LOYAL. LOCAL. COMPLETE.
Marking the largest annual contribution in the club’s history, the Edgar County Shrine Club made a groundbreaking $250,000 donation to the Shriner’s Children Hospital on Dec. 13.
The funds will be directed exclusively to the Shriner Hospital’s Medical Research Center to address critical needs, such as upgrading outdated equipment and purchasing new resources to enhance the center’s work.
The club's decision to donate to the research center reflects its focus on ensuring the center has the flexibility to allocate funds where they are most needed.
According to a press release by Edgar County Shriner Club, “Approximately half of the third floor is dedicated to a medical research center that is a long-standing collaboration between Shriners and the Washington University School of Medicine. Grants from each cover many of the center’s needs, but many additional needs are not. Realizing additional space, equipment and funds were needed to allow for the expansion of the center is where our club, community members and businesses were able to help with our record-breaking donation of $250,000.”
“We normally give money to the hospital but in the last few years, we found out the research center was kind of lacking in certain spots. They were lacking and were working on grants. They can only buy certain things with those funds,” Rick Dodd, Edgar County Shrine President, said. “Last year we found out they were working on 10-year-old computers, so we split our funds. $100,000 went to the hospital and $100,000 went to the Medical Research Center. This year, we decided to allocate the entire donation to the research center, providing them with an open checkbook to address their most urgent needs.”
In a statement to The Prairie Press, Hospital Administrator Mark Venable expressed immense thanks to the Edgar County Club.
“On behalf of Shriners Children's St. Louis, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to the Edgar County Shriners for their generous donation. Your support is instrumental in helping us continue our work of research, education and providing care for children. We deeply appreciate your commitment and partnership in making a difference today and into the future.” he wrote.
The check presentation was met with surprise and gratitude from the staff at the Medical Research Center. Initially unaware of the full donation amount, Research Director Dr. Farshid Guila Ph.D., and Lab Manager Sarah Oswlt, were overwhelmed when they learned the entire check was earmarked for their facility.
"When they realized the entire amount was for the Research Center, they couldn’t believe it. Their reaction made all of our efforts worthwhile,” Dodd said.
Dr. Guilak leads doctors and scientists as they work to find new ways to heal children with
complex medical needs that currently include Scoliosis, Clubfoot, Limb Lengthening and Hand
Surgery. Dr. Guilak’s team is also developing new approaches to treatment that may one day allow patients to naturally regrow bone and cartilage.
Extensive research is also being done in the areas of obesity, inflammation and stem cell-based therapies for osteoarthritis.
The Edgar County Shrine Club continues to build on its legacy of giving, with plans already underway for upcoming events and fundraisers in 2025. The club’s active presence and commitment to charitable work distinguish it as a cornerstone of the community.
Events planned for 2025 include:
Spring Glow Bingo - Feb. 8
Stage Party - March 1
Edgar County Shrine Auction - TBA
Spring Super Raffle and Masonic Lodge Fish Fry - March 15
Shrine Spring SxS Ride - June 7
Shrine BBQ and Derby - June 14
Edgar County Shrine Gold Outing - Aug. 9
Fall Shriner SxS Ride - Sept. 16
Pote’s Night - Nov. 1
Fall Glow Bingo - Nov. 15
The Edgar County Shrine Club extends its heartfelt thanks to the community, its sponsors and its volunteers. Their scheduled events, coupled with the generous support of corporate and individual sponsors, have enabled the club to make meaningful contributions year after year.
“This achievement would not be possible without the unwavering support of Edgar County. Our corporate sponsors, individual donors and the entire community have been instrumental in making this happen,” Dodd said. "This is a community effort, and we’re proud to be a part of it."
For more information on the Edgar County Shrine Club’s upcoming events or to learn how to contribute, visit the Edgar County Shrine Club Facebook page.