Last year, the Executive Committee introduced Buddy Projects, which encourages different jurisdictions to work together on a common cause. Here are the latest highlights on our Buddy Projects.
Helping the Hemophilia CommunityTony Basa, Supreme Secretary Grand Councils, Massachusetts, Ohio, and Florida are teaming up again. Last year we reached out to the Lions Club in our jurisdictions and helped with their vision program and it was a big success. We have changed our focus to the Hemophilia Community, here in Massachusetts is the New England Hemophilia Association that helps residents in MA, RI, CT, NH, ME, and VT with bleeding disorders. A person with Hemophilia has trouble when it comes to stopping bleeding, they need help with Factor. Factors are taken from our blood and purified, and they are used to help them clot when bleeding. People with Hemophilia lead normal long lives. If anyone would like further information, please feel free to reach out to me and I can help you with contacting someone in your area. Abasa@royalarcanum.com. Supporting the ShrinersKaren Lockaby, Supreme Vice Regent The Executive Committee, in an effort to encourage comradery between jurisdictions, decided to create the Buddy Program. Rhode Island paired up with North Carolina. North Carolina for years has raised funds for the Shriners Children’s Hospital. At the behest of North Carolina, Rhode Island organized a fundraiser for the RI Chapter of the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital. On March 15th, 2025, the Guests of Honor were Potentate Nicholas Oliver, recipient, Tessa Normandin and Renee Rheaume. The Shriners specialize in pediatric care for children. They help with orthopedic conditions, spinal cord injuries, burns, cleft lips, and many other conditions.
In a surprising turn of events, Cindy Macon, Chairperson of the Executive Committee, came from New Jersey to present Kenneth Kolek with his 50-Year Award. Kenneth was surprised and overjoyed to receive the award!
In RI in attendance were two recipients of the Shriners generosity. Tessa, age 11, was diagnosed with a condition called arthrogryposis. Tessa’s muscles don’t properly attach to her bones. She had had to undergo more surgeries at her young age than most adults in a lifetime.
The other guest, Renee was born 3 months premature, She was developmentally delayed. She required many years of physical and occupational therapy. She suffers from severe allergies, including peanuts, mustard, walnuts, almonds, and many others.
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