Masonic members: (left) Ryan Bladzik, Development Officer, and (middle) Grand Master David M. Hill presenting a $10,000 check to Assistance League members: (2nd left) Ann Drake, VP Fund Development, (4th left) Nancy Troyer, President, and (right) Laurie Alkidas, Grant Committee
Two groups that aim to strengthen local communities in Michigan came together in Rochester Michigan. Assistance League of Southeastern Michigan welcomed representatives from the Michigan Masonic chapters to receive a $10,000 B.E.S.T (Build/Enrich/Strengthen/Transform) grant check to help finance the Assistance League’s signature philanthropic endeavor, Operation School Bell®.
Each year, students in Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb area schools “shop” in their school gymnasiums for the following new items: a winter coat, hat and gloves, shirts, pants, underwear, socks, hygiene kit, a book, and a duffle bag to hold it all. During the 2018-19 school year, Assistance League serviced over 6,400 students with necessities that contribute to their success in the classroom and overall self-worth.
The Masonic representatives included the Grand Master David M. Hill with spouse Alice Hill, and Ryan Bladzik, Development Officer. Nancy Troyer, president of Assistance League of Southeastern Michigan, echoed David Hill, Masonic spokesperson, in saying: “We are one of the best kept secrets in the area. Yet our organizations share a common goal: helping the underserved in the community.” “We are very thankful for the Masonic’s generosity.”
