Shriners International is a diverse fraternity that encourages brotherhood, personal growth and commitment to the community among members from all walks of life. Members participate in charity events around the the world. Their most recognized philanthropic achievement is the formation of the Shiners Hospitals for Children with several locations in the US, Canada and Mexico. You may have even been to a Shrine Circus in your area. Shriners' charity raffles are commonplace events in communities with often times big prizes given away.

Some examples from my home state of Michigan include the Detroit Shrine Circus, Cash Calendars and The Shriners Sportsman's Raffle. Purchasing a Cash Calendar offers the opportunity to win daily, weekly or monthly prizes, as well as the chance at a larger cash grand prize. The Sportsman's raffle offers chances to win cash, gift cards, guns and door prizes related to sporting activities.

In New York, the Mecca Shriners hold many notable events including an annual Road Angels Charity Car and Bike Show, Mecca Klown Klub's Shriners Circus, concerts on Broadway, the Columbus Day Ceremonial & Parade and Florence Day Weekend to honor one of the founders of the organization. Many of the Shriners' clubs hold smaller local raffles events during the year.

This history of the organization dates back to 1870 in Manhattan when Freemason members would meet regularly for lunch. They decided they wanted to form an organization that was less concentrated on masonic rituals and more concerned with fun and community. After much planning by the founding members, the first Shrine Temple was organized in the New York City Masonic Hall. It was a fledgling organization at first but by 1878 there were 13 temples and 425 Shriners. The fraternity has grown to what we know today, keeping its fraternal focus while engaging in philanthropic efforts throughout the world. Like other such orders, there is a women's auxiliary that's involved in much of the work of the organization. Women related by birth, marriage or adoption may join.

Keep an eye out for local print and web advertisements for events. You can also find links to state chapters with event calendars at the Shriner's International website. The History Of The Shrine For North America is available at Amazon.com.

Source:
History - Shriners International, Mecca Shriners, accessed April 2015, https://www.meccashriners.org/about-1/.