Herman Dexter Lodge Participates in Haiti Fundraiser Event at Granite Links

Herman Dexter Lodge Participates in Haiti Fundraiser Event at Granite Links

On March 1, 2018, members of the IOOF, Herman Dexter Lodge # 133 of Dedham were in attendance at the Annual Saint Rock Haiti Foundation.  The St. Rock Haiti Foundation is a wonderful organization who’s mission blends very well with the core tenets of the Odd Fellows.  The Haiti Foundation Mission is to provide quality primary health care, to help children and young adults access valuable educational opportunities, to institute community outreach programs that support economic sustainability, to invest in infrastructure which supports overall health and to empower members of the community to advocate for their own rights in the future.  The annual gala was held at the Granite Links Golf Club in Quincy, Mass. and was attended by over 375 people. 

The festivities began at 6 pm with a cocktail hour and silent auction.  The Gala had a wonderful array of items available for the silent auction.  Brother Greg and his wife were very fortunate to outbid many people in attendance for a piece of Haiti art work.  Prior to the dinner being served, the Gala master of ceremonies set the tone of this wonderful event explaining that yes, we could have served prime rib, or Chicken Parm, however the intent of this event was to raise as much money for the Saint Rock Foundation as possible; so the dinner for the night was a lovely pasta dish.  The Gala also severed a yummy stuffed squash ravioli dish.  Once dinner was complete, the MC took the podium and introduced the guest speakers for the evening.  After Dr. Dacius finished his inspiring speech on the current health averages of the Haiti people, the MC again took the podium and showed a great video of her last trip to Haiti.  Annually, the Gala tries to raise specific funds for the Foundation.  This year’s request was to raise funds to purchase a new vehicle for the foundation clinic.  The total cost of the vehicle is approximately $65,000.  This vehicle will be used for mobile health care for the people of Haiti who are unable to make it to the clinic.  Even though we don’t have the final total of this year’s event, we do know that last year, with the generous matching gift from the Flatley foundation, we were able to raise $365,000!  Our hope is that we collectively can match or beat that number this year. 

 

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