PROCEEDINGS GRAND LODGE - Freemasons of Wisconsin

coverage for the All Star Soccer Games, including photo coverage. That gaveconsiderable visibility to the Masonic Fraternity, and exposure of the charitableefforts of the Wisconsin Masonic Soccer Foundation. This will continue in 2006, aspress releases are published again throughout the state announcing nominees,player rosters, and coaches for the 2006 Masonic All Star Teams.In 2006, the All Star Games will move to the campus of Carthage College inKenosha. The move was considered carefully, and it was determined that CarthageCollege provides an improved facility and greater prestige for the Masonic All StarSoccer program from coaches and athletes alike. The Carthage soccer field has aunique Astro-Play surface; considered among the finest in the Midwest. We will beable to offer exceptional training, recreation, swimming and soccer facilities atCarthage College. 2006 athletes are even more excited to be part of our program thisyear because of the facilities. Astoundingly, this will result in a net savings to thefraternity! Combined meal, banquet, field, transportation, and facilities cost will bereduced in 2006, yet the perceived value is greater to everyone.Through the insight of Erika Miller with the Grand Lodge Development Office,the Soccer foundation has aligned with Aurora Sports Medicine Institute. AthleticTrainers will be provided to the Soccer Foundation in exchange for visibility toAurora Healthcare’s Sports Medicine Program during their involvement with theAll Star Games in 2006. This too results in savings to the foundation. Other areasof savings will be realized in 2006 through income from advertising and donations,innovative program cost reduction efforts. Winning moves for 2006 are addedsponsorships, increased suggested advertising levels from athlete participants. TheKenosha Convention and Visitors Bureau and Chamber of Commerce has givenInternet visibility, media coverage, and community support welcoming the WisconsinMasonic All Star Soccer Games to Kenosha. In 2006 we saw support from theGreen Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers and other civic-minded partners. Weanticipate similar support in 2006.The scheduled guest speaker at the awards banquet for this year’s Masonic AllStar Soccer Games is Jeff Wagner of 620AM – WTMJ Radio in Milwaukee. He is arecognized radio talk-show host, supporter of scouting, and a form US Attorney.The Wisconsin Masonic Soccer Foundation has been aggressively seeking grantsand support to become self-sustaining.In 2006 we will designate proceeds to Shrine Hospitals and Special Olympics ofWisconsin. We have discussed the possibility of future scholarships for Masonic AllStar Soccer Athletes, and additional fund-raising programs that will be needed tosupport those efforts. That would be in addition to continued cost containment,revenue increases from outside the fraternity, and sharing a positive, youthfulimage tied to Freemasonry.When the opportunity comes to participate in a Soccer Foundation event –whether mail appeal, fund-raiser event, raffle ticket sales, purchase of soccer hatsvia the Internet, please be generous. Over 50,000 young people in Wisconsin areactive in the sport of soccer each year. The Masonic Soccer Foundation givesFreemasonry a youthful face through involvement with Soccer. You can supportFreemasonry by being involved with the Wisconsin Masonic Soccer Foundation, Inc.115