The Valley of Tacoma hosted the first Scottish Rite Friends Dinner (SRFD) on Wednesday, April 30th at the Tacoma Masonic Center.  The SRFD program was created to provide a unique fundraising program that will support both local Scottish Rite Charities and the House of the Temple Historic Preservation Foundation, Inc.  A catered prime rib and salmon dinner was served to the approximately 140 brethren and ladies in attendance. 

Both a silent and live auction were held to raise money for the Tacoma RiteCare program and the House of the Temple Historic Preservation Foundation, Inc. Approximately $5,400 was raised for these two philanthropies with 50% going to each. The SRFD program is also designed to serve as a membership recruiting opportunity and Valleys are encouraged to invite Masons who are not members of the Scottish Rite to the event. 

Grand Commander Ronald A. Seale was in attendance and spoke to the attendees thanking them for their support of our philanthropies. The SRFD program is being piloted in four Orients in 2008:  Nebraska, Tennessee, Virginia and Washington State.  In 2009, we hope to expand the program to five more Orients. If you would like further information on the SRFD program please contact Matt Szramoski, 32° KCCH, Associate Director of Development at 866-748-3227 or by E-mail at mszramoski@scottishrite.org.