SPRING 2014

Michigan Masonic Charitable Foundation1200 Wright AvenueAlma, Michigan 48801

IssueIn This

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDGRAND RAPIDS, MI

PERMIT #231

Showing your support for the Foundation is now as easy as 1-2-3!

When you donate online, you can also sign up to become a sustaining member. Simply select the amount you’d like charged to your credit or debit card each month, fill out the quick, secure online form and you’re done! There’s no fee for the service and you can cancel anytime.

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Return the postage paid envelope with your personal check enclosed.

Call the Foundation’s business office at 800-994-7400 and make a credit card donation over the phone.

Visit us online at www.mmcfonline.org and click on Invest Today!

BETWEEN

• Brother William Schultz “Masonry is a way of life . . .”

• Almoners Fund “Do you know a brother in financial distress?”

• Live Better At Home™ “Helping Michigan Masons live better”

• Learning Series “Learn from the experts.”

• A Legacy of Giving “The many options for giving”

• Upcoming Events “May 2014 thru June 2015”

• Keith Bankwitz “Retirement Party”

friends

Support is Easy

Worshipful Brother William “Uncle Bill” Schultz is a member of the Michigan Masonic Charitable Foundation (MMCF) Lewis Cass Legacy Society and is an MMCF Consecutive Giver.

Bill graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School and attended Western Michigan University. A determined young man, he started his first business at the age of 10 when he sold vegetables from his “little red cart.” At age 14 he broke his leg high jumping causing him to miss most of a semester of school. Determined to graduate with his class, Bill carried an extra class each year for four years. Clearly the grit and determination that he displayed as a young man carried over and served him well as an adult.

Bill began his college career while working at the A&P for 30 cents an hour. Brother Bill became the “bread winner” for his family after one and a half years of college due to his father being laid off from his job. “There were no unemployment benefits in those days.” On August 10, 1940, Bill and his wife, Bernice, married at the Stetson Chapel at Western Michigan University. Bernice passed away in 1999 after 59 years of marriage.

Brother Bill is a veteran of World War II where he learned to cook and became head chef to General Emmons (a three star general). He received a Commendation Medal for his service. “I received some favored treatment in the army because I enlisted and wore a Masonic ring.”

Bill worked for Sutherland Paper as an apprentice printer upon completion of his military service. Subsequently, he was asked to run the food service department which he did until 1957, when Brother Bill

purchased and ran the Tri County Fence Company. When you see Bill, ask him about his “collections” process. He also owned and operated Acme Industrial Food Service and Vending. Bill retired in 1977.

“I received a Christmas gift from my wife to join the Masonic Lodge. It cost her $100 in 1943.”

In 1943 Bill was raised in the Anchor Lodge of S.O. #87, now known as Kalamazoo-Anchor #22. Our brother became a member of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite (Valley of Grand Rapids) in 1954. He served as Most Wise Master of Robinson Chapter of Rose Croix in

1972. He served on the Valley’s Board of Trustees and received the Valley Membership Award. Brother Bill was Coroneted with the 33rd degree in 1977. Bill’s York Rite resume includes membership in Kalamazoo Chapter #13 RAM, Kalamazoo Council #63, R&SM and Peninsular Commandery #8, KT where he served as Eminent Commander in 1970. Bill was active in the St. Vincent Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine and was Patron of Corinthian Chapter OES in 1949. He served as a board member of the

Kalamazoo Assembly Rainbow for Girls and the Kalamazoo Chapter and the Order of DeMolay.

continued on page 4

You can viewBrother Schultz’s

MMCF oral history interview on

http://www.youtube.com/watch?

v=7fJFb7IJP1w

“Masonry is a way of life . . . A way to fulfill your life.”

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Happy Retirement Keith1997 to 2014

“During my 17 years with the Michigan Masonic Charitable Foundation I have been privileged to meet many fine Masons and their wives in Michigan and at the Florida and Arizona annual reunions. I have enjoyed my time with the Charitable Foundation, and I am looking forward to starting a new chapter of my life. I wish everyone all the best.”

