Grand Almoner’s Fund Through the Years

by Bridget Steele, Manager of Research and Grants

Olive Branch

In 2011, the Almoner’s Fund contributed money to help repair Caledonia Lodge #47 of Olive Branch, IL, after it suffered severe flood damage. Said then Worshipful Master Dennis Brown, “I can’t thank you enough for your gift. One day I hope to reach out my hand and pull you from the raging waters as you have done for us.”

Wyatt

Brother Darrin D. Catts, 32°, Mrs. Wyatt, Brother Frank Wyatt, 32°, and Ill. Brother David A. Auchey, 33°, presenting the Almoner’s check to Brother Wyatt.

In the midst of his battle with cancer, Brother Frank Wyatt learned that his insurance would not cover some promising new treatments. Just days after receiving the request for assistance, the Almoner’s Fund responded with a check to completely cover the treatment cost. Brother Wyatt shared, “Without the help of my Masonic Brothers, I might not still be fighting the good fight. I am grateful for their relief and support through this difficult challenge.”

Above: Brother Darrin D. Catts, 32°, Mrs. Wyatt, Brother Frank Wyatt, 32°, and Ill. Brother David A. Auchey, 33°, presenting the Almoner’s check to Brother Wyatt.

Sandy

Hurricane Sandy struck the East Coast in Fall 2012 without warning, leaving homes and entire neighborhoods completely destroyed. The Scottish Rite rapidly responded with financial support through the Almoner’s Fund, committing $2 million to Brothers in New Jersey and New York to help them rebuild. Commander David A. Glattly, 33°, then Deputy of New Jersey, helped lead the relief efforts.

Ill. Brother Glattly, 33°, delivers financial assistance to a Brother affected by Superstorm Sandy.

Kavanaugh

When David Kavanaugh was killed in a car accident leaving behind a pregnant wife and three young children, the Grand Almoner’s Fund stepped in. April not only lost the love of her life and husband of 11 years, but also the income that this young family depended on for survival. Right after the tragedy April said, “For now, my children and I depend on the generosity of others to make ends meet. If it was not for the Scottish Rite, I would not be able to pay the mortgage, or feed my four children… I knew that Masons help each other during hard times, but what you have done is beyond anything I could ever imagine.”

The Kavanaugh Family. David, April, Aiden, Alexander, and Angelina.

Phoenix

Tammy, Phoenix, Diva, and John Bridegroom

Brother John Bridegroom’s daughter Phoenix was diagnosed with leukemia when she was five years old and has courageously battled her disease through traditional treatments, a bone marrow transplant, and experimental therapy. Support from the Almoner’s Fund in 2015 helped the family focus on Phoenix’s treatment and recovery. “This gift, so beyond anything my family could have imagined, has eased our incredible burden markedly,” Brother Bridegroom said.

Louisiana

The American Red Cross called the massive flooding that struck Louisiana in 2016 “the worst natural disaster in the United States since Hurricane Sandy.” The Almoner’s Fund responded by issuing $100,000 in debit cards to assist Brothers and their families with urgent needs. Here’s just one of the dozens of thank you letters received from these grateful Masons.

Expanding Our Efforts

In 2018, Commander David A. Glattly announced an expansion of the Grand Almoner’s Fund with the establishment of the DeMolay Congress Almoner’s Fund. An initial gift of $20,000 from the Supreme Council kicked off the program which is designed to provide young men in DeMolay relief and assistance when they are facing hardships or times of crisis.

Last year, First Lady Monica Glattly launched the White Flower Society as a way to strengthen the bonds of support formed among the women who come together through Freemasonry. Money donated to the White Flower Society through the Grand Almoner’s Fund is designated exclusively for Masonic widows in need.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Almoner’s Fund launched the Helping Hand Initiative this Spring to help Brothers financially impacted by the effects of the Coronavirus. The goal of the campaign was to successfully raise $100,000 to lend a helping hand to those Brothers in need. Members across the Jurisdiction heeded the call, surpassing this goal in less than two months.