by Christopher Hodapp
In the wake of Hurricane Isaias last week, the Masonic Service Association of North America has just issued an official disaster relief appeal on behalf of the Grand Lodge F&AM of Florida:
Florida Hurricane IsaiasDisaster Relief Appeal
As of October 13, Hurricane Isaias caused extensive destruction as it moved northward through Florida. Approximately 5,000 Masons have been affected with many experiencing significant quality-of-life disruptions and personal property damage. Five Districts encompassing 39 Lodges were directly impacted, and nine Lodges sustained damage ranging from roof compromise to downed trees and related structural issues. As of today, power remains out for approximately 30,000 customers in the affected areas. Distribution points have been established in several locations, and the American Red Cross and FEMA are present at the sites with the most severe damage.The Masonic Service Association is usually the best and most effective way to provide financial assistance to Masons in disaster-stricken areas.
As Brothers of the Craft, let us remember that adversity only strengthens our international bonds. Let us also use this moment to reflect on the fragility of life and the importance of being prepared, not just physically, but also in terms of the support systems we offer to one another.
MW Grand Master Haskell R. Vest, JR. Grand Lodge of Florida, F. & A.M. has requested the MSANA issue a Disaster relief Appeal. The MSANA Board of Commissioner has endorsed this Request.
If you choose to give to this appeal, please forward any donations you feel appropriate to help our devastated Brothers and their families in this stricken grand jurisdiction to MSANA.
Please make checks payable to MSA Disaster Relief Appeal and mail to:
Masonic Service Association
813 1st Avenue SE, Suite 357
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
ONLINE DONATIONS : https://msana.com/current-appeals/
When remitting by check, please clearly mark that you designate the funds for the Florida Hurricane Isaias Relief Appeal.
Sincerely and fraternally,
Mark A. Tabbert, PM, 33°
Administrator
Masonic Service Association of North America
If you are new to the fraternity or have never heard of the MSANA, it is a legitimate 501(c)(3) charitable organization. That is important to remember, especially if you, your company, or foundation are making a large donation and are in need of a tax deduction in return. The charitable arm of the Masonic Service Association was specifically established for the purpose of raising tax deductible donations, and to effectively distribute and account for the funds provided to Masons who receive assistance. Your entire donation will be sent to the affected jurisdiction. MSA deducts nothing for administrative expenses or expenses of any kind. Meaning if you donate $100.00, all $100.00 gets to the specific grand lodge issuing the appeal.
MSANA appeals are always done at the specific request of an affected Masonic jurisdiction when a catastrophe strikes. When donating through an MSA appeal you can be sure the money is officially going directly to the jurisdiction that requested it, which may not always be the case with a GoFundMe appeal or similar services. GoFundMe donations are not by law tax deductible because the IRS has no way of knowing how the money was raised, how it was spent, what may have been promised or given in return, and no way of peering into the accounting of whomever set it up. The IRS has very strict rules about tax deductible charities, and GoFundMe-type services don't even attempt to comply. And even if a legitimate lodge or grand lodge sets up such an appeal through GoFundMe, they can't issue a legit 501(c)(3) deduction to the donors unless they have their own charitable foundation or corporation that already does comply with the IRS.
The following message was posted on October 10th by Haskell R, Vest, Jr, Grand Master of Florida:
Message from Most Worshipful Haskell R. Vest, Jr.
Grand Master
Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Florida
Dear Brethren, Ladies, Families, and Friends of the Craft:
As Hurricane Isaias has struck our beloved Florida Panhandle—making landfall near Destin and bringing high winds, storm surge, flooding, widespread power outages, and loss—we are reminded that even the strongest foundations can be tested by the forces of nature.
In this time of trial, I call upon every Brother, every family, and every Lodge in our Jurisdiction to practice the cardinal virtues of patience and compassion. Recovery will take time. Power may be slow to return in some areas, debris must be cleared, homes and property assessed, and hearts healed. Let us meet these challenges with the steady patience of Master Masons who understand that the work of rebuilding is done step by step, with care and purpose.
At the same time, let compassion guide our actions. Reach out to Brothers and their families who have been affected. Offer a hand of relief—whether through practical help, a listening ear, prayer, or coordinated assistance through your Lodge or the Masonic Outreach Program. Our principles of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth were never meant only for the Lodge room; they shine brightest when extended to those in need.
Remember our foundation stones: God, Family, and Fraternity. With God as our guide, family as our anchor, and the bonds of Fraternity as our strength, we will weather this storm together. My thoughts and prayers are especially with our Brothers in the Panhandle and all who have suffered loss or hardship.
Please check on one another. Stay safe. Follow official guidance. And know that the Grand Lodge of Florida stands ready to support our Craft and our communities in the days and weeks ahead.
May the Great Architect of the Universe watch over you, comfort the afflicted, and grant us all the patience and compassion needed to restore what has been tested.
Fraternally and with deepest concern,
Most Worshipful Haskell R. Vest, Jr.
Grand Master
“GOD, Family, Fraternity” “Masonry’s Foundation Stones”
