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At the 2002 Grand Convocation, a committee was established to form the Grand Chapter Royal Arch Foundation. The formation of this Foundation continues to move forward. The Foundation has been incorporated as a non-profit corporation in the State of Ohio. The Trustees have met and adopted the by-laws and elected a slate of officers.
The proper forms have been submitted to request a Federal Tax Idenification Number and to obtain a 501(c)(3) exemption. The latter exemption will enable donors to declare contributions on income tax returns. please note that the exemption has not yet been received but is expected soon.
At the 2002 Grand Convocation along with the legislation empowering the committee to establish the foundation, the Adopt America Network was selected as the charity to be supported for at least three years. The Foundation will select future charities to be supported. an update on the Adopt America Network follows.
At the last report, Royal Arch Masons have already contributed over $10,000.00 in general donations and fifteen of the thirty special edition plaques have been reserved which means that another $15,000.00 has bee committed to the Foundation for the Adopt America Network and necessary Foundation expenses.
The Adopt America Network places "special needs" children who are waiting for homes with permanent adoptive parents, pays for home studies so that eager parents can afford to welcome children into their homes, and coordinates a national network of volunteer adoption specialists who recruit and match families with waiting children.
Just as important as the financial support that will be provided through the foundation, Adopt America Network hopes that Royal Arch Masons will provide a greater public awareness of their oganization and of their mission. As we share the message of Adopt America Network, not only in our Chapters but as well in our churches, communities and civic groups, it is hoped that additional adoption specialists can be located, and that new adoptive parents will come forward, The pamphlets that have been given to the District Deputies for the chapters should be sent to the companions of the chapters and will provide them with information about Adopt America Network
During the year, Adopt America Network conducts several events in Toledo (their national headquarters) that are open to both Royal Arch Masons and any intrested individuals or groups. These events include a training conference for all Adoptions Specialists which was held July 16-20, 2003. On July 19, 2003 they held an Annual Family Recruitment Carnival where interested families learned more about the adoption process. An Annual Dinner Auction, their main fundraiser, will be held Friday October 10, 2003. In addition to an oustanding dinner, the event features over one hundred donated items that are auctioned to support the organization. Royal Arch Masons are welcome to donate items as individuals or through their businesses.
Adopt America Natwork continues to provide speakers for various Royal Arch functions througout the state. Edieann Didham, AAN Director, and a member of Grand Rapids Chapter, OES, is willing to share the message of Adopt America at a Royal Arch event. She may be contacted by calling 1-800-246-1731
For more information on Adopt America Network click on link below or paste "http://www.adoptamericanetwork.org" in your browser!
