The Humanitarian Fund

In 1949, at the national convention, the Prophets decided their organization should not be all fun & games but should benefit mankind. It was at this time that they adopted the UNITED CEREBRAL PALSY as their Philanthropy of choice, thereby establishing the Humanitarian Project. This brought about the "ENCHANTED LANTERN" so named for the red lantern pin & emblem. In the Early days of Masonry & the Grotto, the owner of a local business would hang this type of lantern in front of his store to notify of a meeting that night.

For the Grotto, this lanterns signifies a "Beacon of Hope" for The Cerebral Palsy Child. A FIFTY ($50) dollar tax deductable donation may be made to a Grotto's Humanitarian Fund, this secures the giver an Enchanted Lantern Certificate & Gold Pin to display proudly on his or her lapel, or as a charm, earrings, tie tack, or cufflinks, signifying their generosity. The monies are deposited into a Trust Fund with the Supreme Council in Columbus Ohio. The interest from these collected funds is then used in the Research & Development into the cause & cure for this dreaded malady of so many of today's youth. In conjunction with R&D, a wing was set up in the ILLINOIS MASONIC INSTITUTE in Chicago for CP patients. This is where a qualified handicapped child needing dental assistance may be admitted & cared for. Dental care for the handicapped is the answer to only one of the long standing problem in our country. Many of these children cannot receive standard dental care because they cannot sit still for the long periods of time required to treat their special problems. Dentists, with special training are used to administer care for these special wonderful children. Hospitalization, where necessary is provided. The Grotto through the Enchanted Lantern's Humanitarian Fund pays that portion not covered by insurance acting as secondary carrier, paying the unpaid portion or in many cases paying in full. For a hospitalized child's family, all expenses, travel, hotel and food are paid for.

This service is available to any child, of any faith, creed or color, who suffers from the following conditions:

•1. Cerebral Palsy
•2. Muscular Dystrophy
•3. Mental Retardation
•4. Myasthenia Gravis
•5. Age is limited to 18 years or younger

Each Grotto has a "Doctor of Smiles" who is responsible to make arrangements for this care which begins locally or some cases travels to Ohio or Illinois based on the child & family needs. If you know of a child in Western Arkansas or Eastern Oklahoma that is in need of dental care who suffers from these awful diseases, we encourage you to apply by contacting Amrita Grotto at 501-782-1202.