I didn't have to wait long after the previous post.
The Masonic Service Association of North America has just issued an official Disaster Relief Appeal for Florida a moment ago (click the image above to enlarge). The press release is as follows:
SEPTEMBER 13, 2017
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: SIMON R. LAPLACE, 301-476-7330
APPEAL FOR RELIEF – FLORIDA
Hurricane Irma hit Florida with the “longest-lasting powerful hurricane or typhoon ever recorded, worldwide,” according to National Public Radio. More than 60% of the state was without power. Widespread flooding, depleted grocery shelves, and damage from high winds have made life miserable for many.
The Grand Lodge of Florida has requested this Disaster Appeal to care forthe many brethren who live in Florida, and have been impacted by the storm. While the damage is still being assessed, the certainty of many months of recovery is expected.
Donations can be made online at www.msana.com. When remitting by check, please mark clearly that you wish the funds to go to the Florida Disaster Appeal.
Please forward any donations you feel appropriate to help our devastated Brothers and their families to MSA. Please make checks payable to MSA Disaster Relief Fund and send to 3905 National Drive, STE 280, Burtonsville, MD 20866.
MSA is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
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Simon R. LaPlace, PGM, Executive SecretaryMasonic Service Association of North America3905 National Drive, STE 280
Burtonsville, MD 20866www.msana.com
PLEASE NOTE: Check with your own grand lodge to see if they are collecting donations as part of the MSA Appeal, just to prevent confusion as to whom is donating to what.
Remember that the Texas Appeal is also ongoing. When remitting funds directly to MSA, please mark donations specifically to "Texas Disaster Appeal" or to "Florida Disaster Appeal" on the memo line of your check or on the envelope. To donate directly to the MSA Appeals by check, make checks payable to MSA Disaster Relief Fund and send them to:
Masonic Service AssociationYou can also donate via PayPal HERE. There are separate buttons for Florida and Texas.
3905 National Drive, Suite 280
Burtonsville, MD 20866
The Masonic Service Association is arguably the best and most effective way to provide financial assistance to Florida and Texas Masons (or to any other jurisdictions that may also request these official Disaster Relief Appeals through MSA). MSA is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. That is important to remember, especially if you, your company, or foundation are making a large donation and are in need of a tax deduction in return. The charitable arm of the Masonic Service Association was specifically established for the purpose of raising tax deductible donations, and to effectively distribute and account for the funds provided to Masons who receive assistance. Your entire donation will be sent to the affected jurisdiction. MSA deducts nothing for administrative expenses or expenses of any kind. Meaning if you donate $100.00, all $100.00 gets to Florida or Texas Masons.
