Let's Chat About...Kem Shriner's and the Children's Hospital
Last weekend I attended a fundraiser for the Shriner's Children's Hospital. What a moving experience to be a part of! The event was titled "Tables Du Jour" and held at the Masonic Temple of the Kem Shriners in Grand Forks, North Dakota.
This event consists of "purchasing" a table to decorate with a theme of your choice. A donation of $200 per table with 8-10 women at each. There was a total of 16 tables this year and each one was decorated differently. During the brunch, participants have the option of bidding on silent auction items or playing the "heads and tails" game. The ladies are treated as royalty while the Shriners serve us Mimosas and Brunch while dressed in tuxedos. All proceeds go to the Shriners Childrens Hospital!
During this event there are speaker presentations. It's difficult to hold the tears back while listening to the struggles these children go through. But wow, what an inspiration to hear the hope that the Shriners Hospital has given so many kids and their families! It really pulls on the old heart strings and just gives you an appreciation for what these Shriners do!!
"Shriners Children’s Hospital is a compassionate, family-centered environment which welcomes children and families through our doors and into our hearts. Because we personalize the care we provide to each child, we get to know everything about them – from the challenges they face to what brings them joy. While some patients need basic care, others face more complex conditions that require care over months and even years. These patients and their families tell us that Shriners Children’s feels like a second home, because we care so deeply for them, physically, emotionally and socially."
The Shrine Circus is another major fundraising event which provides funding for the hospitals to provide care for children in need. The Shrine Circus was founded in Detroit, Michigan on Woodward Avenue in 1906. It travels to roughly 120 cities per year in the United States and a separate unit travel to about 40 in Canada. It is affiliated with the former Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, now Shriners International.
About Shriners: The Shriners believe that mas was created to serve and help one another. We believe that the care for the less fortunate, especially children who suffer from burns and other crippling diseases, is our institutional calling. One of the things, we as Shriners, are most proud of is our ability, through Shriners Hospitals for Children, is to give world-class, expert medical care at NO CHARGE. We believe Shriners hospitals to be the "World's Greatest Philanthropy", and we covenant with each other to support its "Temples of Mercy" with Spirit, Time, Talent and Means.
Shriners Creed: We are patriots, each willing to serve his country with fidelity and courage. We cherish independence under law and freedom with responsibility. We honor family. We respect our parents, wives and children. We should instill in our children the tenets of this creed, and the heritage from which it emulates. As brothers we offer fraternal affection and respect. Together we will support each other in adherence to this creed, so that we and our communities will be the better because of our fraternity and its principles. As Shriners we look beyond ourselves to serve the needs of others, especially children who cannot help themselves. We believe Shriners Hospitals to be the world's greatest philanthropy, and we covenant with each other to support its "Temples of Mercy" with Spirit, Time, Talent and Means.
If you would like to donate towards this wonderful cause, or if you would like more information, check out the Shriners Childrens Hospital website at:
"At Shriner Children's We Support Families by Providing Access to Quality Care" In order to qualify your child must be younger than age 18 when their care plan begins and have a condition that we treat. If you would like to consult with our specialists regarding your child's condition, you can contact us directly to request and appointment. Or you may get a direct referral from your physician. Acceptance is based solely on a child's medical needs, regardless of their family's ability to pay or their insurance status.
Who are the Kem Shriners? Shriners International is a fraternity based on fun, fellowship and the Masonic principles of brotherly love, truth and relief. Kem Shriners is the local chapter based out of Grand Forks, ND and has a jurisdiction that covers area in both North Dakota and Minnesota. Some of the many activities they are involved with include: Kem Shrine Circus, Potentate's Ball, Hospital Kids Christmas Party, ND Shrine Football Games, and much more.
There are many different Shriners organizations across the country. For more information about becoming a Shriner, click the link above.
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