Thus, Shrine Masons found themselves able to provide additional services, and Shrine leaders began to look for other ways they could help the children of North America.
One result was the collating of the medical records of patients of Shriners Hospitals for Children. By placing the records of each patient and treatment on computer and microfilm, valuable information was made available to all Shrine surgeons and the medical world as a whole. This process, begun in 1959, also made it easier to initiate clinical research in Shrine orthopaedic hospitals.
Shriners Hospitals for Children had always engaged in clinical research, and in the early ’60s, the Shrine aggressively entered the structured research field and began earmarking funds for research projects. By 1967, Shrine Masons were spending $20,000 on orthopaedic research. Today, the annual research budget totals approximately $24 million. Shrine researchers are working on a vast variety of projects, including studies of bone and joint diseases, such as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis; increasing basic knowledge of the structure and function of connective tissue; and refining functional electrical stimulation, which is enabling children with spinal cord injuries to have limited use of their arms and legs.
Shriners Hospitals for Children
Helping children in Texas and beyond…
Congratulations on your decision to make a difference in a child’s life by contributing to Shriners Hospitals for Children. The following information is available from the Shriners International Headquarters at www.shrinershq.org.
100 Million Dollar Club
For a one-time donation of $100, you can become a member of the “100 Million Dollar Club.” Donors will receive a special certificate recognizing their contribution.
All such donations should be coordinated through Donald D. Starnes, Recorder of Alzafar Shrine Temple. Noble Starnes can be reached via email or at (210) 496-1625.
Outright Gifts to Shriners Hospitals
To make a donation to Shriners Hospitals for Children, you can send a check, made payable to “Shriners Hospitals for Children,” to any of the 22 Shriners Hospitals (see directory of individual hospitals) or to the Office of Development, International Shrine Headquarters, 2900 Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL 33607-1460.
If you wish to make a donation in honor of or in memory of another individual, simply include a note indicating the person’s name, and include the name and address of the person who should receive the acknowledgement.
Wills and Bequests
A bequest through your will ensures that the work of helping children in need through Shriners Hospitals for Children will be supported in your name after your death.
Designations of bequests should clearly indicate Shriners Hospitals for Children. Bequests under wills may reduce estate taxes.
Gifts of Securities
Gifts of securities are welcomed in our mission of helping children in need. All donations used to fund the operation of our 22 pediatric orthopaedic hospitals and burns institutes.
Gifts of appreciated securities may result in: 1) capital gains tax savings, 2) creating an income tax deduction, and 3) removing this asset from your estate for estate tax purposes. Gifts of appreciated securities have a potential federal income tax deduction of up to 30% of the adjusted gross income of the donor with a 5-year carry forward of any excess.
Gifts of Real Estate
Gifts of real estate are welcomed in our mission of helping children in need.
All qualified real estate may be deeded outright to Shriners Hospitals for Children, or if it is a residence or farm, may be given with a retained life interest. The value of the outright gift of property or the remainder interest being contributed to Shriners Hospitals may be deductible as a charitable contribution.
Life Estate Agreements
A personal residence or farm may be given as a charitable gift, with the donor retaining the right to use the property for life. This is known as a Life Estate Agreement. The life estate may be retained for one or more lives, or for a term of years.
Gifts of Life Insurance
Shriners Hospitals for Children can be designated as the irrevocable beneficiary and owner of an insurance policy. The hospitals would thus be assured of a definite sum in the future. The cash surrender value and annual premium may be deducted as a charitable contribution.
Pooled Income Fund
Persons contributing $5,000 or more may participate in the Shriners Hospitals for Children Pooled Income Fund. Under this agreement, donors or their designees will receive annual income from their contribution during their lifetime. A portion of the contribution may be deducted as a charitable donation.