~ Keith Bankwitz

Theresa Lemke, Walt Wheeler PGM and Executive Director MMCF, Keith Bankwitz, Kelly McPherson, Peggy Wright and Bruce Rice bid Keith farewell.

Keith cuts the cake!

Walt, Keith andCindy Bosley, Masonic Pathways CEO

Don Carman, PGM and Keith Fred Kaiser, PGM and KeithTed Praria, PGM and Keith

Keith, David & Betty Bradley,and Duane Todd

Keith and Karen & JimBiddinger

Dick Wisley, Walt, and Bill Finkel

Michigan Masonic Charitable Foundation

Almoners Fund al•mo•ner noun \al - m - n r: an olde English word meaning “ the official distributor of another’s charitable gift”.

e e

Do you know a brother who is in financial distress? Sometimes we are called upon to help a brother maintain the necessities of life in times of dire need. In order for the Michigan Masonic Charitable Foundation to come to the aid of a brother in need through its

Almoners Fund, we need to be made aware of the need.

Referrals to the Almoners Fund are confidential. A discreet inquiry will promptly follow a referral and, if found to qualify, assistance will be provided.Relief of those in distress is a tenet of the Masonic fraternity. In these difficult economic times, many of our brothers need our help and, as Masons, we are obligated to provide that assistance.

A brother who received assistance from the Michigan Masonic Charitable Foundation wrote to the

Executive Director, Most Worshipful Brother Walt Wheeler:

“You gentlemen very well may have helped me save my own life. I will forever be thankful and indebted to each and every one of you.”

Your Michigan Masonic Charitable Foundation, through its many programs, strives to help our fraternity fulfill our Masonic obligation to care for our members. You can help by referring those in need. You can also help through your financial support of the Michigan Masonic Charitable Foundation. To ensure that your donation is used to directly support brothers in need, you may designate the Almoners Fund.

To learn more about the Almoners Fund or to refer a brother in need contact:

Walt Wheeler, PGMExecutive Director MMCF

1-800-994-7400, ext. 4339or send an email to

wwheeler@mmcfonline.org.

Masonic SweetheartsAs Masons we have promised to take care of the widows of our departed Brethren. To help us in accomplishing this task the Michigan Masonic Charitable Foundation has established a Masonic Sweethearts program that will enable us as Masons to effectively fulfill this obligation. Whenever you find out about a Brother’s passing take a moment to contact Theresa Lemke at the Michigan Masonic Charitable Foundation and help our widows know they are still a part of our Masonic family.

Theresa Lemke 800-994-7400 tlemke@mmcfonline.org

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Live Better At Home™A Program of . . .

Last June, through a mailing to every Michigan Mason, Masonic Pathways launched their new Live Better At Home™ program. In less than a year, they have reached out to brothers from nearly 200 Lodges, and touched the lives of those living throughout Michigan and 26 other states.

Just how are they helping to make Michigan Masons live better?

Their information and referral “800” call center has assisted hundreds of Masons seeking information on Financial, Medical, Respite and In-Home Services. They’ve helped our members to find affordable transportation to crucial appointments, apply for Veterans benefits, relocate to safe and suitable housing within their community, seek specialized medical care, acquire affordable medical equipment, and even find a perfect “hotel” for their beloved pet.

Sometimes they just listen when a member has nowhere else to turn. Often they serve as the “go between” when families are divided and struggling to make a decision. There are no age limits for those who need their help, no concern too big or too small, just certified specialists ready to make lives better and deliver peace of mind to your loved ones.

The call center is open from 8am to 5pm, Monday through Friday, and it is not surprising that Mondays are their busiest day of the week. Callers have often visited a friend or relative over the weekend, and discovered a situation that is beyond their capability to correct. Where do you start? Just dial 800-321-9357.There is no cost and no time constraints. In fact, the

average time of an initial call to Live Better At Home™ is 46 minutes. Ensuing information and referral calls average 75 minutes.

For those who are under-insured or have no prescription coverage, Live Better At Home™ has partnered with NeedyMeds in providing financial relief. Beyond an average savings of over $30 per prescription, NeedyMeds can and has assisted our members in negotiating with drug companies to reduce the prohibitive cost of drugs to manageable.

