Home's Grown Kids - Fall 2023

home’s grown

FALL 2023

Setting Herself Up for Success

Giving in Love and Memory This July, the kids of the Masonic Children’s Home spent a full day at Knoebels, an amusement park located in Elysburg, Pennsylvania, which was opened by the grandfather of park president Brother Richard Knoebel, Elysburg Lodge No 414, in 1926.

The kids had a blast exploring the numerous rides and games and enjoyed a nice lunch with many sweet treats.

This warm summer day was filled to the brim with fun and was made possible by Bro. Fred Sample, a generous children’s home donor. Mr. Knoebel, himself, also contributed funds to help pay for the bus and provide lunch and tickets to the children for rides and the pool.

Fred moved to Masonic Village at Elizabethtown alongside his wife, Mary Jane in 2004. After living on campus for some time, the couple grew very fond of the children’s home and supported them financially when possible. Fred and Mary Jane attended the Masonic Children’s Home Youth Appreciation Day every year together and were continually amazed at how much good came from the organization.

When the love of his life passed away this past March, Fred had a strong desire to do something in her memory.

He knew Mary Jane had a special place in her heart

HOME’S GROWN KIDS

SUMMER 2023

“My wife fell in love with those kids, especially the ones who stood up there on-stage, brave

enough to speak,” Fred said. “I just don’t know how anyone wouldn’t fall in love with that.”

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Mr. Knoebel, residents and staff of Bleiler Cottage and residents and staff of the Masonic Children’s Home.

for the children’s home and felt encouraged to give a generous amount to the organization in her honor.

“She always admired the program and fell in love with it again each year at Youth Appreciation Day,” Fred said. “It is obvious that the children benefit from the experiences at the children’s home.”

Mary Jane enjoyed working with children and volunteered as a Sunday school teacher. Fred knew the financial contribution given to sponsor the Knoebels trip would create a day full of smiles and laughter, which is what Mary Jane loved the most. Fred has seen first-hand how the children’s home benefits young lives daily and feels blessed to give back.

HOME’S GROWN KIDS

SUMMER 2023

“I have lived here long enough to see the youngsters line up at Youth Appreciation Day, and then a couple years later, they have successfully graduated from high school,” said Fred. “They are so worth supporting.”

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ou are older than 70 ½ and have a traditional IRA, a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) is usually the number one way to give to the Masonic Children’s Home. You avoid tax on any amount given from your IRA to charity, which is like getting a free tax deductio r advisor about dividing up your QCD among your favorite charities, including the Masonic Children’s Home. Remember, if you don’t need your Required Minimum Distribution, then turning it into a QCD is an added benefit. ol Chew is a Masonic Vil age resident who decided to create a QCD in support of the kids at the children’s home. Financial professionals suggested a QCD to her, and she decided to donate in memory of her husband, Charles. arles and Carol met while golfing at Masonic Vil age, and were married for 15 years. Carol remembers Charles by his generous and selfless spirit and wanted to honor him. showed true kindness and was a beautiful person,” Carol said. “He had always loved children, having four sons of his own and mentored kids who faced difficulties in his free time during retirement.” We can help you create a QCD to achieve your goals while support

The First Day of School

HOME’S GROWN KIDS

SUMMER 2023

The first day of school is always a day filled with nerves, excitement and anticipation of what the new year will bring. These photos capture some of the emotions among the children as they boarded the school bus to begin the big day!

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on. Yes, it’s more complicated than writing a check, but once you do, you wil never look back. Please contact The Masonic Charities Office of Mission Advancement and Development (previously known as the Office of Gift Planning) for a FREE QCD Kit, then talk to

HOME’S GROWN KIDS

SUMMER 2023

ting our mission. Please contact us at 1-800-599-6454 or visit our website at www.MasonicCharitiesLegacy.org for more information. Everything we do for you comes with no cost or obligation.

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HOME’S GROWN GROWN KIDS KIDS HOME’S

SPRING 2022 SUMMER 2023

“The children’s home has shaped me in many ways, and I cannot thank them enough.”

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Setting Herself Up for Success

“I had multiple panic attacks, which led me to begging my mom to put me in the children’s home,” Noelia said.

At 8 years old, Noelia’s wishes came true when she reunited with her brothers in 2012. Although the move was scary, she adjusted quickly and began to enjoy the support and companionship she received. Noelia’s feelings of anxiety and loneliness vanished immediately, as the children’s home provided an environment for her to grow and develop into the individual she is today.

Noelia remembers the warm welcoming faces of her houseparents and housemates who made her transition to the children’s home seamless. A new sense of belonging entered Noelia’s young life, allowing her to thrive and connect with those around her.

Rina, Noelia and Cassie celebrate their high school graduation.

One of her favorite memories includes Cassie, a housemate who became more like a sister. Noelia and Cassie would wake up extremely early to play with their toys and talk to Mrs. Ruth about her delicious breakfast desserts.

This simple, yet adored memory, sticks with Noelia today as she reflects on the relationships formed during her time spent at the children’s home.

