EducationNeosho Lodge No. 27 Donates $1,000 to the 4-H Western Heritage Project

LeRoy, Kansas (May 19, 2021)—The Kansas Masonic Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to benefiting Kansas communities, has partnered with Neosho Lodge No. 27 to donate $1,000 to the 4-H Western Heritage Project. The project combines a comprehensive study of the Old West with the fastest-growing shooting sports discipline in the world, Western action shooting, in order for 4-H members and adult leaders to understand and experience the history and culture associated with the Old West while promoting gun safety and personal responsibility. 

Founded in 1859, Neosho Lodge No. 27 has nearly 60 active members dedicated to philanthropy within the community. This Kansas Masonic Lodge supports the local community by awarding annual scholarships to Southern Coffey County (SCC) High School students, hosting the Southern Coffee County Veteran’s Honor Flight Raffle, rewarding local essay contest winners with cash prizes, assisting with the annual LeRoy City Homecoming celebration, and consistently participating in the local Trunk or Treat and Easter egg hunt festivities. This year will mark the lodge’s first contribution to the 4-H Western Heritage Project as it seeks to continuously support local causes that benefit the community. 

“Members dress in Old Western clothing, shoot replica firearms from the frontier era, and expand their knowledge of United States History,” said Neosho Lodge No. 27 Worshipful Master Danny Mattheis. “The educational impact alone is tremendous, and the experiences can last a lifetime.” 

To help further their mission of providing additional education and impactful experiences to community youth, the Brothers at Neosho Lodge No. 27 have partnered with the Kansas Masonic Foundation to provide a monetary donation of $1,000 to the 4-H Western Heritage Project in Coffee County, Kansas. Not only does the project connect today’s youth with the values and traditions of the past, enhance learning by participation in living-history scenarios, and instill an investigative interest in the American Frontier, but it also provides safety instruction for handling firearms and encourages life-skill development. 

The project is currently active in Alabama, California, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Oregon, and Utah, with additional states requesting training each year. The funds will be used to purchase ammunition and other expenses associated with the 2021 National 4-H Western Heritage Conference and Invitational Shoot in Ellsworth, Kansas, in early August. While the project is based in Coffey County, other counties such as Franklin, Osage, Anderson, Pottawatomie, Riley, Reno, and Ellsworth will benefit from the donation. A formal announcement will take place in July of this year. 

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.