A recent negotiation resulted in decreasing a brother’s monthly average drug cost from the thousands into the hundreds. He is now taking drugs that he otherwise could not afford, and living better as a result.

Calls to Live Better At Home™ often uncover complex concerns, requiring face to face communication. For those, the program offers fee-based Care Management. Specialists visit you at home to assess your specific needs and prepare your individualized care plan.

After nearly a year of fielding calls and visiting homes, Live Better At

Home™ discovered a pretty clear pattern in requests for assistance. To provide education and answers to those most frequently asked questions, they now offer a series of “on the road” educational opportunities (see inset).

We encourage you to take advantage of these informational presentations, bring one or more to your lodge and, through the Live Better At Home™ program, help more Masons live better.

For more information call 800-321-9357.

A Legacy of Sharinghelping Masons live better.

L E A R N I N G S E R I E S

you’r

e inv

ited!

This is a unique opportunity to learn directly from the professionals.

We’ve lined up some of the top experts in their field to helpexplain and answer questions about the following topics:

VABENEFITS

DPOA(Durable Power of

Attorney / Advanced Directives Workshop)

MEDICAREPART D

FINANCIALPLANNING

OUTREACH101

HOME CARESERVICES

Please call to book one of these great educational programs and reserve your date. We’ll come to you!

800-321-9357brought to you by . . .

a program of . . .

UpcomingEvents 5 / 9 / 2014 Sweethearts’ Tea . . . . . . . . . Doig Conference Center . . . . . Alma

5 / 18 - 21 / 2014 Annual Communication . . . . . Amway Grand . . . . . . . . . . . Grand Rapids

6 / 7/ 2014 LCLS Annual Dinner . . . . . . Doig Chapel (Masonic Pathways) . . Alma

6 / 21 / 2014 Grand Master’s Reception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Escanaba

6 / 28 / 2014 Friends of the Foundation Dinner . . . . . . . . Holiday Inn Express . . . . . . . Marquette

6 / 29 / 2014 Friends of the Foundation Dinner . . . . . . . . Elks Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sault Sainte Marie

7 / 26 / 2014 5th Annual Square & Compass Golf Outing . . . . . . . . . . . . McGuire’s Resort . . . . . . . . . Cadillac

9 / 7 / 2014 Friends of the Foundation Dinner . . . . . . . . Hagerty Center. . . . . . . . . . . Traverse City

11 / 11 / 2014 Veterans Day Service . . . . . . Doig Chapel (Masonic Pathways) . . Alma

12 / 9 / 2014 Residents Philanthropy Holiday Open House. . . . . . . Doig Chapel (Masonic Pathways) . . Alma

12 / 11 / 2014 Sweethearts’ Dinner . . . . . . . Boones Long Lake Inn . . . . . . Traverse City

1 / 31 / 2015 Florida Reunion . . . . . . . . . Jacaranda Club. . . . . . . . . . . Venice, FL

2 / 28 / 2015 Arizona Reunion . . . . . . . . . Briarwood Country Club . . . . Sun City West, AZ

3 / 14 / 2015 Bowl - A - Thon . . . . . . . . . Royal Scot Lanes . . . . . . . . . Lansing

4 / 11 / 2015 Tennesee Reunion . . . . . . . . Fairfield Glade . . . . . . . . . . . Crossville, TN

6 / 6 / 2015 Henry Ford Museum LCLS Annual Dinner . . . . . . Greenfield Village . . . . . . . . . Detroit

MasonicQwikPix

Walt Wheeler, PGM & MMCF Executive Director presents a Sweetheart pin to

Mrs. Beverly Williams at the Florida Reunion

Bill LeVeque introduces Paul Howell and Tom Skoog at the Arizona Reunion,

February 22, 2014

Randy Caudle, shows off the beautiful Masonic bowling ball he won at the

March 8, 2014 Bowl-A-Thon in Lansing, MI

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James H. Buelk . . .November 1, 1926 - June 4, 2013

The depth of passion James H. Buelk felt for his Masonic brothers and his fellowman was realized when the Michigan Masonic Charitable Foundation received a check in the amount of $1,000,000 from his estate in January. A member of West Gate- Cyrus Lodge No. 520 for more than 60 years, he served many years as lodge secretary. The donation was designated to provide assistance to Masonic Pathways . Mr. Buelk’s generosity will long be remembered and will reinforce the Masonic legacy of giving.

