By Kathy L. Collins
Riverview’s Masonic Lodge, DeSoto Lodge #105, Free and Accepted Masons (DeSoto Lodge #105) is committed to supporting both local non-profits. Recently, DeSoto Lodge #105 helped a small, local non-profit known as Emma’s Little Helpers with a fundraiser.
Emma’s Little Helper’s provides assistance to families in the Tampa Bay area that have children undergoing lengthy medical treatment, particularly extended hospital stays. They provide hospital meal tickets, assistance with gas and toll expenses, emergency clothing and more.
DeSoto Lodge #105 helped Emma’s Little Helpers with a fundraiser called “Extravaganza.” This consisted of a fabulous afternoon meal and an auction. Attendees were able to bid on items such as golf clubs, electronics and a three- tiered decorative garden fountain.
While attendees at “Extravaganza” were busy bidding and socializing, the Walter Fishback Chapter of the Masonic Youth Group known as the Order of the DeMolay were holding a car wash in the parking lot which supported both organizations.
Troy Di Vito, Junior Deacon with DeSoto Lodge #105 said, “The support of Emma’s Little Helpers could be described as, ‘Brothers helping others.’ The DeSoto Lodge Brothers were proud to support them as they help families in the Tampa Bay area. Charity is a part of Masonry.”
The DeSoto Lodge #105 was established in 1889. Over the years, the Brothers have supported a great number of organizations. They currently support organizations such as the Tampa Bay Area Special Olympics, the Frank Lowe Children’s Charitable Fund, the Boys and Girls Scouts of America, the Hillsborough Sheriff’s Office, Riverview Restore Hope Program and more. The DeSoto Lodge #105 also supports the Masonic Home of Florida and the Masonic Medical Research Library.
Di Vito explained, “Throughout the year we conduct a variety of fundraisers. We also support our lodge with fundraisers such as a Pancake Breakfast which is held on the last Sunday of the month from 8 a.m. to noon. You get full breakfast for just $5.”
The fraternity known as Freemasonry arose from obscure origins in the late 16th to early 17th century.
For more information on the DeSoto Lodge #105, please visit www.desoto105.org or www.glflamason.org. Emma’s Little Helpers, www.emmaslittlehelpers.org.
