I hope that everyone is doing well.

Great things are happening with YOUR Scottish Rite Foundation. Last week was the Foundations Fundraising cruise. Ill. Rick Hoover, SGIG hosted over 45 people throughout the Valleys including my wife and myself. This event gave us an opportunity to have fun, unwind, socialize while raising money for the Scottish Rite Foundation of Florida. I will tell you that because of the storm our itinerary had to change, and we had to stay at sea 2 extra days. But I can tell you I suffered through it, hahaha.

At the October meeting the Valley of Orlando will be presenting the first round of Sabal Palm certificates. Please come on out and see what this program does and see who was honored.

As a reminder, here is a description of the program:

Recently the Orient of Florida started a new initiative called the “Florida Sabal Palm Program.”  This program allows you to purchase a Sabal Palm for $50. This donation can be made in Honor of a distinguished individual that you admire and wish to recognize, and/or in memory of a deceased brother, friend, or family member or in the name of another organization.

For each Florida Sabal Palm you purchase, you will receive a beautiful certificate signed by the Sovereign Grand Inspector General. In addition, with the purchase of your first Florida Sabal Palm you will receive a special lapel pin that can be worn at any time. You can purchase as many Florida Sabal Palms as you would like. In increments of five (5) you will receive a fob to attach to your lapel. When you have purchased enough to qualify for your next fob, you will turn in your current fob to receive your new one. These can be purchased by contacting our General Secretary Ill. Keith Albright.

As for where we are raising money for YOUR Scottish Rite Foundation of Florida, the Valley of Orlando has raised $13,173 of the obligated $40,000 for the fiscal year 2024-2025. As a fundraising opportunity I will be selling custom woodworking items, mostly holiday themed, at the October, November, and December meetings where proceeds benefit the foundation.

So, I ask you, Brothers, Family and Friends to consider donating any amount that you can to help “Your” Scottish Rite Foundation of Florida make our goal. Remember, the money you donate helps these children obtain therapy for their speech and learning limitations. The money you donate is the only way that these children can get the help they need.

In closing, thank you for all you have done, are doing, and will do for our fraternity.

Fraternally,

Jay Cebollero, 32° KCCH

Scottish Rite Foundation of Florida Trustee

—

“What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others is immortal.”