National, local Shriners raise awareness of philanthropic work

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For more than 140 years, Shriners have influenced society as a fraternal organization dedicated to the Masonic principles of truth, relief and brotherly love. The governing body of Shriners International, founded on June 6, 1876, was originally known as the Imperial Grand Council of the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (A.A.O.N.M.S.) for the United States of America.

Today, Shriners are renowned for their participation in parades, conventions and circuses – and are recognized by their distinctive fezzes. Shriners host events in a spirit of fun, fellowship and philanthropy, often through their local clubs and units under the jurisdiction of the 196 temples (chapters) throughout the world.

In 1922, following the polio outbreak in the United States, Shriners leaders founded Shriners Hospitals for Children in an effort to make a difference in their community. Today, there are 22 Shriners Hospitals for Children, providing expert specialty care in the areas of orthopaedics, burns, spinal cord injuries and cleft lip and palate. Each child receives the highest quality medical care, regardless of a family’s ability to pay.

Today, we acknowledge and offer our gratitude to our Shriners who continue the tradition and make these good works possible. The foundation of our philanthropic success is built upon the fraternity which made it all possible. It is our Shriners who first provided Love to the Rescue.

Jerry G. Gantt, Imperial Potentate

Jack H. Jones, Imperial Recorder

Shriners International

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Our Champaign County Shrine Club has two major fund-raisers annually to support these Hospitals: our aluminum can collection and our golf tournament.

This year our golf tournament raised over $5,000, thanks to Noble Scott Spangler who chaired this event for several years and the many golfers who enjoyed a day of golf and willingly returned most of the prize money to this charitable cause.

Our aluminum can collection has been going on since 1989. This past year we made $18,974.90 from this project. When the price of aluminum was up we made as much as $50,000. Since 1989 we have made $771,428.38 by collecting aluminum cans. We especially thank those who save their aluminum cans for us and/or drop them off at the former Packer’s Body Shop.

All of the Nobles of the Champaign County Shrine Club extend to you our special thanks, as do the children and families we serve. If you have the opportunity, I hope you will visit one of our hospitals and see how we work to transform the lives of children every day. If you ever want more information about our hospitals or how to recommend a child for treatment, please do not hesitate to call us.

Sincerely,

Steve Runkle

Champaign County Shrine Club President

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