The Holiday Season is Coming ... and So Are Our Masonic Charities Appeals
What are they, and why do they Matter to the Mission?
As the holiday season approaches, we are reminded of the spirit of giving and the difference it can make. For organizations like ours, the support we receive during the holiday season is crucial to fulfilling our mission. Donor contributions through holiday appeal letters are not only a gesture of generosity but also a lifeline for the work we do year-round.
In a few short weeks, you’ll receive a letter in the mail from your favorite Masonic charity sharing how you can ensure its mission continues to impact lives in meaningful ways.
This year, the Masonic Villages appeal offers two options. Donors may choose to contribute toward the provision of quality compassionate care to seniors who could not otherwise afford it. Alternatively, they may opt to support the Helping Hands Fund, designed to financially assist our dedicated Masonic Charities team members who are suffering personal hardship due to natural disasters or other emergencies beyond their control.
The Masonic Temple, Library and Museum appeal provides donors the opportunity to directly support efforts to preserve Pennsylvania’s rich Masonic history for visitors from around the world, enhance programming, create new exhibitions and help fund necessary structural repairs to ensure the integrity of the National Historic Landmark.
For those with a heart for youth, the Masonic Children’s Home appeal requests support to provide children who have faced overwhelming challenges
with a secure home, medical and dental care, nourishing meals, warm clothing, and educational and emotional support in time for the holidays.
Your donation this season ensures that we can start the coming year with the resources needed to continue making a difference.
“There’s something truly special about working with our donors during the holidays,” said Joyce May, corporate director of annual giving and operations.
“It’s a time when people feel more connected to the causes they care about, and we get to see firsthand how deeply they believe in the work we’re doing. Their generosity during this season helps us achieve so much more than we could otherwise. In many cases, it’s a win-win. Our donors are taking advantage of year-end tax benefits such as giving their required minimum distribution from their IRA, joining the Cornerstone Circle program or acquiring a Charitable Gift Annuity while making a difference in the lives of others.”
DONOR SPOTLIGHT: Barry Gould
While having a cup of coffee with a good friend, Brother Barry Gould contemplated the ad he kept noticing on the back of The Pennsylvania Freemason magazine. Although the CGA rates offered through the Masonic Charities interested both men, neither had ever inquired further.
Finally, Barry reached out to Brother Nick Mahler, Vice President for the Office of Mission Advancement and Development, to determine whether the rates were too good to be true.
“I thought the rate they were offering looked pretty good compared to others, and I had always contributed to the [Pennsylvania Masonic] youth foundation and blood club [now called the Masonic Blood+Organ Donor Program] in the past,” Barry, a retired educator, said.
Skeptical at first, Barry shared the illustration he received from Nick with his financial advisor and his tax consultant. Following some due diligence, Barry and his professional advisors worked with Nick to use appreciated shares of stock to fund a CGA with the Masonic Charities.
The resulting gift was a win-win for Barry and his favorite Masonic Charities. Barry will benefit from receiving income for life, bypassing the capital gains tax on the appreciated stock (resulting in 20% more to the charities) and receiving a tax deduction. He’s so pleased with his decision, he hopes to recommend it to others.
“I’m single and don’t have any children to pass my money on to,” Barry said. A 45-year Mason, twice Past Master and current member of John Jenks Hobah Lodge No. 276, Punxsutawney, he is very familiar with how the Masonic Charities help others in need. His legacy will make a significant difference to both youth and those needing life-saving blood or organ donations.
With so many scams and misinformation out there in today’s world, Barry was smart to be thorough in researching his options. The Office of Mission Advancement and Development team is available to collaborate with you and your advisors to help devise a charitable plan that is both meaningful and meets your financial goals and needs.
Benefits You’ll Enjoy
When Donating Appreciated Non-Cash Assets to the Masonic Charities
Learn about avoiding capital gains tax, enjoying tax deductions, earning income, donor advised funds and more from Nick Mahler, Vice President, Office of Mission Advancement & Development.
Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2 - 3 p.m.
Masonic Village at Sewickley Clubhouse Assembly Room
RSVP to Kerry Safran via phone 412-749-6864 or email ksafran@masonicvillages.org or to Patty Frost via phone 412-741-1400 ext. 43011 or email PFrost@masonicvillages.org
Tuesday, Nov. 12, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Masonic Village at Elizabethtown Keystone Room
RSVP to Mary Meszaros via phone 717-367-1121, ext. 33460 or email mmeszaros@masonicvillages.org
Masonic Charity in ACTION
Hundreds of Masonic widows attended receptions across the state over the past year, which offered opportunities to learn about the benefits available to them, meet other members of the family of Freemasonry and receive their Blue Slipper membership pin. Membership in the Widows’ Guild has grown to 1,743.
The Masonic Blood+Organ Donor Program has supported lodges in hosting over 160 blood drives in 2024, resulting in the collection of 2,877 units of blood to date. Since each unit can save up to three lives, our donors may have saved up to 8,631 lives!
The Masonic Village at Elizabethtown music therapy department recently received a special recorder to capture a resident’s heartbeat and coordinate music with it for their families to cherish.
This precious gift was made possible through a donation from a family member in memory of her mother, who loved music.
The Masonic Temple, Library and Museum of PA recently received two Visit Philly Liberty Bell Awards for “Most Iconic Museum or Attraction Entrance” and “Best-Kept Secret,” as well as Philadelphia Magazine’s “Best of Philly 2024 Tour” award.
INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE?
Mission Matters is published quarterly to provide smart, tax-friendly ways to give to charity; estate planning considerations; resources available to Pennsylvania Masons and their families; and Masonic Charities program highlights. If you’ve found the information in this issue useful, consider signing up to receive it on a regular basis by emailing giving@masonicvillages.org or calling 1-800-599-6454
Elizabethtown, PA 17022
Consider These Smart Giving Opportunities
Transferring cash or property to Masonic Charities through a Charitable Gift Annuity provides you or your designated annuitant a secure source of fixed payments for life (which may be partially taxfree) and an income tax deduction for the charitable gift portion of the annuity. You may also make a gift of appreciated securities to fund a gift annuity and avoid a portion of the capital gains tax.
A Qualified Charitable Distribution allows individuals 70 ½ or older to donate to charity from a taxable IRA instead of taking their required minimum distributions. Doing so will reduce your taxes and provide lifetime fixed payments for you and, if you choose, for your spouse.
One of the easiest and most flexible ways to leave a gift to Masonic Charities, a Bequest provides an estate tax charitable deduction while creating a lasting legacy for the donor.
By gifting Appreciated Stocks & Property to Masonic Charities, you can avoid capital gains tax, receive federal income tax deductions and convert market uncertainty to guaranteed stable income. Join our Cornerstone Circle, a
