The Grand Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star presented the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation with a check for $15,259.67 at its annual conference at the Scottish Rite Masonic Temple in Guthrie last night.
The donation will fund OMRF research on cancer and neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s and multiple sclerosis. With this donation, the Eastern Star has now donated a total of $179,854.21 to OMRF research since 2002, when the Grand Chapter selected OMRF as a charitable beneficiary.
“We have the greatest respect for OMRF and completely believe in what its researchers do,” said Eastern Star Worthy Grand Matron Beverly Boyett of Muldrow. “Many of our Eastern Star families have been affected by disease, and we have watched it take a toll on them. We made OMRF our permanent beneficiary because we know that our gifts will make a difference one day for these families and people everywhere.”
Eastern Star members support OMRF through individual donations made at chapter meetings statewide. They also raise funds through events like dinners, silent auctions and special sales.
“Oklahomans are a giving people, and the Eastern Star is a wonderful example of that generosity in action,” said OMRF Director of Development Ginny Bass Carl. “Their members give of themselves and their resources to ensure brighter, healthier futures for us all.
The Order of the Eastern Star is the largest fraternal organization in the world to which both men and women may belong. It counts approximately one million members worldwide and is dedicated to furthering charity, education, science and fraternity. It has approximately 10,000 members and more than 100 chapters in Oklahoma, including groups in:
Bartlesville
Broken Arrow
El Reno
Enid
Lawton
McAlester
Muskogee
Woodward
Founded in 1946, OMRF is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institute dedicated to understanding and developing more effective treatments for human diseases. Its scientists focus on such critical research areas as Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, lupus and cardiovascular disease.
