Each year the First Lady chooses a charitable focus for the Masonic term that she encourages men to support throughout the year. This year, Zoe Carter, has selected the Ohio Masonic Communities Foundation that offers support and care to those in the state who need it the most.
Why did you select Ohio Masonic Communities Foundation as the First Lady’s Charity for this year?
The charity is the Ohio Masonic Communities Foundation which supports all Masons whether they reside at one of the three Ohio Masonic Communities or remain in their homes. It was important to Bill and me that our charity remained within the fraternity, as all too often we forget to take care of ourselves.
The choice to focus on the Ohio Masonic Communities Foundation is very personal to me. I have met over several years, and have experienced myself, individuals who have been touched by Alzheimer’s. This debilitating disease not only affects those suffering from it but is an extremely difficult illness to handle for those who witness and take care of their loved ones.
The Ohio Masonic Communities offers innovative and high-quality memory care services, providing comprehensive support and care for individuals and families affected by dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. The Ohio Masonic Communities Resource Center, supported by the Ohio Masonic Communities Foundation, provides resources and support to those families who choose to remain in their homes.
Can you tell us a little bit about how the OMCF works?
With support from the Foundation, the Ohio Masonic Communities offers aging seniors several living options. They help all to thrive whether they choose to reside in independent living, assisted living, memory care, or in one of their health care centers for short-term rehabilitation or long-term care. Ohio Masons wishing to move into one of their facilities receive priority. In addition, the Foundation provides charitable relief to Ohio Masons, their wives, or widows via programs on the campuses and in the community through the resource center. The total annual amount of charity is in excess of $7 million.
The Ohio Masonic Communities Foundation was created to support the operations, and to maintain, develop, and extend the facilities and services of The Ohio Masonic Communities, and The Ohio Masonic Resource Center. This is to provide relief to the aged, infirm, and distressed Masonic elders across the state of Ohio. The need continues to grow as our Masonic population ages.
Thinking about the future, what are you hoping to achieve?
I would like the support for the Ohio Masonic Communities Foundation to continue for many years, long after this one. Sometimes we turn to these resources only when we need them, and don’t reflect on how that support happens. Without our donations there would be less support for our brothers and sisters both at home and in the Ohio Masonic Communities.
What are you most looking forward to this year as the First Lady?
Over the past 7 years Bill and I have made great friends and connections throughout the state and all over the world and it is always a pleasure to spend time with them. It has been my honor to support my amazing husband in this journey, and I hope we have made our Masonic Parents, Rick and Linda Schau proud!
How can local lodges and Ohio Masons contribute to the charitable effort?
The Ohio Masonic Communities Foundation can be supported with monetary donations that could be collected within the lodges and presented at their district reception. Anyone can contribute via the foundation’s website, www.omcfoundation.org, or even request a portion of their estate be donated.
For more information about upcoming events and initiatives with the OMF, contact Dan Shirk at 937-926-4305 or dshirk@omcoh.org.
Upcoming Events:
- March 12 – Circle of Roses Dinner – Springfield Masonic Community
- April 10 – Circle of Roses Dinner – Browning Masonic Community
- May 3 – Kentucky Bourbon Derby Day – Location TBD
- June 2 – Grand Duke’s Golf Classic – Jefferson Country Club, Columbus
- June 22 – Wine, Women, and Shoes – Brookside Country Club, Columbus
- July 19 – Bourbon, Burges, and Bands – Northern Light Lodge No. 40, Maumee
- September 5 – Rose Society Ball – Downtown Renaissance Hotel, Columbus
- November 6 – Circle of Roses Dinner – Western Reserve masonic Community
- December 5-7 – Festival of Trees individual events at all three communities