Syrian Shrine Cincinnati Ohio

Bud Wilhite, Potentate

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Without a doubt you are about to embark on one of the most exciting times in recent Syrian Shrine history. At this very exciting time Syrian is preparing to open a new chapter by securing its future. We are building our tomorrow’s today.

You know that the Lindner family was instrumental in kicking off the “Richard E. Parker Memorial Fund” with a challenge to the Syrian Shrine family, that, if we as members could raise $400,000.00, they would match that donation.

And now, they have gone further and decided to help us pay-off our mortgage, that’s a $550,000.00 donation, no strings. This leaves us just $50,000 away from obtaining our goal; all they ask is for us as members to believe in the fraternity and our heritage. Help make this shining dream come true, no matter how large or small your gift may be, it is deeply valued. Your financial encouragement means so much as we work together to make a splendid tomorrow for Syrian and our Shrine future.

The Lindner family never gives to get, they give because they have received. They believe that giving can be compared to a muscle. To be strong, you have to exercise. You can’t really enjoy anything without sharing it. This includes your faith, love, talents and money. They never really give; they are only returning and sharing a small portion of what they have received.

Carl and Robert learned that being thankful covers it all - “In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God concerning you in Christ.” You may not always be sure of God’s will. You may not be sure you’re doing God’s will. But you can always be His will by thanking Him for all things.

There are many thoughts the Lindner family would like to share with the members of Syrian Shrine. They want you to remember why you joined the Shrine, to help heal the children who suffer from burns and crippling diseases, and that mission here in Cincinnati must continue.

Robert Lindner’s quote - “The Lord has blessed Carl and me so much that we are happy to preserve this part of masonry as it is a strong part of our heritage from our Dad. I am really happy the burden will be lifted, as Carl and I do not want to see Syrian Shrine disappear or suffer financially with the burden of the mortgage any longer.”

By moving from darkness to light together we will make a difference

Dear Nobles and Family:

I first want to thank our membership and their families, for all of your generous support you have shown Diane and me this year. Our members are the foundation of this great organization, and you continue to amaze me with your dedication to our Temples of Mercy and our Fraternity.

Your Divan, Trustees and Past Potentates, have an ambitious proposal to eliminate our current mortgage altogether. I will be happy to provide specific details of the benefits to the nobility upon request. Nevertheless, the main benefit of having a fully paid facility is that it will free up operating funds; allowing us the time to make rational decisions about our future on Wm. Howard Taft.

After careful consideration, your temple leaders decided that an appeal to our membership for funds, along with specific "mortgage reduction" fundraising events would be the most efficient way to accomplish this goal. Our figures show that this Fraternity's main goal will be achieved by maximizing our resources toward, The Richard E. Parker Memorial Building Fundraiser.

As Dick recognized his days on earth were numbered, he still had the passion to participate in setting up this building fund, and in his death, it is only appropriate that we name the fund in his honor, "One More Thing" Dick Parker a tireless contributor to both the temple and our hospital with his time, talent and means.

As you all realize, our beloved Syrian Shrine is now over 130 years old and each of us have left a bit of legacy to the growth and development of this organization. We now come to you to ask for your help in continuing the legacy for future Brothers of Syrian Shrine. Many of our older members had a part in either planning or building our temple on Wm Howard Taft (now over forty years old). One would assume that by this time the mortgage would be paid and current officers would have excess cash to maintain the temple, which unfortunately is not the case, we all know why!
However, don't let problems from the past get in the way of our progress toward the future, Carl and Robert Lindner haven't. These great Shriners and their families have challenged the nobility by offering Syrian Shrine $400,000.00 toward the payoff of the mortgage. ($850,000) All we have to do is come up with the balance.

And we are well on our way, thanks to the following initial donors to The Richard E. Parker Memorial Building Fundraiser; we are only $290,000.00 away from our goal. (See 'Current donors', below.)

I am asking each member to give $200.00 toward the pay-off of our mortgage. I fully understand many of our members are on a fixed income, so please feel free to donate what you can, and I also understand many of our members can donate more, that would be welcome also. There are also provisions for "corporate" donations, which could be eligible for a tax deduction.

I therefore respectfully ask that you mail your check or pledge today so that we can achieve our goal.

Fraternally yours, Bud Wilhite
Potentate, Syrian Shrine