Friends of Scottish Rite Dinner & Auction

About the Scottish Rite Foundation

Founded in 1972, the Scottish Rite Foundation's mission is:

Helping kids to talk who can not speak,
to write who are not literate, and
to educate those will serve as leaders

For nearly 40 years, the Scottish Rite has served this mission by supporting numerous philanthropic activities and programs. In 2010, the Scottish Rite Foundation gave:

• $14,018 toward the University of Nebraska Medical Center language and speech disorder programs

• $51,670 to support RiteCare speech disorder programs

• $7,300 funded youth and senior programs

• 13 scholarships totaling $26,000 were awarded to students at the University of Nebraska at Omaha

• approximately 453 students were provided assistance in 6.759 sessions at the University of Nebraska Medical Center's Munroe-Meyer Institute.

• Supported annual ethics programs, including a partnership with local middle and high schools, teaching ethics as a part of day-to-day thinking

Since the Scottish Rite Foundation was formed, over $15 million has been donated to support these valuable programs in Nebraska. The Scottish Rite Foundation is recognized as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit charitable organization, and is supported by nearly 5,000 Scottish Rite Freemasons in Nebraska as well as by thousands of donors, foundations, corporations, and philanthropic organizations.

About the RiteCare Clinics

In the early 1950s in Colorado, the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry of the Southern Jurisdiction of the United States initiated a program to help children with speech and language disorders. The results obtained from this program led to the establishment of RiteCare clinics to provide diagnostic evaluation and treatment of speech and language disorders, as well as learning disabilities.

Today, there are 178 RiteCare® clinics, centers, and special programs operating or planned for children and therapists located throughout the United States. Each facility is staffed by speech-language pathologists or other trained personnel. Through the support of Scottish Rite members, these clinics, centers, and programs continue to increase. The value of this philanthropy has long been apparent. Tens of thousands of youngsters across the United States have been helped significantly. With the good work of dedicated clinicians and parents, the Scottish Rite has achieved successes that could only be imagined a few years back. Children who might have remained educationally behind for a lifetime can now talk, read, and lead productive lives.

Program Eligibility

As a rule, the RiteCare® Clinics accept preschool children who have difficulty speaking or understanding the spoken word or school-age children who have difficulty learning to read. Some centers also offer literacy training for adults.

Inquiries on age groups and program offerings in specific areas should be addressed to the director of the local Scottish Rite facility. Equally important, all services are available regardless of race, creed, or the family's inability to pay.

While all children in need are eligible for available RiteCare® Program treatment, please consult with your local facility for specific financial information.

RiteCare in Nebraska

In Nebraska, as many as 12% of children, youth, and adults have disabilities which may affect their physical, mental, or social functioning. There are many challenges for persons with disabilities and their families, including the need for specialized programs and supports to help them achieve their full potential.

In Omaha, the RiteCare Speech and Language Disorders Clinic is part of the Munroe-Meyer Institute for Genetics and Rehabilitation at UNMC. There are a variety of speech and language services providing diagnostic and rehabilitation services individually or in groups for children with language or literacy disorders. Parent and teacher training is also provided by Scottish Rite clinicians. RiteCare services include:

• Preschool Children: group language for children age 2 to pre-kindergarten
  

• Individual Therapy: One-on-one therapy for young children 2 years and older
  

• Speech and Language Screening: These screenings often help determine eligibility for services
  

• Feeding/Swallowing: Children with severe eating and swallowing difficulties are seen by a certified speech therapist as part of a Feeding and Swallowing Team, specializing in providing techniques to assist with these problems.
  

About the House of the Temple Preservation Fund

This monumental building in the nation’s capital has been the headquarters of The Supreme Council since 1915. The Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia laid the cornerstone in 1911. Designed by the distinguished architect John Russell Pope, the building is an adaptation of the famous Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of the "Seven Wonders of the Ancient World."

In this magnificent building there are impressive ceremonial rooms and office suites of the Sovereign Grand Commander, the Grand Executive Director, and the Scottish Rite Journal, as well as the Archives, Museums, and Library of The Supreme Council. Special display areas include the Cornerstone Hall of Freedom, the Hall of Scottish Rite Regalia, the Temple Architects Hall of Honor, the Pillars of Charity Alcove. It is not surprising that the House of the Temple is of great interest to the many visitors who are shown through the building each weekday.

A portion of monies raised at the Friends of Scottish Rite Dinner and Auction will support the preservation of the Scottish Rite's historic headquarters in Washington, D.C.