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HERITAGE AND COMMUNITY SERVICE PROGRAMS Some years ago, Drott Lodge became increasingly aware of its role in "Swedish America" - as an instrument for making its members aware of their cultural heritage, and as a means to help preserve the Swedish heritage in America, the Saga of Swedish immigration to "the big land in the West" and the Swedish-American ethnic community, now faded into the mists of history. In 1985 the Lodge consequently, on the initiative of Henry Hanson, decided each year to make financial contributions to various Swedish American organizations and causes, as well as supporting community and service projects. Drott's record is outstanding among Vasa Lodges, and its members can be justifiably pleased.
SPECIAL GOALS COMMITTEE: Each year a newly appointed committee determines, within budgetary limitations, allocations to these various organizations. These proposals are subject to approval by the Lodge. This committee was established as the Special Goals Committee in 1985 with the purpose of recommending charitable, cultural and historical organizations and causes to be supported by the Lodge through a Special Goals Funding. It is an ad hoc committee, consisting of no more than five members, that shall be appointed annually by the Lodge Chairman.
CONTRIBUTIONS SUMMARY: From 1985 through 2009, the allocations total over $22,000.
LIST OF RECIPIENTS: In 2009, Drott sent contributions to: Holy Trinity (Old Swedes) Church in Wilmington, Delaware; Gloria Dei Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Bethesda Cares (meals for homeless & poor) in Bethesda, Maryland; and the Children’s National Medical Center in Washington DC. A greater list follows but it is not all inclusive. It shows the great variety of places that have received charitable contributions from Drott Lodge over the years. |
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MANY OF THE HERITAGE AND COMMUNITY SERVICE PROGRAM RECIPIENTS
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Swedish American Organizations and Causes Swedish American Historical Society (national) Vasa, Grand Lodge Scholarship Fund Vasa Order of America, Archives, Bishop Hill, IL American Swedish Historical Museum, Philadelphia, Pa, Swanson Swedish Immigration Research Center. The Swedish School, Washington, B.C. Swedish Council of America Gloria Dei (Old Swedes Church), Philadelphia, PA Holy Trinity (Old Swedes) Church, Wilmington, Del. Kalmar Nyckel Restoration Fund Delegate, Swedish Council Workshop, St. Louis, Mo. American Friends of Immigration Center Oral History Project, Swedish Americans, D.C. area Sweden House, Washington, D.C. Penn. District No.9, Vasa 0rder Scholarship Fund Nordic Endeavors Scandinavian Council, Wash. D.C. area (dues) Viking Project (TV series on Scandinavia) FF Fund - Scand. Volunteers in Finnish Winter War Community Service Childrens' Hospital, D.C. Bethesda Cares (meals for homeless and poor) Love of Children So Others May Eat House of Ruth Civic Assistance Statue of Liberty Restoration Ellis Island Foundation
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