The Grand Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star once again presented the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation with a check totaling $13,082 at its annual conference in Guthrie.
The donation will fund OMRF research on cancer and other diseases, such as lupus, heart disease and multiple sclerosis. With this donation, the Grand Chapter of the Eastern Star has now donated a total of $273,365 to OMRF research since 2002, when it selected OMRF as its charitable beneficiary. Forty-seven additional chapters have also made individual gifts to the foundation.
“Several years ago, we decided at one of our sessions that we would make OMRF our annual charity,” said Leatrice Massey, the Grand Secretary for the Oklahoma Grand Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star. “There are several that we support, but OMRF is our only every-year charity, as voted on by our membership.”
“OMRF’s work in neurological research touches a lot of our lives. Our organization has a median age somewhere in the late 50s or older, so the research in these diseases is something we see the impact of and we truly believe in the work they’re doing.”
Eastern Star members support OMRF through individual donations made at chapter meetings statewide, including marches and various donations made in memory of loved ones.
The Oklahoma Grand Chapter of the Eastern Star is the textbook definition of philanthropy, said OMRF Director of Development Ginny Bass Carl. “Each of these ladies contributes her time, her talents and her treasures to make a difference.”
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 across the globe and is dedicated to furthering charity, education, fraternity and science. Including all chapters, the Order of the Eastern Star has donated $296,060 to OMRF.
It has approximately 10,000 members and more than 100 chapters in Oklahoma, including groups in:
- Bartlesville
- Blanchard
- Broken Arrow
- Clinton
- El Reno
- Enid
- Guthrie
- Hennessey
- Lawton
- McAlester
- Muskogee
- Woodward
“For thirteen years, the Grand Chapter itself has raised funds for medical research,” said Carl. “These gifts support OMRF’s scientists who are going above and beyond to fight diseases like cancer and multiple sclerosis. In addition, close to 50 local chapters also give to OMRF, proving that together we can help others live longer, healthier lives.”
