Philanthropy

Since the first stem cell bone marrow transplant for Omar Abdullah, son of Brother Omar Abdullah Sr., Mitchell Lodge No. 81, the Masonic Blood + Organ Donor Program and Brother Bill Soloway, program director, have been with them on their journey to treat Omar's leukemia.

During a recent illness, Brother Bob Ruschke experienced love, support and help with chores thanks to Grand Master Larry Derr and his fellow brothers.

Masonic Youth Foundation Scholarship Applications will be accepted from undergraduate students until March 15, 2026.

Brother Bill Harding, P.M., Lodge No. 9, Warminster, is responsible for locating and recognizing all the Masonic widows throughout District 8, a job he takes very seriously. Bill is an avid bike rider and regularly rides to visit widows at their homes to make them aware of the Masonic Widows’ Guild.

Brother Brendan Degenhart was promoted to Director of Finance for the Masonic Villages in August. He is responsible for leading and managing financial operations, policies and compliance for the Masonic Villages and its entities.

A primary function of the Masonic Youth Foundation is to support the Masonic youth groups in Pennsylvania, helping the young men and women grow in members, activities and leadership development. In 1998, the foundation partnered with Deborah McCoy of Educational Development Services, LLC, to offer a series of bullying training seminars for educators and school administrators.

On Sept. 13, the 5th Masonic District held its Third Annual Family Night at the Phillies, with 150 in attendance.

Bridget and Calvin, both graduating seniors, have had wonderful experiences at the Masonic Children’s Home. As they prepare for college, they look back at the journey that got them to where they are now and look forward to a bright future ahead.

The members of DeMolay, Job’s Daughters, Knights of Pythagoras, Rainbow Girls and Ruth Mitchell Tucker Girls held their second annual Power 5 Weekend at the Masonic Conference Center – Patton Campus April 25-27.

Leandra Garcia, an active-duty member of the U.S. Air Force stationed in New Jersey, was excited to attend the “Help for Our Heroes” Military Baby Shower in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania, in April because she wanted to meet other moms-to-be who understood the struggles of being pregnant and in the military. She did just that and more, thanks to the event hosted by the Pennsylvania Masons and run with the help of generous volunteers.