The Challenge Is Coming!

Deputy for Ohio Giving Tuesday Challenge!

A Great Opportunity to Increase Our Impact—Together

Ohio Brethren and Donors,

As many of you know, supporting the Scottish Rite, NMJ Charities is a major passion of mine and Susan’s. The work each of our charities undertakes has a truly transformative impact on the lives of our Brothers, their families, and the communities we serve. I’d like to highlight just a few examples of the difference we’re making in Ohio:

  • Children’s Dyslexia Centers – I am incredibly proud of the work being done at our seven Centers across Ohio. Every day, children facing the challenges of dyslexia gain the tools, confidence, and hope they need to excel academically and unlock their full potential.
  • Abbott Scholarships – Countless young people have benefited from the Abbott Scholarship Program, receiving meaningful financial assistance for college and vocational training. It is an investment in the next generation—one our members can be proud of.
  • Membership Education Fund – Your support sustains programs that enrich the Masonic journey for our Ohio Brethren, including Thursday Night at the Rite, Pathfinder, Rite Guide, the Ambassador Program, and more. Together, we help every Mason “Journey On” in pursuit of greater Light.
  • Scottish Rite Museum & Library – As we celebrate the Museum and Library’s 50th anniversary and approach our nation’s 250th, preserving our Masonic heritage has never been more important. Your generosity ensures that research, artifacts, and the stories of Freemasonry remain accessible to Masons and scholars around the world.
  • Grand Almoner’s Fund – This is the heart of who we are as Freemasons. The number of Ohio names within the Commander’s Circle and White Flower Society fills me with tremendous pride. Our collective compassion has delivered life-changing assistance to Brothers and families navigating hardship, reminding them that they are not alone—they are part of our Masonic family.

If you have not yet seen A Brighter Future, the moving video shared during the 2023 Biennial Session’s Vesper Service, I encourage you to watch it here: https://vimeo.com/836260507/b7ae24d0d8. It beautifully captures the life-changing impact of our charities.

******************************************************************

Our Challenge to Ohio—Giving Tuesday Only

Susan and I are once again joining the effort to make this year’s Night of Charity a success. To rally Ohio Scottish Rite Masons, we are issuing a Giving Tuesday challenge match:

For every dollar an Ohio donor gives to any Scottish Rite charity, we will match it with an equal gift to the Children’s Dyslexia Centers of Ohio.
If you donate $100 to the Grand Almoner’s Fund, we will donate $100 to the Dyslexia Centers.

Our goals are simple:

  1. Raise critical funds for all Scottish Rite Charities
  2. Spread the awareness of the impact our Scottish Rite Charities have across Ohio
  3. Show the entire Jurisdiction what Ohio Scottish Rite Masons can accomplish—together

This match is available Giving Tuesday only, with a total match commitment of up to $10,000. We consider it a blessing to support the work of our Charities and to stand with the finest Council of Deliberation in the NMJ.

**************************************************************************

How to Participate

Many Valleys are hosting local watch parties, but all are welcome to join the event online:

A Night of Charity — Tuesday, December 2, 2025
Livestream from 7:00–9:00 PM ET

→ Click HERE or any of the “Donate” buttons to make your Giving Tuesday gift.

Let’s come together and show the Scottish Rite, NMJ that Ohio is in the house this Giving Tuesday.

Thank you for all you do, and for your continued support of our mission.

Donald R. Heldman, 33°
Lady Susan Heldman