12 Comments

We don't do fundraising. Just commenting that I do like Rye.

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Excellent! We shall have to share some one of these days! I'm not a huge Rye drinker, but I've found a superb one.

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You’re referring to the lansdowne portrait. Our lodge bought three. It helps when you have a past GM going to all of the lodges in the jurisdiction acting as a salesman. We donated ours to local jr high schools.

Our lodge years ago raised money by running a bingo night. It left us a very healthy nest egg that has been of great benefit. They sold the equipment to the eagles after the smoking laws changed, which they still use today.

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Actually, I had something newer in mind. The Lodge in Kentucky is taking old barrel heads form old whiskey barrels, and turning them into Lodge signs. A bit over $200 each. They are doing a superb job of it too.

What struck me was that they are able to move a lot of these (they post photos of the ones they make so I've been able to see) just by posting about it on various Masonic Facebook groups.

I think that really opens up the ability to fundraise, if a Lodge figures out a unique product.

If memory serves, I think that Port Angeles also has bingo nights. I'm not sure how profitable those have been for them. They also run a Wine Festival on a summer weekend, that is quite an amazingly fun way to spend a beautiful day near the water.

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Jun 3, 2021Liked by Cameron M. Bailey

The internet has created options for a whole lot of different fundraising options. I'm of the throw things at the wall and see what sticks mentality on the subject.

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Jun 3, 2021Liked by Cameron M. Bailey

On that note. I have an idea that may help lodges and other fraternity halls get more rentals. I need a skilled app programmer to make it work

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I believe that at least one of our regular readers of Emeth is a skilled computer guy. If he reaches out, I'll connect the two of you.

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I agree. The internet is a superb new tool, continually changing, our Lodges do well to experiment with it.

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Jun 3, 2021Liked by Cameron M. Bailey

When I first became a Mason, we did two breakfasts a year to raise funds for our B4B program. They were great fun and built brotherhood. We then tapped into different government contractors and local businesses for donations and we stopped doing the breakfasts. We then went into mission drift, and started losing the kind of brotherhood that comes with working together toward a common goal. Three years ago we held a dinner and silent auction and invited public. We did very well for a “one and done” event. We held a second event the following year, didn’t do as well but still had lots of fun. Last year of course, we took a break. The sky’s the limit when it comes to fundraising. We’re currently looking at hosting a BBQ competition that will be done outdoors. The main thing with fundraisers is to include the community. If we only invite Brothers and their families, the well will most certainly run dry. The cause also has to be something that will be supported by the community, ie; scholarships, B4B, etc. we don’t have to re-invent the wheel, just be willing to put in the work. Get 2-3 local/regional craft brewers to bring some beers out, sell drink tickets, set up an axe throwing event, get a dunk tank. Work with another lodge. Grow the fraternity and build bonds with one another along with your community.

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Jun 3, 2021Liked by Cameron M. Bailey

I like Rye too...

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Excellent! We will have to share some!

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I love the idea of a BBQ competition. Those are extremely popular now, and a lot of fun for both the participants and the spectators.

I had considered doing something similar in the upcoming term, but that was prior to covid. Post covid all the plans for my year changed.

I think you are certainly correct, our fundraisers will be most successful when we can reach beyond local Masons, to the community at large, or beyond just the nearby Lodges.

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