“The children’s home has definitely set me up for success,” Noelia said.

“Philadelphia did not always have promising education systems, and if I had stayed, I do not believe I would have thought about college.”

After graduating from the children’s home in 2022, Noelia began attending Northampton Community College to pursue a degree in radiography.

The support of a new friend group and the study habits formed at the children’s home helped Noelia conquer the challenging first year of college.

Currently, Noelia works at St. Luke’s University Hospital, where she serves as a patient observation attendant and a read room liaison. She also works as a sales associate at AutoZone, which has expanded her knowledge and confidence in car maintenance.

When she is not studying or working, Noelia can be found playing with her cat, Manolo, or going on long walks. After college graduation in 2025, she hopes to broaden her knowledge in radiography by continuing her profession at St. Luke’s University Hospital as an X-ray technician. As she advances, Noelia desires to pursue further education in other radiology modalities and work at a larger hospital.

“The children’s home has shaped me in many ways, and I cannot thank them enough,” Noelia said. “They allowed me to grow and develop into the person I am today. I am able to speak for myself, make friends easily and have meaningful conversations.”

Noelia steps into the future with confidence, knowing new opportunities, connections and perspectives wait patiently for her along the way.

SUMMER 2023

When her older brothers, Josh and Nestor, left their home in North Philadelphia to join the children’s home in 2007, Noelia quickly began to feel isolated. On top of the loneliness, she began to experience extreme cases of bullying at the elementary school she attended.

“If it wasn’t for Mrs. Doran and Mrs. Hendershot, two of the most amazing tutors I have ever had, I would not have the great study habits I have now helping me through college,” Noelia said.

HOME’S GROWN KIDS

“Every loss leads to an opportunity, and every adversity leads to new possibilities,” is a special adage Noelia Morales confidently stands by. The Masonic Children’s Home alumnus likes to encourage all individuals to use adversity as an opportunity to excel.

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SPRING 2022 SUMMER 2023 HOME’S GROWN KIDS

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A Smooth Ride This spring, our Chevrolet Suburban was damaged in an accident.

Thankfully, no children or staff were hurt, but due to the age of the Suburban, amount of miles and the damage, the vehicle was totaled.

Thanks to our generous donors, we were able to purchase a new Toyota Highlander. The children were excited to see the new car!

Consider a Qualified Charitable Distribution Today Maximize Your Charitable Impact ...

Benefit from the Advantages a QCD Provides Benjamin Franklin coined the phrase, “a penny saved is a penny earned.” Albert Einstein noted that “the most powerful force in the universe is compounding interest.”

If you take their advice to heart, you may be interested in considering a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD).

If you would like to discuss options for optimizing your donation to your favorite Masonic Charity while avoiding additional tax burdens, we would be happy to assist you. Return the enclosed business reply envelope or contact us today:

With diligent savings and the help of tax deferral, you may have seen your traditional retirement accounts grow substantially. But once you reach 70½ years of age, you will be required to take minimum distributions (RMDs), even if you don’t need the RMDs to cover your living expenses. RMDs are included in your income and may cause you to be taxed at higher rates.

Office of Mission Advancement and Development

You maximize the charitable impact since it is not reduced by the income taxes you would pay on the RMDs.

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You reduce your income tax liability since QCDs are excluded from your income.

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You obtain the tax benefit even if you do not itemize deductions or if your deductions are phased out because of your income level.

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You have the flexibility to time your QCDs through regular installments or by one or more QCDs.

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If you are married and file a joint tax return, the limit is increased to $200,000 each year. Beginning in 2023, individuals will be allowed to make a QCD of up to $50,000 to establish a life income gift, such as a charitable gift annuity or charitable remainder trust.

SUMMER 2023

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View our charitable solicitation disclosures by scanning the QR code.

HOME’S GROWN KIDS

If you are at least 73 years of age, the IRS allows you to donate up to $100,000 each year directly from your retirement accounts to a charity. This may have several benefits for you and your charity of choice:

One Masonic Dr., Elizabethtown, PA 17022 1-800-599-6454 giving@masoniccharitiespa.org

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Thank You ALL GIFTS GIVEN MAY. 1 - AUG. 31

