The First Kings Masonic District is continuing its fight against diabetes.
In 2004, the local Masons held a holiday party, at which time they made a contribution to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). In making the presentation, the president of the Masonic Association for Charity of the First King District asked that all those afflicted with diabetes should rise and be recognized.
To the amazement of many, over one-third of all those present rose. The association then decided to continue in the effort. Known for charity locally, statewide, and world wide, the Masons immediately went to work.
Those efforts were brought to fruition at the annual banquet of the Masonic Association for Charity held at Russo’s on the Bay in Howard Beach, with more than 250 people in attendance.
The association has dedicated its 2008 efforts to the fight against diabetes, and was proud to present a check for $10,000 to Joseph Mure Jr., chairman of the Brooklyn/Queens chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).
Mure, a local attorney who resides in the Rockaways, commented in his acceptance speech, that the Masons were among the first contributors to the JDRF when he took over as chairman and he has never forgotten those efforts and expressed appreciation for the contributions for diabetes sufferers locally and worldwide.
Mure was also presented with the Dewitt Clinton Masonic Award for community activities, the highest award that the Masonic Fraternity bestows on non-Masons and is named for the former governor of New York State, and also a long time Grand Master of Masons in the State of New York in the early 1800s.
The banquet also honored Cyril A. Francis of Brooklyn for his efforts as District Deputy Grand Master of the First Kings District and Joseph DiSanto, also of Brooklyn, for his efforts as Grand Director of Ceremonies.
The Grand Master of Masons of the State of New York, Neil I. Bidnick was in attendance to present plaques of appreciation to both Francis and DiSanto on behalf of all Masons in the First Kings District.
Bidnick also reflected on his own two year term as Grand Master and how Masons are dedicated to efforts to helping those in the community who need assistance, with charity being a cornerstone of the fraternity.