NJ Pioneers Dinner Provides Opportunity to Thank CDC Contributors

NJ Pioneers Dinner Provides Opportunity to Thank CDC Contributors by Darien Koons, 32˚, Manager of Donor Relations

Generosity to our Children’s Dyslexia Centers comes in many forms. Some individuals are able to give generously of their time by volunteering any hours they can to help their center succeed. Others contribute their talents by sharing a skill or gift that is unique to them with the goal of helping children learn or growing the center’s impact. Lastly, we have those that contribute their treasure by donating money to help meet the financial needs of the program. While we often think of supporting our Scottish Rite Children’s Dyslexia Centers as just a financial commitment, those who donate their time and talents serve equally important roles.

On May 7th of this year, the Children’s Dyslexia Centers of New Jersey honored those who contributed of their time, their talents, and their treasure at its annual Pioneers Dinner. This dinner is named in honor of the five men who served as pioneers for the Children’s Dyslexia Centers in New Jersey and are largely responsible for its existence. It is because of these five men and the dedicated volunteers and donors who have followed in their footsteps that our New Jersey Centers enjoy the success that they do today.

At this year’s dinner—the first since 2019 due to the Coronavirus pandemic —more than 50 of the New Jersey Children’s Dyslexia Centers greatest supporters gathered for a night of fellowship, fun, and celebration as they looked back on the struggles and triumphs of the last year. At the event, Supreme Council Director of Charities Walter F. Wheeler, 33°; Executive Director Michael C. Russell, 32°; and Sovereign Grand Commander David A. Glattly, 33°, each spoke to the group to thank them for their incredible support and encourage them to continue their life-changing efforts.

A highlight of the evening was Ill. Brother Gerald Sharpe, 33°, telling his own story about growing up with dyslexia—making evident the challenges that this group of dedicated supporters works hard every day to eliminate for the students under their care. Brother Sharpe went on to talk about the impact that dyslexia intervention had on his life and how it influenced him to go into education himself.

While many of the attendees came to the event armed with donations in hand, the sole purpose of the event was clear —to give a hearty and well-deserved “thank you” to all for their involvement in our life-changing work.

Pioneers Club members (l to r): Verdon R. Skipper, 33˚; Kenneth L. Larsen, 33˚; Malcolm Wernik, 33˚; Donald D. “Pete” Miller, 33˚; and Thurman C. Pace Jr., 33˚.