The Enchanted Lantern

The Humanitarian Foundation is the charitable philanthrophy of the Grottoes of North America. In 1950 the Enchanted Lantern was adopted as the symbol of those charitable endeavors. Contributions are placed in a 501C3 charitable trust. A $50 contributions made to the Humanitarian Foundation is recognized by an Enchanted Lantern certificate and emblem, which may be worn, and are sent to the donor. Contributions made to the Humanitarian Foundation are tax deductible.

In 1949 the Humanitarian Foundation was adopted at the Annual Session in Long Beach, California and the fund began with $65 in contributions. As of today members, their families, friends, co-workers and fellow Master Masons have made contributions to the Trust which exceeds $18,000,000. The interest from that trust is used to support our programs: Dental Care of Children with Special Needs and a yearly $30,000 contributions to United Cerebral Palsy Research. Last year the Dental program paid over $523,230 in dental care for children who qualified for our program. This year the program will expand due to a joint venture with Special Olympics, Special Smiles Program. Local Grottoes are working with the local Special Olympic events, helping the Dentists screen the athletes for dental problems. The dental program is then able to financially help those who qualify, with followup dental treatment.

If you would like to be a part of these programs, and would like to make a contribution to the Grottoes of North America to continue to help put smiles on these very special children, no matter what the size, please feel free to print an Enchanted Lantern Request form or a Gifts, Wills and Bequests form and forward your contribution to the address listed.