In The Moose, everyone plays a part

NOVEMBER 1, 2023

Have you ever stopped to think about where your money goes when you make purchases and donations at the lodge?

There’s a very simple answer to that and I hope that I am able to shed some light on that.

But before I do, there is another question that I think needs to be looked at and understood.

Our membership numbers continue to rise. That’s a great feeling, knowing we are able to grow the Moose fraternity and continue to focus on the children at Mooseheart and the seniors at Moosehaven, and of course, the local community in which we live.

When you decided to join the Moose, what drew you in?

Was it the social aspect of having a local Moose lodge where you can go, have a few drinks, eat delicious meals, and socialize with your friends?

If that is the case then you are part of the Social Quarter membership.

You play a vital role in the overall business aspects of running the Lodge and keeping the lights on.

Without you, we would cease to exist as a Lodge.

Were you looking to give of your time and a purpose in your life? And once you joined, did you step up and do just that?

If so, then you are one of our wonderful volunteers. They are what keeps things going at the Lodge.

Yes, there are a few paid positions. There has to be to pay the bills and operate the Social Quarters.

But it’s the volunteers that cook, serve the food, and work in the kitchen.

And then there are those who stepped up to serve on the Lodge board, the WOTM Chapter board, the Moose Legion board, and the Valued Veterans board.

They are the fraternalists and the backbone of how things work. They are the decision makers.

They look at the health of the Lodge, how it operates, and how the money is put to its best use.

This lodge does a lot for our community. From scholarships, to youth team/league support, Dunnellon Moose Lodge stands behind and up for the local community.

The last community service project held at the lodge is a testament to what the Lodge does for the community.

Did you see all the stuff in that box? Plus all the stuff next to it?

Sunshine Arnold will be at the November 5 dinner and will share information about the Citrus Abuse Shelter Association. The donations will be presented to her at that time.

The big question in a lot of minds is where does the dues that you pay each year go.

Here’s the breakdown.

A portion of the money for your Lodge membership goes towards the operations of the Lodge itself. The balance goes to Moose International.

Moose Legion dues help fund the following programs/ activities: Moosehaven’s Operations and Senior Medical Fund, Mooseheart’s Camp Ross, and the International Moose Legion operations.

They also fund scholarships that are presented through the Moose International Youth Awareness Congress.

Like the Moose Legion, the Women of the Moose Chapters give to Mooseheart and Moosehaven.

Each month, the Chapter helps fund a different area within Mooseheart and/or Moosehaven.

For Mooseheart, they fund the Feed a Home in December Program (June), Girls’ Athletic Program (July), Boys Athletic Program (August), Photo Christmas cards, Christmas Fund Program, Christmas gifts (October), Music Department (November), Special Activities Fund (December), Physical and Occupational Therapy (January), Photograph (March), and new clothing, coats, shoes, personal hygiene items, personal bedding and a few photo frames for pictures of their family (April).

For Moosehaven, they help fund the Daily Needs Program (May), help offset Vision, Hearing and Dental Needs (September), Special Events Fund and Christmas gifts (October), and Pharmacy Assistance (February).

The WOTM also fully fund Women of the Moose Scholarships presented to graduating Mooseheart Seniors.

This is all on top of the donations the Lodge, Moose Legion, and Women of the Moose make in the form of community service.

The next time you get your dues notice, just think back on all the wonderful things you are doing for so many who rely on us so much. Be Moose Proud!