Blood Drive at Amherst Masonic Lodge photo from the Amherst Bee.

Masonic Lodge 981 share "Christmas Spirit" with a sensational Toys for Tots Drive!

 

Pictured from left to right

 

Junior Warden Richard R. Anderson Jr., Senior Master of Ceremony Richard Gattone, Trustee Jim B. , Junior Deacon and Toys For Tots Chairman Marvin Mackellar, Past Master Dennis Hoban, and Brother Nicholas Palumbo.

 

Toys for Tots is a program run by the US Marine Corps Reserve.  The mission of the program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community in which the toy drive is conducted.

 

Amherst Lodge #981 has participated in this community effort the past two years now.  “After a successful first year we eagerly participated in the program again.  The barrel was completely filled with new toys for the children. Each and every Brother contributed!  2008 was a tough year for many people yet we still had excellent participation” said Toys for Tots Chairman Marvin Mackellar. 

 

We would like to especially thank Brother Nicholas Palumbo who made a large donation of toys to the drive.  “My brother and I always had great Christmas.’  There were always lots of toys under the tree…never a bad year.  I am grateful for what I was given and would like to pass this holiday spirit along to others less fortunate than I was” said Palumbo.

 

“I would like to thank all the brothers, their families, and friends that made donations this year to the Toy Drive.  We are already looking forward to running this great community service effort next year.  We hope to see more lodges pick up this holiday drive.” said Chairman Marvin Mackellar. 

Rhea J. Francani , Graduating Senior at Williamsville East High School receives the Julie A. Burdick Scholarship Award.

Ms. francani has her sights set on The Juilliard School.

The Julie A. Burdick Scholarship award is sponsored by Amherst Masonic Lodge 981, at 5808 Main Street in Williamsville.

Presenting the Julie A. Burdick Scholarship Award is (left) Worshipful Master Larry Wallworth and (right) Past Master William Bierma.

Amherst Masonic Lodge 981 has won the prestigious  Winners FIRST PLACE Award for being the Number one Masonic Lodge in Erie County in Blood Donations!

The Lodges Blood Chairman Rick Gattone

Accepts the Award and Plaque.

 

I am pleased and honored to accept this wonderful  and meaningful First Place Winners Award."

"I thank all of the Brothers who contributed so unselfishly to this great and most critical of community causes and the same for all in the community who came and indeed gave of themselves"

I eagerly look forward to the upcoming year with great anticipation as your Blood Chairman, and urge all brothers throughout Erie County and beyond to be counted in this most important cause.

Thank you - Thanks to all.

 

Brother Rick Gattone,

J.D. and Blood Chairman of Amherst Masonic Lodge 981.