Community Involvement
Here is a just a glimpse of the many local communities, programs, and events that Cataract Lodge No.2 supports:
Scholarships
Every year we have the great honor and privilege of awarding educational scholarships of upto $2,500 each to several worthy recipients
For the past 14 years, we are honored to be associated with the US Marine Corps' Toys for Tots and we have contributed well over $165,000 to the program
Bikes for Books Program
For the past 13 years we have sponsored a "Bike for Books' program with Bancroft Elementary School in Minneapolis. The bikes and scooters (along with a lock and a helmet) are awarded to fifth graders who meet their reading goals for the year. The goals are set individually for the students, by the teachers and support staff. In 2024, this year alone, we provided 57 bikes or scooters for students completing the reading program.
High 5 for Supplies
The High 5 for Supplies program, established by the Simon Says Give organization distributes school supplies to school age children in the area. It is an organization that we have been proud to promote and work with for the past several years. This year alone, we will receive more than 1,000 backpacks to distribute among children in need.
Field School Elementary, South Minneapolis, Playground Project Fundrasier
With the help of professional chefs WB Andy Hall from Cataract No.2, and Bro Allen Domingo from Minnehaha No. 165, and supported by members from Minnehaha No. 165, Cataract No. 2, and Braden Lodge No. 168, a breakfast fundrasier was held and nearly $ 15,600 was raised and given to Field School Elementary in South Minneapolis to help them purchase playground equipment. Amazing!
'Sleep in Heavenly Peace' (SHP) is a worthy charity that we participate in that has as its objective the provision of comfortable beds for children in need so that they no longer need to sleep on cold floors. The SHP local chapter since its inception has provided over 2,300 beds to needy children throughout Minnesota.
The National Sourjourners are Freemason servicemen and Veterans proudly serving the cause of patriotism. Our Lodge is right with them even as several of our Lodge's own brothers and heroes passionately support and promote its patriotic and masonic values and activities.
We have been a proud sponsor of the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) for several years by being a donor thereby making a difference in the lives of our warriors and their families. Below are a few pictures of our Lodge brothers accepting commendation for the Lodge's contributions to the WWP.
Fire Suppression Tool Donation Program
We are delighted to support the Minnesota Grand Lodge and Minnesota Masonic Charities in the Fire Safety Initiative. In October 2023, WB Andy Hall spearheaded a Taco Bar fundraiser and raised over $7,500 for the purpose of garnering the necessary funds to supply the Robbinsdale Police Department with the fire suppression units. These units will help save lives and property! We are partnering with Compass Lodge No. 265 to make the donation of the units at a public event in Robbinsdale (date to be announced). Below are a few pictures from the Taco Bar fundraiser and with brothers from Compass Lodge No. 265. More pictures to come after the FST presentation event.
Cataract Lodge No.2 is supported by Minnesota Masonic Charities (MMC) on some of our fundraising efforts. MMC provides matching funds for some of our charitable programs that we associate with every year.