Jesup
Shriners
Having Fun With a Purpose
Story by JOHN RIDDLE | Photos Courtesy of SHRINE CLUB
The Jesup Shrine Club has helped countless burned and disabled children through their support of the Shriner's Hospitals. They've also made countless children smile while doing it. IN DECEMBER, up to 200 Shriners descend on downtown Jesup to participate in the Chamber’s annual Christmas Parade. They come from all over the Alee Temple region, which covers 32 counties in southeast Georgia, to participate in what is deemed an “Alee Temple designated parade.” Well, that and the oyster and chili feast the Jesup Shrine Club prepares for them. For most of us, that's our impression of Shriners. Fun-loving guys who dress up like hillbillies or belly dancers and ride around on souped-up
go-karts or huddled together on a painted bus with music blaring. Then, we forget about them until the next parade. At first glance, it may all seem silly with no serious purpose. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Shriners have a deep and meaningful purpose. While parading is their number one activity, they dress up and act silly with a single goal in mind - to make a child smile. Of course, they also want to draw attention to their cause - helping children in need.
A group of current Jesup Shriners at a recent Shrine Club meeting: FRONT ROW Ridge Shefka - Secretary, Richard Burns, John B. Johnson, Caleb Poppell Treasurer, Timmy Rozier – President, BACK ROW Ronnie Jones, Bob Brannen, Jim Howell, William Bennett, Wade Knight, Jim Overstreet, Al Lane, Larry Brantley, Joey Courson. WAYNE WAYNE MAGAZINE MAGAZINE 29
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