The North Carolina Mason

January/February 2017 The North Carolina Mason Page 7 WHITESTONE, from page 5 eStone: A Masonic and Eastern Star Community, and the Masonic Foundation. "As a Master Mason, you make a promise to give to widows and orphans," Cobb said. "Charitable giving is an act of love. Why would anyone not give to these charities?" e money lodges and brothers send to WhiteStone supports a long list of good deeds on behalf of fellow Masons and Eastern Star members, says Mark Kolada, WhiteStone's executive director. ose funds can help subsidize housing costs for those who have outlived their assets; it can be used to cover fraternal residents who run low on money to pay monthly bills because of medical emergen- cies; it can help fund a food bank and emergency loan assistance for WhiteStone workers. "In 103 years, we have never asked anyone to leave because of failure to pay," Kolada said. "Without money like this coming in from the lodges, we can't do any of that. Every dollar makes a signicant impact." e three Knights of Solomon lodges know that. ey are the largest charitable giver to WhiteS- tone. In 2015, they split proceeds of their annual fundraising projects — ra(ing a Harley Davidson motor- cycle and several rearms — evenly between WhiteStone and MHCO and gave each $15,500. Rodney Hinson, a member of Knights of Solomon 764 and a past DDGM, has preached to his brothers for years to give as much as they can to WhiteStone, as well as MHCO. "People are thinking that there's plenty of money pumped into WhiteStone, but I say they are wrong. We want this to be a ve- star retirement community but here's the thing: We took an obliga- tion as Masons, every single one of us, to take care of our charities. at's what we're supposed to do," he said. e Knights of Solomon is a travelling lodge, currently comprised of lodges in Charlotte (764); Jacksonville (767) and Holly Springs (768). Cobb, and the NC Masonic Foundation Board, led by Chair Mike Faulkenbury, are betting that the giving outlook will brighten at all our Masonic charities now that Je Hensley, NCMF's new chief development o!cer, and his team — which includes one regional development professional, one to be hired, and a dedicated communica- tions director — have begun their work. Cobb acknowledges it will be an uphill battle for some. "We have a lot of Masons who have formed opinions based on old information. It's a new day. e management at WhiteStone is exceptional, night and day. It used to be that people believed you could go there only if you have money. But when we give from our lodges, we give to our brothers and sisters who don't have money. ey need our help," Cobb said. "We have the means. Why would we not be willing to help?" So, how do we narrow the giving gap? e Grand Master has an idea. Go visit WhiteStone, your Masonic and Eastern Star commu- nity. "Have you been to WhiteStone lately? Have you seen what has taken place there? Have you sat down with a brother and had a meal in the dining room? Have you shot a game of pool with one of your brothers? Have you visited them in their homes? "Chances are good that if you go and see for yourself, you will love what you see and make White- Stone a benefactor of your gener- osity." Lodges may hold meetings at WhiteStone and individual Masons and their families are welcome to visit, tour the facility and meet residents. Just call before you visit to ensure a sta member is available to meet you. To schedule your visit, contact Mark Kolada at mkolada@Live- atWhiteStone.org or call (336) 547-2992. Photo by Fred Wilker son Gene Lewellyn sees WhiteStone as more than a place to live. To him it is where his family resides along with him and his wife, Maggie. W Pam and Kenny Reynolds, then- houseparents at Temple Cottage at the Masonic Home for Children at Oxford, get into the spirit as they host the Madden Tournament. For more details, check out the story on Page 5. Photo courtesy MHCO S Joe Elliott from Perquimans #106 presents Kevin Otis a check at the MHCO Annual Christmas Party on Dec. 8. A total of $3,757 was presented from the First Masonic District.

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