A Legacy of Giving

The Michigan Masonic Charitable Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation.Michigan Charitable Solicitation License No. MICS 13630.

❏ I would like to make my gift (check your choice below): ❍ In memory of: ❍ In honor of:

Name:

Address:

Memorial Gifts:

Making a donation? Please clip, fill out and return with your payment in the enclosed reply envelope. Thank you!

Everything we do at the Michigan Masonic Charitable Foundation can only be done through the generosity and dedication of our donors. The donor clubs help us recognize and express our sincere appreciation to our donors at every level of giving.

Fellowcraft SocietyFor those donors wishing to make a monthly recurring gift, we have added a new level of recognition, the Fellowcraft Society. Because recurring donations can be processed automatically, they help reduce the cost to the Foundation, allowing a greater percentage of your gift to be invested in our programs. Recurring gifts, spread over time, allow a simple, convenient way to show your support without putting a strain on your budget.

Pictured left to right: Greg Mapes, Masonic Pathways Board President; Sam Borrello, PM, Dearborn Lodge #172; Richard Robert, PM, Westgate-Cyrus

Lodge #520; Walt Wheeler, PGM, Executive Director Michigan Masonic Charitable Foundation; and Mike Jungel, PGM, Grand Treasurer

Plant the seed . . .and watch it grow.

Please designate my gift to the following program:❑ The Almoners Fund

❑ Outside Relief

❑ Masonic Sweethearts

❑ Masonic Orphans

❑ Masonic Educational Assistance

❑ Masonic Model Student Assistance Program

❏ Please charge a total of $ to my

❏ VISA ❏ MasterCard ❏ Discover ❏ American Express

Account # Exp. Date

Name as listed on card

Address of person listed on card

City State Zip Code

Phone Area Code ( ) Number

Signature CCV* *Credit Card Verification (CCV) number is a 3 or 4 digit number found on the back of your credit cardin the signature section.

❏ I have a gift planned in my trust / estate to the Michigan Masonic Charitable Foundation.

❏ Please call me; I would like to learn more.

My phone number is:

❑ Community Charities and Scholarship Matching Grants

❑ Masonic Youth Groups

❑ The Michigan Child ID Program

❑ Masonic Pathways / Live Better At Home™

❑ MIchigan Masonic Museum and Library

Charge card information:

Brother Bills’ civic activities have gone beyond Masonry. He served on the Board of Directors of the Kalamazoo Society for Crippled Children and Adults for 23 years, Gull Lake Rotary Club and the AMVETS. Brother Bill currently divides his time between homes in Kalamazoo, Michigan, in the warmer months and Sun City Center, Florida, when it gets cool.

Brother Bill is a joy to speak with and loves to share a story or two. Bill Schultz is truly a “gem” in Michigan Masonry and represents what all Masons should aspire to be.

Bill Schultz . . . continued from page 1

Learning SeriesLegacy of Giving Programs

PLANNING

LEARNING

Giving

HELPING

Learn relevant information from the experts to help youand your lodge assist Masons to . . . Live Better.

MICHIGAN MASONICMUSEUM AND LIBRARY

SWEETHEARTS SOCIETYAND ORPHANS PROGRAM

COMMUNITY CHARITIESMake your Lodge $ go farther

YOUTH ARE THE FUTURE• Child ID Program • Scholarships• MMSAP • Masonic Youth Groups

CHARITABLE GIFTPLANNING

HELPING YOUR LODGEBROTHERS IN NEED

• Almoners Fund • Educational Assistance• Masonic Outside Relief

Walt WheelerPGM,

Executive Director

Bruce RiceDevelopment

Officer

Theresa Lemke Development

Officer

Craig Maison Lodge Liaison

Officer

To schedule one of these educationalprograms for your lodge, call:

800-994-7400

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