On October 27, 2024, Minnesota Masonic Charites held its first annual Pillars Society Brunch in the Dan Patch Hall at the Minnesota Masonic Heritage Center in Bloomington, Minnesota.
The
Pillars Society is a community of generous and dedicated donors who believe in
and are committed to the mission of Minnesota Masonic Charities.
The
Pillars Society was created in 2006 as a special distinction reserved for
supporters who have given $1,000 or more thru cash donations, estate planning
or deferred giving.
There
are five levels of membership in the giving in outright gifts, planned gifts or
bequests which range from Craftsman with a gift of $1000 to Platinum with a
gift of $500,000. Other levels are Bronze with at gift of $25,000, Silver a
gift of $100,000 and Gold with a gift of $250,000.
Being
a member of the Pillars Society, I have a sense of fulfillment knowing that my
contributions will help to ensure the future of the charitable work of
Minnesota Masonic Charities.
Below
is a sample of the partnerships, endeavors, and research that the Minnesota
Masonic charities support.
The
Minnesota Masonic Home - Established in 1918 the 194-bed facility is on an
80-acre campus situated on the bluffs of the Minnesota river in Bloomington,
Minnesota. The award-winning home is a resident-centered facility that provides
short term rehabilitation and long-term care.
The
Masonic Cancer Center at the University of Minnesota.
The M
Health Fairview-Masonic Children’s Hospital.
The
Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain.
The
Minnesota Masonic Children’s Clinic for Communication Disorders.
The
Minnesota Masonic Scholarship Program -to date the MMS has given $13 million in
scholarships to Minnesota graduating high school students. Future projections
are for $1 million to be given away soon with the emphasis on those seeking
studies in Nursing, Agriculture, Law Enforcement and Education.
Mission
Grants – these are grants given to establish organizations who are working on
critical issues and provide valuable services in our Minnesota Communities.
Here is just a small sampling of some of those organizations:
The
Crescent Cove Respite and Hospice Home – they provide extended care and support
to children and young adults that face a shortened life expectancy.
The
MAV-V and Eagles Healing Nest – these are organizations which are dedicated to
addressing the needs of our Minnesota Veterans.
Matching
Grants for Minnesota Masonic Lodges and Order of the Eastern Start Chapters -
This program is an opportunity for Lodges and Order of Eastern Star Chapters
who are fundraising for a charity event in their community to double their
fundraising dollars. Grants are provided up to $10,000 per grant with a limit
of $25,000 per masonic organization in a calendar year.
After
enjoying a delightful brunch, the attendees were treated to an engaging murder
mystery play titled: “Murder at the Dan Patch Racetrack.”
The
murder mystery play was a fun adventure. It combined corny humor with
suspenseful storytelling, and active audience participation to determine who
the identity of the murderer.
As
amateur detectives we interacted with the quirky characters, gathering clues,
and following twisted plots lines, as the whodunit played out before us.
The play was written and directed by professional Paul Warshauer specifically for the brunch attendees.
The
cast of characters included members of Minnesota Masonic Charities and the
Grand Lodge.
I can say it was a delightful experience full of laughter and charm watching my fellow masons entertain the attendees and “act” their parts and hats off to all for an outstanding performance with little advance preparation.
The Murder at the Dan Patch Stables was an enjoyable experience, and I hope there is another murder mystery next year.
John
Schwietz, CEO of Minnesota Masonic Charities, did divulge a new upcoming giving
initiative by the Minnesota Masonic Charities to serve the community. I am
unable to disclose any details yet but stay tuned as an announcement will be
made soon and I will be writing about that in another post.
The Cast and the table of participants who deduced the Case
