Welcome to 2025
Rooted in Faith, Family, and Fraternity
Our guiding theme for this year is Rooted in Faith, Family, and Fraternity. These principles embody the heart of our mission and will guide all we do in 2025. Here’s what they mean to me and how they connect to the life-changing work of our fraternity:
Faith
At its core, faith is the belief in something greater than ourselves. It’s what inspires us to live with integrity and to serve others. As Shriners, our faith calls us to unite and make a difference in the lives of children who rely on our hospitals for care.
Family
Family extends beyond bloodlines to include the bonds we share with one another as Shriners. It’s about ensuring that everyone, from our members to the families we serve, feels supported and valued. Strengthening these ties will be a major focus this year.
Fraternity
Fraternity is the essence of who we are. It’s a shared commitment to camaraderie, service, and shared aspirations. By embracing this spirit, we can achieve even greater success for our organization and our mission.
These three pillars remind us that our purpose is more than fundraising and events—it’s about making a meaningful impact in the lives of children, regardless of their families’ ability to pay.
2025 Mission
We have an exciting lineup of events and initiatives planned for this year. These activities are designed to bring our members and families closer together while supporting the incredible work of our hospitals. Here’s what you can look forward to:
Family Friendly Events
A Spring Party to kick off the season.
A Summer BBQ featuring games and activities for all ages, including opportunities to interact with our patients and their families.
A Fall Family Fun Day at a local pumpkin patch or apple orchard.
Fundraisers
We will continue our popular Sportsman’s Raffle and the beloved FEZtival of Trees, both of which have been cornerstones of our fundraising efforts.
Lenten Fish Fries will return, offering a great way to connect with the community while supporting our cause.
New this year: a Meat Raffle! This fast-paced, fun event will feature multiple rounds of raffles with an exciting “madness round” to keep everyone on their toes. Meat raffles have been a success for other Shriners in NYOSA, and I’m thrilled to bring this fresh idea to Ziyara Shrine.
Membership Growth and Engagement
Membership remains the lifeblood of our organization. This year, let’s make every event an opportunity to engage new members and reconnect with nobles who may have drifted away. A simple phone call, visit, or invitation can reignite a noble’s passion for our work.
I’m also committed to strengthening our relationships with local blue lodges and concordant bodies. This includes reviving the Rome Patrol, a unit dedicated to assisting lodges with degree work and demonstrating our support for the wider Masonic community.
Looking Ahead
In addition to our local activities, we’ll have the opportunity to represent Ziyara Shrine on the national stage at this year’s Imperial Session in Atlanta, Georgia. This event is a fantastic opportunity to see the behind-the-scenes work of the Imperial Divan, enjoy family-friendly attractions like the Georgia Aquarium, and connect with fellow Shriners from across the country.
