Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation

“You get to make lifelong friends who are always going to be there for you.”

It’s true that some people have a greater fear of public speaking than of dying. Thanks to his involvement in DeMolay, Cole Summerfield has gained the confidence to let go of this fear and become a leader.

Cole joined Chester Pike Chapter through a close friend, and seven years later, he’s the Region H Representative of the southeastern region of Pennsylvania DeMolay. His role is to bring together and help plan events for the four different chapters in the Philadelphia area.

“I have more responsibility with this position, so it keeps me busy,” Cole said. “I’m learning leadership skills, and this organization has helped me with being more social in general.”

Cole also has the opportunity to mentor and teach the younger members in the organization, which is very rewarding. In addition to having meetings every two weeks, the group participates in a variety of service and social activities.

“We went to a park and cleaned up trash. For Thanksgiving, we helped the homeless. We do everything from fun things to serious things,” Cole said.

Cole is thankful to use the skills he’s acquired through DeMolay to give back to the community and build friendships with other members.

You get to make lifelong friends who are always going to be there for you,” Cole said. “I get to see them going to events. It’s enjoyable.”

Cole plans to stay involved with DeMolay throughout college. He is attending Cabrini University to study criminology and will apply what he’s learned from DeMolay to his college experience.

His mother, Beth Haney, has been a chapter advisor for DeMolay for seven years. Her role is to supervise the members and ensure they’re each reaching their potential. Getting involved has taught her a lot about her family and the Masonic fraternity, and she is now a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. She’s thankful for the friends she’s made.

“I’ve met people from all over the state and people who I probably wouldn’t have met otherwise,” Beth said.

Most significantly, Beth is thankful for the unforgettable impact DeMolay has had on her and the members’ lives.

“It’s been a really great learning experience for everyone,” Beth said. “I’ve watched the boys develop leadership skills and grow into incredible young men.”

Beth’s oldest son, Sean, is a Senior DeMolay and in the United States Army. Her husband is also an advisor.

Through the generosity of donors, the Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation facilitates programs which impact youth throughout the Commonwealth.

In its 40th year, the foundation’s programs have grown, but its vision has remained constant. Support has deepened for the Masonic youth organizations in Pennsylvania, including DeMolay, Job’s Daughters, Knights of Pythagoras, Rainbow Girls and Ruth Mitchell Tucker Girls Youth Department, which foster the values of Freemasonry and give youth a place to develop and succeed.

Collaborations have increased with educators and school administrators to identify behavioral challenges and offer training workshops.

Giving scholarships to encourage college and career aspirations of hundreds of young adults continues to be a priority. New in 2021, the foundation offers career and vocational scholarships to help provide for training, tools, certifications and other costs incurred when pursuing an education in the trades, an increasingly essential career path.

With your support, the next 40 years look bright for the Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation. • Delivered 6,250 MEALS through the Food for Friends initiative for those in need

• Granted $23,500 to youth-led service projects throughout the Commonwealth

• Trained 1,978 INDIVIDUALS at virtual and in-person Educational

Institute workshops

• Awarded $193,850 in scholarship funds

• Empowered 1,500+ YOUTH through leadership development programs