To the Personal Representative, General Secretary, Officers and Members of Scottish Rite Valleys in Florida,

This year marks the 100th Anniversary for the young men of DeMolay in Florida. With the approval and support of our Sovereign Grand Inspector General, M∴W∴ Richard Hoover, 33º, I am reaching out to every Valley in our Grand Jurisdiction in hopes that you will join with me in congratulating our young men on this auspicious occasion.

In celebration of this milestone, DeMolay Florida launched a series of activities this past May, forever branded as the “Escape to Florida.” At this event, we hosted over 130 guests from 20 different DeMolay jurisdictions, as we came together to celebrate 100 years of fraternal success, providing a positive influence on our young people.

This January, we will host the second event in this series. Taking the place of our former Mini Conclave, the “Escape to Florida” was so well-received by our youth leaders and supporters from around the State of Florida and the United States, the young men voted to replace the annual Mini Conclave with this event for the next several years. To be held during Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend, the DeMolay Florida family will again host their group at Universal Studios; we hope to welcome young leaders from DeMolay, Rainbow and Jobs Daughters – as well as any supporters from our sponsoring Masonic community – from all corners of the globe, making it a truly international celebration.

Our Past Worthy Grand Matron Heather Earnhardt and Worthy Grand Patron Lance Kleinsmith, together with their their OES Grand Family, again plan to support this exciting event by sponsoring the Hospitality Suite at the host hotel, the Universal Studios Cabana Bay Resort.

Our website provides all the information about the event:  https://www.fldemolay.org/escapetoflorida/index.html

I am asking all Florida Scottish Rite Valleys & individual Brothers to consider a donation to honor our young men.

INDIVIDUAL/GROUP DONATIONS may be made either by check or PayPal. All donations, in any amount, are extremely helpful and appreciated!!!

Additionally, as an added bonus, any Valleys, Lodges, groups or individuals that donate $500 or more will be featured on the back of the commemorative t-shirt that every participant will receive to wear at Universal Studios.

Checks of any amount, payable to “DeMolay Florida,” should be mailed to: DeMolay Florida, PO Box 130205, Tampa, FL 33681-0205. Additionally, donations may be made via PayPal to accounting@fldemolay.com. Always remember to use the “Friends and Family” option to avoid PayPal administrative fees.

Please be reminded that DeMolay Florida is registered with the IRS as a 501c3 charitable organization, so donations may be tax deductible! (Confirmation/acknowledgement letters will be provided upon request).

I thank you, sincerely, for your continued support of our young leaders. I know that the Valleys of the Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite in the Orient of Florida will always step up to assist the DeMolays of Florida as they celebrate their centennial anniversary and the upcoming “Escape to Florida” event!

Sincerely & fraternally yours,

Dad Chris Danner, “Escape to Florida” Coordinator

Dad R. J. “Jody” Meguiar, Executive Officer of Florida