**AUDUBON PARK MASONIC FOUNDATION**
WHY: In 1984 it was recognized the 3 D's -- Deaths, Demits and Drops (NPD's) -- caused a dramatic reduction of members of Audubon Park Masonic Lodge 272. Also routine expenses were rising faster then revenue. At one critical point in time a major renter terminated its long term relationship with the Northwest Boulevard Temple Building. The Lodge was in a precarious and weakened financial position. There were no designs on the Trestle Board. The tolling bells of both "Lo and High Twelve" having sounded, it was recognized the Lodge could not raise enough new Masons nor attract enough members to make up for the declining membership. As a temporary solution to a permanent problem a number of "Appeal Letters" were sent to our members, who responded very generously. Following that a planning committee was set to work by the Worshipful Master to devise a permanent plan. After several years what was envisioned as a permanent plan was drawn on the Trestle Board.
The Audubon Park Masonic Foundation (APMF) was incorporated in October 1989 as a Non-Profit Corporation, under the provisions of the "Washington State Non-Profit Act." APMF registered also under IRS code as a Non-Profit Corporation as a 501 (c) (10) fraternal organization. APMF, although a stand alone separate corporation , was incorporated under the auspices and consent of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of WA. and Audubon Park Lodge 272. The Officers of the BOD make periodic reports to the Worshipful Master, Officers and Members of A.P. Lodge 272, submitting its annual report to all concerned at its annual meeting; traditionally held the third Wednesday of March each year, our "Corned Beef Dinner and Appreciation Night." Traditionally the M.W. Grand Master of WA, various elected and appointed Grand Lodge Officers, and Committeemen attend. Members of Audubon Park Lodge attend and are asked to bring guests.
The stated purpose in the "APMF Articles of Incorporation" is to: receive gifts, bequests, donations, contributions, and to raise monies; also to build and manage an asset base using the income to pursue the stated charitable and fraternal goals. The defined goal is to establish an asset base of $100,000.00 and manage the same and use the earnings to support Audubon Park Lodge 272, Northwest Blvd. Temple Building; and our other fraternal and charitable purposes. Past Beneficiaries of APMF include: Audubon Park Lodge 272, Northwest Boulevard Temple Building, Job's Daughters, Shadle Park High School (Spokane School Dist. 81) Junior Award Program, and Reading Program (Madison Grade School) of Spokane School Dist. 81.
**FUND RAISING**
Please Note: Intentionally, and by design, the premise and every aspect of APMF "Fund Raising Program" is volunteerism. It is presented by volunteers (who willingly absorb the costs of fund raising) and those who choose to voluntarily donate. APMF volunteers raises funds for: Audubon Park Masonic Foundation , Audubon Park Lodge 272 and Northwest Boulevard Temple Building. The donor always has the choice to (1) donate or not, (2) the amount(s), (3) timing of donation, (4) and to which organization or program.
APPEALS: APMF has mailed, over the years, various letters requesting donations for specific programs or purposes such as: property tax, insurance, new roof, new boiler and new windows. Also APMF, with the consent of A.P. 272, sends semi-annual appeal letters to its members.
ASSET TRANSFERS: APMF maintains its own Stock Brokerage account. APMF has received numerous asset transfers and donations, from individuals who held them: stock issues, mutual funds, and cash. Banks and Stock Brokerage Firms are charging fees to clients who maintain small accounts. We transferred these assets without charge to the donor. The Gifts ranged in value from a few dollars to nine hundred dollars. It is the nature of APMF to hold these issues for the long term.
AUCTIONS:
BEQUESTS: APMF has received a number of bequests under the terms of several wills. APMF is also named beneficiary in a number of Wills and Insurance Policies. Should you have an interest in naming APMF as a beneficiary in a Life Insurance policy or in a Will, we have sample forms available for review.
CORNED BEEF DINNER:
CONTRIBUTIONS, DONATIONS AND GIFTS:
DANCES:
MEMORIALS: APMF has received a substantial number of donations as a tribute to the living memory of loved ones and friends. Should you desire a memorial fund be established in the name of any decedent: family member or friend, let APMF know. It is also important to record the request with the family, minister, funeral director, attorney or another that may be in charge of the final arrangements. And be sure the request is included in the newspaper obituary and funeral notices . It should be noted that the obituary notices include many very good and deserving organizations and causes. Unfortunately, and too often, the decedent's "Love for our Fraternal Blue Lodge" is overlooked by those who make the final decisions. Very seldom is a Blue Lodge mentioned in the published notice.
RAFFLES:
SERENDIPITY FUND: "Found Money" "Treasure found without intentionally looking for it." This fund is now in excess of $368.00. This fund started when pennies were found on the street and dropped into a jar for a future charitable purpose. The idea of this fund was "borrowed" from a program mentioned in the newspaper. A news item appeared in the newspaper regarding a University that had received quite a bit of change from those who forwarded it as the existence of the fund spread by word of mouth among its students, faculty and alumni. It was recently reported that this college fund is now in excess of $138,000. Also a college student financed his education on "found pennies" forwarded to him. APMF "Serendipity Fund" accepts pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, paper money and checks. Jars are available, upon request, for collecting monies. From time to time Serendipity Jars are made available at the Lodge Buildings for donations as well. March of each year is the traditional "dumping of the Jars" into a very large glass that has the challenge "I BET YOU CAN'T" fill it up. A challenge issued by the BOD of APMF.
SUSTAINING MEMBERSHIP: A voluntary pledge gifting program consisting of dedicated Blue Lodge Masons and Family who desire to participate on a semi-regular basis in being notified by mail at designated time to remit a pledge. The donor notifies APMF that he chooses to: participate, when, how often and amount. The Secretary then sends a very friendly reminder and all decisions are the individuals.
WINDOWS:
WB Eric E. Berman
Sec. Treas. and Chairman
Audubon Park Masonic Foundation
Last updated 1830, 08 March, 2003