In June, hundreds of Ohio Masons from across the state braved the prospect of rain to attend the opening ceremonies of the Special Olympics Summer Games at Jesse Owens Stadium in Columbus. During the ceremony, Grand Master Eric R. Schau, accompanied by the Grand Lodge officers, presented a check for $140,000, which represented the grass roots fundraising of Masonic Lodges all across Ohio.
People seldom realize that this donation is raised entirely by local lodges. They conduct a wide variety of projects ranging from runs, polar bear plunges, pancake breakfasts, and spaghetti dinners in order to collect the money that has helped fund the Summer games for over thirty years. As the hard work of these local lodges, the Grand Lodge has now contributed over $4,100,000 to this worthy cause.
The Grand Master and grand lodge officers would like to recognize and thank Right Worshipful Brother Michael Cecil for his continued leadership as chairman of the Special Olympics Committee. His enthusiasm, organizational skills, and dedication have made this charitable activity by Ohio Masons a success. Also, the Grand Master expresses his thanks and appreciation to all the masons and their families who contributed to this year’s success.
