The North Carolina Mason

Page 6 The North Carolina Mason November/December 2021 our masonic charities at Work Q. We hear you're a Mason! Tell us your story and share what Masonry means to you? I am a Mason! I am thrilled to be working in a professional capacity to share my knowledge and expertise with the Craft to help them carry out their personal philanthropy on any and all levels. Masonry to me is phrases I have come to hear, see and learn over the years: Brothers helping brothers. Extreme friendship. Brotherly love, where we stretch forth a hand to raise the weary and fallen, aid in relief and practice compassion. oughtful- ness for others. Kindness in the community. Honesty in business. Courtesy in society and fairness in all things. I was surrounded by Masonry my entire life, my father was raised in George M. Dallas #531 in 1982 and I was raised in Mozart #436 in 2011. Both lodges are in Pennsylvania. e journey to and through Masonry has been an incredible experience and I look forward to continuing it here, with you. Q. Why is it important that we give through the foundation? Giving through North Carolina Masonic Foundation puts your hopes for a better today and tomorrow into action. We are your partner in Philanthropy. You love Masonry, and your brothers and sisters – and so do we. Giving Your Way: As your partner in giving, NCMF offers the best of both worlds. We offer the simplicity and tax advantages of a public charity, yet the personal recognition, involvement, and flex- ibility of individual philanthropy. Growing Your Giving: Would you like to access the expertise and investment experi- ence of our board of directors, professional donor services of our staff, and the stability we build to impact our charities for decades to come? We manage your fund, invest it for growth and always honor your philan- thropic wishes. Funds you endow at NCMF will be granted to charity as you have directed, now and forever. Q. I don't know much about estate planning or annuities or anything like that. Can you help me figure out how to leave something behind for my family and my Craft? For nearly a century, we have partnered with hundreds of individual Masons to channel charitable dollars to their most effective uses. Whether you want to create a charitable fund to meet the needs of the community, provide a steady income stream or find help to more effectively and effi- ciently carry out your family's philanthropy, we are ready to work with you. Q. Do you ever meet one-on-one with brothers, sisters and widows to talk about financial planning and giving to our charities? It's always a pleasure to meet with brothers, sisters and their family members. I would love to set a time to connect to create a personal charitable giving plan, now and through your estate. Establish a fund or contribute to an existing fund that matches your charitable goals. You can depend on our knowledge and trust in our long history of responsible investing and financial stewardship. Q. We're hearing a lot about a campaign for WhiteStone. What's happening there? Why is giving to WhiteStone important to the Craft? During the 1800s and early 1900s, Free- masonry grew dramatically. At the time the government had provided no social "safety net." e Masonic tradition of foundation orphanages, homes for widows, and homes for the aged provided the only security many people knew. Today that tradition continues, and the Campaign for Whitestone is the latest iteration of our tradition, in the belief that we have a responsibility to make the world a better place. rough our culture of philan- thropy, we make a profound difference for our brothers, our families, our communities and our future. All gifts count in this effort and to learn more about naming opportunities that are available and how you can leave a legacy into perpetuity contact NCMF Regional Development Director Chris Richardson or me. Q. Will you come speak at my lodge? We'd love some brother-to-brother education about NCMF. How can we get in touch? It would be a honor and pleasure to connect with you at your lodge. Email me today at gmarut@mfnc.org to schedule. George Marut, NCMF ʼ s development head GOT GIVING QUESTIONS?

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