HONORARIUM GIFTS

SCHOLAR DONORS

AUTHOR

HONOREE

DONOR

Martin and Harriet Schneider

Robert Girling

Linda and Larry Brand

Barbara Kolchin

Robert D. Brink

Marty Katz

Sebastian D. Burrier

David Burrier

Lori Dixon

Barbara Kolchin

Steph Geib

Barbara Kolchin

Lance Martin

Isabel Martin

Maxine Silber

Elizabeth Shimek Silber

Kayleigh Zipser

Steven and Dolores Daly

Rich and Susan Kirk Jay and Nancy Smith Margaret Hoffmann Lou and Janet Wahl

EDUCATOR William Bronstein

MENTOR Samuel and Joyce Reed Gary T. Powell

Richard Lee Hovis Fred Sample

ou are older than 70 ½ and have a traditional IRA, a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) is usually the number one way to give to the Masonic Children’s Home. You avoid tax on any amount given from your IRA to charity, which is like getting a free tax uction. Yes, it’s more complicated than writing a check, but once you do, you wil never look back. Please contact The Masonic Charities Office of Mission Advancement and Development (previously known as the Office of Gift Planning) for a FREE QCD Kit, then to your advisor about dividing up your QCD among your favorite charities, including the Masonic Children’s Home. Remember, if you don’t need your Required Minimum Distribution, then turning it into a QCD is an added benefit. ol Chew is a Masonic Vil age resident who decided to create a QCD in support of the kids at the children’s home. Financial professionals suggested a QCD to her, and she decided to donate in memory of her husband, Charles. arles and Carol met while golfing at Masonic Vil age, and were married for 15 years. Carol remembers Charles by his generous and selfless spirit and wanted to honor him. showed true kindness and was a beautiful person,” Carol said. “He had always loved children, having four sons of his own and mentored kids who faced difficulties in his free time during retirement.” We can help you create a QCD to achieve your goals while porting our mission. Please contact us at 1-800-599-6454 or visit our website at www.MasonicCharitiesLegacy.org for more information. Everything we do for you comes with no cost or obligation.

HOME’S GROWN KIDS

SUMMER 2023

Enjoy our new look!

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Make sure to check out the redesign of the Masonic Children’s Home website. The newly revamped site is part of an ongoing effort to modernize all of the Masonic Charities properties.

MEMORIAL GIFTS

MEMORIAL

DONOR

Anne R. Berlin

Cheston Berlin

Nancy Biehl

Clark Biehl

Linda Cherris

Ann Finkbeiner

Charles and Mary Class

Rich and Susan Kirk

Marvin A. Cunningham

Raymond and Darlene Fairfax

Tammy L. Diem

Jack Diem

William "Bill" Drexel

Thelma Drexel

Katherine M. Dubbs

Wayne and Debra Dubbs

Proctor Welcher

LaVerne Welcher

Barbara Fine

Richard Fine

Nancy Wishard

Betty Deibert

Norman Funk

Vernon and Carole Connor

George A. Wolfe

Thomas and Catherine Wolfe

Wesley and Caroline Hartman

Wesley and Patricia Hartman

Joseph Zelez

Andrew and Doris Zelez

Rodney Hawley

Eugene and Anna Kline

Jay Tarnopolski

Philip and Kristen Bueki

David S. Hedglin and Mary (Forrester) Hedglin

Thomas Senior

Royden Tyger

Joel Hersh and Cynthia Tyger

Burton and Grace Hineline

Todd Hineline and Cyndi Bartynski

Jack Ward

George Loesel

Robert J. Hirsch

Matthew Hirsch

Ralph Weast

Jon and Linda Gregory

Joseph F. Izzo

Billy and Brianne Izzo

John W. Wells II

Carol Brodie

Jennifer Johnstonbaugh

Cody and Kalin Davidson

Dale R. Jones

Carol Jones

William Kaufmann

Eugene and Anna Kline

Earl M. Kline

Eugene and Anna Kline

Mae Kline

Eugene and Anna Kline

Eva and Peter Kolchin

Barbara Kolchin

Mary Anne McLellan

Edwin and Carol McCombs

Timothy O. Meckley

Carol Meckley

Anna Kolchin Mellin

Barbara Kolchin

Elmer J. Nicklas, Jr.

Ann Nicklas

Damian Patterson

Andrew and Doris Zelez

Emerson Blaine Pletcher

Nellie Pletcher

John W. Prosser

John Prosser

Samuel L. "Sam" Reed

Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors

Paul B. Richards

Carol Meckley

Sherena Ross

Allen and Linda Ross

Mary Jane Sample

Fred Sample

Elaine S. Sertway

Jon Sertway

George Sharp

June Sharp

Judith Singer

David Newall

Nancy Lee Smith

Jay Smith

Arthur St. Clair and Phoebe Bayard St. Clair

Jim Robb

Grant Stetzler

Jane Stetzler

J. L. Sturgis, Jr.

William Strimple

Henry E. Sulkowski

Margaret Sulkowski

Roland A. Turley

Helen Turley

George Warrick, Jr.

Paul Risk Associates Janet Rohrer

Mr. and Mrs. William Lowe Dennis and Deborah Meals Raymond and Jane Sader Howard and Carol Scull Todd Wert

Arthur and Dorothy Wert

Earl and Florence Wolf

Stewart Wolf

Edward I. Zall

Stephen and Greta Kenney

SUMMER 2023

Blair and Candis Trogner

Carol Stange

HOME’S GROWN KIDS

Martin M. Sacks & Associates

Frederick Stange

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MASONIC CHILDREN'S HOME Masonic Charities Office of Mission Advancement and Development One Masonic Drive • Elizabethtown, PA 17022-2219

You’re helping our youth achieve great things!

Thank you for your support.