Social WelfareCedar Lodge No. 103 Donates $500 to Operation Soupline in Chanute, Kansas

Chanute, Kansas (April 5, 2021)—The Kansas Masonic Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to benefiting Kansas communities, has partnered with Cedar Lodge No. 103 to donate $500 to Operation Soupline, an annual fundraising event providing emergency funds for local families in need of financial assistance with utility expenses, medication, and other essentials. 

Founded in 1871, Cedar Lodge No. 103 has nearly 100 members dedicated to philanthropy within the community. This Kansas Masonic lodge is heavily involved in community service and supports various local causes, including hosting an essay contest for local high school students and participating in Main Street Chanute’s annual fundraising events like the St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl and the Christmas Parade soup supper. The lodge also contributes to the Neosho County 4-H Council, an organization helping community youth build valuable skills by raising animals and growing produce. The lodge has previously donated to Operation Soupline in Chanute and continues to support its mission of providing essential resources to under-served individuals in the community. 

“Operation Soupline has been an annual event in Chanute for over 40 years,” said Cedar Lodge No. 103 Secretary Nicholas Harrison. “The event occurs on a specific Tuesday in February, and a meal of soup, crackers, choice of drink, and piece of pie is provided to attendees and donors. I try not to miss getting a meal during the day of the event; I really look forward to the pie!”

The event has become a significant fundraising opportunity within the community; volunteers begin serving soup around 11:00 am and continue to serve until around 7:00 pm. Many local businesses choose to order soup for delivery at their place of business, and many donated pies are purchased through donations of a set amount. To help further their mission and provide support to individuals within the community, the Brothers at Cedar Lodge No. 103 have teamed up with the Kansas Masonic Foundation to provide a monetary donation of $500 to Operation Soupline in Chanute. The funds were presented at the Otterbein United Methodist Church on March 15, 2021, to Janice Weeks, a longtime supporter and event volunteer. The donation will go into an emergency account to help provide utility expenses, food, medication, and other essentials to local families in need. 

About the Kansas Masonic Foundation:
As the philanthropic arm of Kansas Masons, the Kansas Masonic Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to benefiting Kansas communities and supporting fellow Masons and their families. Since its inception, the foundation has invested more than $50 million in Kansas communities and individuals through funding academic, scientific, and charitable endeavors. For additional information about the Kansas Masonic Foundation and to get involved, click here.