Youth DevelopmentSunflower Lodge No. 86 Donates $2,400 to Diamond In The Rough Program

Wichita, Kansas (July 1, 2021)—The Kansas Masonic Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to benefiting Kansas communities, has partnered with Sunflower Lodge No. 86 to donate $2,400 to the Diamond In The Rough program, a full-service high school combine agency dedicated to getting female and male high school basketball players noticed by college scouts. 

Founded in 1898, Sunflower Lodge No. 86 has over 150 members dedicated to philanthropy within the community. This Kansas Masonic Lodge is heavily involved in community service and supports various local causes, including donating to the Midian Plane of Mercy, sponsoring the local DeMolay Chapter and other youth programs in the Wichita area, and hosting fundraising events to benefit organizations throughout the community. This year will mark the lodge’s first donation to the organization in an attempt to highlight local achievements. 

“Diamond In The Rough is a basketball camp for high school-aged boys and girls, where they can showcase their talents in front of recruiters from 18 junior colleges and universities to increase their chances of receiving athletic scholarships,” said Sunflower Lodge No. 86 Secretary Don Kabler. 

This year, the Brothers at Sunflower Lodge No. 86 have teamed up with the Kansas Masonic Foundation to donate $2,400 to the Diamond In The Rough high school combine agency. The funds will be used to cover the $60 entry fees of 12 underprivileged boys and girls, which will include travel and food expenses, in addition to providing a basketball to each attendee. The program will give all attendees the opportunity to be noticed by college scouts and have their talents highlighted, as each college will have access to specific student stats. Educational information regarding scholarships, grants, loans, and directions on registering for the NCAA Clearinghouse will also be provided. A formal donation announcement will take place later this month. 

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.