan Jr., Richard F.

Eddy, David L.

Edmiston, Jason

Edwards, Johnny J.

Elliot, Margaret

Epperson, Roy

Erwin, Craig & Sharon

Esther Chapter No. 11

Fairview Lodge No. 92

Fontana, J.J.

Foster, JoAnna

Friendship Rose Chapter No. 148

Frye Family Trust

Frye, Laura

Fugere, Patrick

Furer, Robert

Gardner, Michele

Garlinghouse, Robert

Geary, Arthur R.

Gervais Chapter No. 118

Gladysz, Kevin C.

Granger Jr., George

Grimm, Rodman

Groulx, Jacquelyn L.

Hagan, Wayne

Hale, Steve

Hansen, John P.

Hansen, Ken

Harper, Ben W.

Harper, James S.

Harris Family Trust

Harvey, Christine M.

Hatch, Forrest L.

Hedlund, Thomas

Heyer, Hans J.

Hinkelman, Greg A.

Hirschfield, Marvin

Jay Wilt Giving Fund

Jennings Lodge No. 9

Jenkins, Gregory A.

Jenkins, Robert H.

Jensen, Jerry L.

J. Evan Nelson Living Trust

Kidd, George “Lynn”

Kiersey, David G.

Kinney, Calvin & Susan

Knauer, Douglas

Koethke, Paul D.

Kroger - Fred Meyer

Lancefield, Christopher K.

Landauer, Robert

Leachman, Howard

Lippert, Rodney C.

Logan, Richard

Lohrfink, John

Lowell, Robert

Lynn, Kyle

Lyon Lodge No. 29

Madison, R. James

Mallory, Robert

Maple Chapter No. 95

Martinez, Victor

McCallum, Collin

McCathern, Steven W.

McDaniel, Melvin M.

McGhee, David

McGuyer, Michael J.

Mead, Michael D.

Medford Lodge No. 103

Melendy, Bruce

Meridian Chapter No. 179

Miller, David

Miller, Ronald

Moore, Donald E.

Moore, John & Carol

Moore, Ralph

Moore, Roy L.

Morgan, James L.

Mt. Scott Chapter No. 110

Murphy, Jack

Naomi Chapter No. 22

Nielsen, Douglas

Network for Good Newport Lodge No. 85

Newton, Fred M.

Norton, Edwin

Norstar Cattle Co., LLC

Oakland Chapter No. 91

Oakland Lodge No. 16

Obeid, Mitri “Mitch”

O’Brien, Brian

Palmer, Wesley

Pearce, Fred

Petrie, Lester S.

Petrowsky, Duane

Phillips, Charles

Pioneer Chapter No. 28

Pinckney, John

Powell Jr., James W.

Prineville Lodge No. 76

Pritchard, Gordon A.

Pugh, Cary R.

Redmond Chapter No. 109

Research Lodge No. 198

Rickreall Lodge No. 110

Ridenour Family Trust

Roberts, Edgar N.

Roberts, Steven J.

Rogue River Daylight Chapter No. 186

Thank you to our generous donors

Donors

Tuten, Adalric

DONORS TRIBUTES

Valiant Sellwood Chapter No. 92

Van Anda, James

Van Buren, Phillip C.

Rohrbacher, Mark

Roten, John

Sansing, Louie E.

Santiam Lodge No. 25

Seaport Lodge No. 7

Sellin, Rodger M.

Serface, Thomas H.

Shaw, J. Kenneth

Shultz, Gerald

Sidney Croft Lodge No. 206

Siefer, Troy B.

Slezak, Donald

Smith, Harold L.

Smith, Stanley

Sonsteng, James

Stevens, Eric

Strong, Lanni

Strong, Marc L.

Stuart, Jared

Thompson, Marc A.

Thompson, Robert M.

Tillamook Lodge No. 57

Todd, Molly

Trinity Chapter No. 175

Troxler Jr., Boyce “Don”

Tualatin Chapter No. 31

Turner, Nicholas

Vanderzanden, Tammy

Varner, Richard D.

Victoria Chapter No. 76

Warren Lodge No. 10

Webster, Justin

Western Star Chapter No. 64

Wheeler, Ralph A.

White, Larry

Wick, R. Michael

Wiley, Dale

Winter Jr., Herman W.

Wittish, Don C.

Woodburn Lodge No. 106

Wright, Kenneth C.

IN HONOR OR MEMORY OF:

Archibalds of St. Johns No. 17 by Justin Webster

Charles “Russ” Coffman by Multnomah Lodge No. 1

David Copper by Bruce Copper

Lyman J. Cox by Martha Albro

Robert Creech by Tillamook Lodge No. 57

R.W. “Rocky” Hagan by Wayne Hagan

Aaron W. Harvey, P.G.M. by Christine Harvey

Merton Loree by Darell Calhoun

MESH Board by Stephanie Beall

Stanley C. Miller by Masonic Low Twelve Club

Ronald L. Quick by Tillamook Lodge No. 57

Yesilada, Birol

Ziegler Gary M.

Thank you to our generous donors

Craig Sipp, P.G.M. by Laura Frye

Roy Vaughn by Masonic Low Twelve Club

William L. Woods by Tillamook Lodge No. 57

OREGON MASONIC CHARITIES

This impact report is issued and completely funded by The Grand Lodge of Oregon. No donations or charitable funds were used in its development to ensure all gifts go toward the efforts they were designated to support. Thank you.

DESIGNER | Marissa Douglas