Shriners pull through in big way
Published 6:36 am Friday, December 24, 2010

The Austin Shrine Club donates to the Salvation Army's annual Red Kettle Campaign. - Photo submitted.
Since the mid-1950’s, the Austin Shrine Club has supported the Salvation Army by making the first donation to their annual Red Kettle Campaign. In addition, ßhriners literally take over Austin on the first Friday of December by ringing bells at locations through out the community.
This year, with their donation and what was collected on Dec. 3, they raised over $3,250.00. This amount was matched by Minnesota Masonic Charities, increasing their efforts to $6,500.00.
Pictured are members of the Austin Shrine Club as they present the matching check from Minnesota Masonic Charities to Major Marlys Anderson of the Salvation Army.
Minnesota Masonic Charities is a nonprofit organization that contributes charitable donations to causes of all types: aiding other Masons, their families and all people within society.
The Minnesota Masonic family contributes more than $25,000 a day to charitable organizations.
“We are committed to supporting cancer research and treatment, providing scholarships to ensure the future, providing caring senior housing communities for our elders and strengthening the communities of Minnesota,” states Eric Neetenbeek, President and CEO of Minnesota Masonic Charities.
“Our size, resources and capabilities rank us as one of the largest grant-making organizations in the state. From matching funds for Masonic Lodge and Eastern Star community projects, to major grants for hospitals, children’s clinics, senior care facilities, cancer research, education and much more, MMC reflects the generosity of Minnesota Masons,” he continued.
Recently, Dec. 2009, Charities matched dollars donated to the local Disabled Veterans of America, Chapter #27. The grant was written and submitted by the members of Unity Chapter #29, Order of the Eastern Star.
Minnesota Masonic Charities supports community outreach through the chartable giving activities of the Masonic Lodges and Eastern Star Chapters throughout the state. By awarding Matching Funds Grants to the Lodges and Chapters for these projects, many programs and services to schools, youth services, elderly and local social services are assisted.