2ND ANNUAL CIGAR & BASKET OF CHEER RAFFLE

By: Deputy Master, Duane Elliott, 32°

In the midst of the record-breaking heat wave (over 100-degree heat index) stretching across the United States of America, the “Baltimore City Lodge of Perfection” held its Second Annual “Cigar & Cognac Basket of Cheer” cookout and raffle. This event occurred on Saturday 29 July 2023 at Club 1226 (McCulloh Street) in Baltimore, Maryland.

Serving free hot dogs, hamburgers & cheesy chicken alfredo to our guests; the committee also sold seafood items of oysters & shrimp.

The fellowship enjoyed by all, lasted until about 4:45 pm. Things changed as it was time for the big event – the pulling of the winning raffle tickets at 5:00 pm. In a span of 15 minutes, friends became fierce competitors. The final winning raffle ticket was drawn at 5:17 pm. It turns out that last year’s reigning champion was also this year’s champion; good ol’ ‘Hector’! As the crowd went wild with laughter and cheer; the trashtalking for 2024 has already begun.

Special thanks to the establishment of Club 1226 for being such a gracious host. I would like to thank the committee members of Perfect Elu’s: Kevin Clark, DeWayne Vannoy, Nathaniel Carter, Jeffrey Scruggs, and Chimezie Ihuoma, who all had a major impact on making the event a success.

I would like to give a special shout-out to Perfect Elu Sheffield DaSilva for his efforts in producing our marketing materials.

Thank you, Thrice Potent Master Jayson Glenn, for your support by being the second-highest ticket sales.

Last and not least of all, I would like to thank you, the Members of our Masonic family, and the public who without your continued support “The Baltimore City Lodge of Perfection, Valley of Baltimore, Orient of Maryland” could not raise the funds to support Philanthropic activities.

Once again, thank you all and we look forward to seeing you in July 2024.■