PROCEEDINGS GRAND LODGE - Freemasons of Wisconsin

As noted, most of the Foundation funds are restricted at this point, such as theHome Endowment Fund, which generated a contribution of $783,782.00 to ourMasonic Home Operating Fund during this past fiscal year.The assets of your Wisconsin Masonic Foundation continue to be invested in bothequity and fixed investment instruments with a ratio of 65% equity to 35% fixed. Weare guided in our conservative investment policy by the Alpha Investment ConsultingGroup, with whom we continue to be satisfied. Our objectives are long-term andhistorically correct, which this year’s results are expected to confirm.Our relationship with Aurora-Sinai Hospital, home of the Masonic DiagnosticCenter, is being reviewed and updated to help us all understand the past, presentand future relationship of the Wisconsin Masonic Community to that program. Theoriginal Masonic cornerstone was re-laid by Grand Master Magoon this pastFebruary and now resides in the new ACE (acute care for the elderly) section of thehospital. We look forward to giving you a final report on this activity next year.The present and future needs represented by Wisconsin Masonic charity will notbe satisfied by the market’s return on investments. As mentioned last year, ourfunds are a finite resource in need of growth from contributions as well as frominvestment income. The Foundation is not a source where any and all monies canbe sent with the expectation that the amount will be doubled for contribution to acause. The Foundation must live within a budget and rely on continuing gifts fromlarge and small donors to fund our potentially expanding Masonic labors. Ourcharities must have the support of every Mason and friend associated with thisGrand Lodge.At this point we must acknowledge the encouraging decision of the WMBABBoard to retain Brother William H. Barnes, II as our new Development Director. Inthe short time that he has been with us, he has brought new life and enthusiasm toyour Development office. Working with Erika Miller, we have great expectations ofwhat the future will bring to their work and assets of your Wisconsin MasonicFoundation. Permit me to present Brother Barnes to you at this time to add hiscomments to this report.Report accepted.Sincerely and fraternally submitted,Norman L. Christensen, PresidentScott Graske, TreasurerBruce A. Christianson, PGMJames H. Olson, PGMGary R. BeierJ. Michael KoscinskiJ. B. Van Hollen,John W. Wilke40