August was another big month for all of us at El Riad. Thanks to all the Shriners and Ladies who could attend the Midwest Shrine Association (MSA) in Bloomington, MN. El Riad was well represented in numbers and units that made the trip. We came away with lots of competition awards and others made special trips to the Twin Cities Shrine Hospital to sing and tour. Then we finished out the trip with the MSA Parade Friday night and El Riad looked great as always! Thanks to all for taking time to make the trip!
The Potes Golf Tournament in Garretson was a lot of fun on Friday, August 25. Afterward, a great steak dinner was had by all that attended.
The “Caddyshack” / All Shrine Party was held on August 26 at our building and it was a great success. Kim and I enjoyed being able to host the event this year. Special thanks to Chief Rabban Maury Richard, and his Lady Marla, for their help chairing the committee this year. Also thanks to all the committee members…they did a great job making our building look special that night. The Culinary Unit helped with all the food for the event and did their usually excellent Job. The Shutterbugs and Pixels took fun photos of all the guests and their green screen was again a big hit. Thanks to everyone else that attended and helped in anyway, it was a night to remember!
Coming in September are our two big hospital fundraisers. First up is the Shrine Cup Golf Tournament at Willow Run on September 7. The committee is doing a great job getting ready but needs volunteers that day to help work the event. Please contact the shrine office for more information. Then, the Augustana Shrine Football Game is September 16. Come out for the pregame tailgate and please purchase your tickets for this important Hospital/Transportation Fundraiser. We need lots of Fez-wearing Nobles in the stands during the game.
Last thing in September is the start of our Back to Lodge Nights. These will be held and hosted by Trinity Lodge on September 11, Unity Lodge on September 28, and Minnehaha Lodge on October 5. This is an important program to get Shrine-Masons back to their lodge to stay active. El Riad will be providing the food all three nights for free to all that attend. There is limited space so make sure you reserve your spot with each lodge secretary ASAP as we need to RSVP for the food. Please make every effort to attend and more details will be coming out on each Lodge’s night.
Thanks to all, please remember “We are all El Riad.”
Jim Burma Jr.
2017 Potentate El Riad Shrine