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Between Friends
News for Friends of the Michigan Masonic Charitable Foundation |
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| Greetings! | |
Whenever we are introduced to a child, it seems the first question we ask after ascertaining their age and how high they can count, is "what do you want to be when you grow up?" For some children, the answer comes easy. "A doctor!" Or, "a veterinarian!" But for others, the answer isn't so simple. For those, the "future" extends only as far as their next meal. Despite indicators signaling improvements in Michigan's economy, many families continue to struggle in the face of smaller incomes. Grocery budgets have shrunk, and often that means going without.
For hurting families across the state, the Masons have once again proven themselves to be a saving grace. Whether through direct donations of food and other supplies, or through cash donations to community food pantries, Michigan Masons have been working hard to help those in need. Several lodges, including Tyre Lodge No. 18, Three Oaks Lodge No. 239, Buchanan Lodge No. 68 and Brooklyn Lodge No. 169, have applied to the Michigan Masonic Charitable Foundation for matching community charities grant dollars, effectively doubling their contributions. Thanks to those lodges and others like them, thousands of dollars of much needed assistance are making it into our communities.
Though the end of summer is always bittersweet, it does signal that it's time to return to lodge and "get back to work." If your lodge has partnered with the Foundation to make a positive difference in your community, thank you. If your lodge hasn't yet taken that step, consider doing so now. The need for help has never been greater, and the chance to make a difference is now.
Log onto the Foundation's website today at www.mmcfonline.org, or call us at 800-994-7400 to learn how you can help.
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Fundraisers Continue for Jerica Cole
|  Jerica Cole is a beautiful little girl who struggles with severe cerebral palsy. Thanks to the tireless efforts and dedication of many in the Masonic family, Jerica was able to travel to China last year to receive a stem cell treatment that made significant improvements to her quality of life. Jerica's doctors agree that a second treatment would effect even more positive change, so her parents are working hard to make that second trip to China a reality. If you'd like to help Jerica get it to China, consider participating in one, or both, upcoming fundraisers being held for her benefit. Click on the links for more information about Jerica, the Masons who helped make her first trip a reality, and the upcoming fundraisers. Jerica's story (video). Fundraiser 1. Fundraiser 2. |
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Attention Teachers and Parents!
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The Masonic Model Student Assistance Program is coming to the UP! That's right! MMSAP will be in Marquette November 1-2, and while we've been in contact with several schools in that area, there is still room for more educators to participate! Do you want to learn more about how you can bring the Masonic Model Student Assistance Program to your school? Do you have contacts at your school to whom you can refer us? Then check out the links below! Remember, all schools are invited to send a team of educators from their school community, and universities with education programs are invited to send student teachers. Hurry! Space is limited!
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Now You Can Make a Donation to the Foundation Online! |  Looking for a quick, easy and secure way to support the Foundation? Now you can make a secure online donation on our website! Just visit us at mmcfonline.org today and click on Invest Today! (An online donation is a great way to become a part of the Foundation's new giving club program!) |
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So Many Ways That You Can Help!
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Want to learn how YOU can help secure the Masonic legacy of giving?
Whether it's through a direct donation to the annual Deputy Grand Master's Appeal, a planned gift or even a donation of your time, there are countless ways that you can partner with the Michigan Masonic Charitable Foundation! To learn how, visit us on the
web or contact us by phone at 800.994.7400.
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Online Resources!
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The Michigan Masonic Charitable Foundation has several resources available to provide you with more information about the Foundation and the many charitable programs that it supports. Click on the links below for downloadable PDF versions of the Foundation's 2010 annual report as well as many other helpful brochures.
2011 Annual Report
MMCF Informational Brochure
Charitable Gift Annuities
The Lewis Cass Legacy Society
Creating a Legacy-For Women
The Michigan Masonic Museum and Library
2011 Square and Compass Golf Outing
The Masonic Model Student Assistance Program
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Visit the Foundation's Online Store! |
 Celebrations happen all year long! You'll find the perfect birthday and anniversary gift for everyone (including yourself!) on your list at the Foundation's new online store! We've got a great selection of Foundation merchandise like sweatshirts, blankets, outerwear and household accessories. And, you can feel great knowing that a portion of your purchase helps support great Foundation programs like the Masonic Model Student Assistance Program! Not sure what to buy? Giftcards are the perfect one-size-fits-all gift for everyone! Don't stress another minute! Visit the online store today! |
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The Foundation and MIOES Making a Difference Together!
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As part of a larger effort to celebrate the friendship of women to the Foundation, we are happy to present the PAWS lapel pin in collaboration with the Michigan Order of the Eastern Star (MIOES). Designed with the MIOES's desire to support the General Grand Chapter's Service Dog Committee, and the two organizations' shared interest in supporting Masonic Pathways in mind, adorable PAWS pins are being distributed across the state for a donation of just $5.00 or more each. Proceeds from pin sales benefit Paws With a Cause and Masonic Pathways. Click here to download an informational flyer to learn more about the fundraiser, or how your lodge or chapter can receive a visit from the Foundation and a local service dog puppy in training!
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| Communications Survey | 
Many people have already taken our Communication Survey,
but if you aren't one of them, please take a moment to do so now. It takes just a few minutes to complete, and the feedback you provide is very valuable. Not only will you have the opportunity to share with us what we're doing right, but you can also make suggestions for improvement. All feedback is welcome!
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Help Us Keep In Touch! |
 In today's busy world, people communicate in many different ways. Some still prefer old-fashioned "snail mail," while many others appreciate the convenience and environmental consciousness of electronic communication, such as, email, Facebook and Twitter. As the Foundation continues to grow its online presence, it's especially important that we have accurate email addresses for our friends, fans and donors. One of the easiest ways for us to update our email database is for interested readers to sign up for this eNewsletter. Please take a moment now and forward this newsletter to anyone in your contact list that might be interested in keeping in touch with the Foundation. When they sign up, they too will receive weekly updates from the Foundation, helping them stay connected with charitable happenings around the state. If you have recently changed your email address, or intend to soon, please let us know. Email Rikka Bos at rbos@mmcfonline.org, and we'll update your information. Thank you! Know someone who isn't signed up for our eNews that should be? Let them know that signing up is now easier than ever! Simply text MMCFONLINE to 22828! They'll be prompted to enter their email address and will immediately be added to our mailing list. Now that's eNews delivered! |
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With so many great things happening all over the state, we need your help to keep everyone updated! Send us your pictures and stories today, and we'll publish them in an upcoming issue of Between Friends!
Send your thoughts, stories and photos to: rbos@mmcfonline.org.
Thank you!
The Michigan Masonic Charitable Foundation
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