The Shriners are renowned for their iconic presence in parades, driving miniature cars, but their impact extends far beyond these festive displays.
Warsaw Shrine Club and Ararat Shrine Temple, Blue Springs, hosted six patients at the annual screening and are hopeful for their acceptance into the program, which offers comprehensive care for children with orthopedic issues, cleft palate/hare lip, and severe burns, at no cost to their families. This incredible service, including van transportation made possible through the support of the Ararat Temple.
The Ararat Shriners, chartered in 1888, has a storied history within Shriners International, being the 38th Shrine Temple to receive a charter. Based in Kansas City, Ararat Shriners have been a beacon of leadership and service in the community. Notably, former President Harry S. Truman was a proud member and leader within our ranks. Ararat Shrine has the distinction of contributing more Imperial Officers to the organization than any other center, a testament to our members' dedication and leadership.
The choice of "Ararat" as our name, while not officially recorded, evokes the biblical Mount Ararat, symbolizing hope and new beginnings.
A recent clinic, held on March 15 at the Benton County Health Department, marks a return to service after a hiatus due to staffing challenges and the pandemic.
In celebrating the achievements of our annual Shriners clinic, a special thank you to Dr. Amber Campbell from Golden Valley Clinic, your professional dedication shines brightly.
To Chuck Allcorn, John Schlechter, and Steve Elliott, your commitment and hard work. A special acknowledgment to Leroy Graham, Hospital Director at Ararat, for his exceptional leadership and dedication. Together, your efforts have significantly contributed to the clinic's success, and for this, we are immensely grateful.
Within our community's core, a team of extraordinary people shines through, committed to our children's health and happiness. Kelli Daleske, Jon Schmidt, Shiree Sherrill, and Heather Greene of the Benton County Health Department have played a crucial role in strengthening our collective promise to make a positive difference in the lives of our youth. Their invaluable efforts have been key to the Shriners clinic's outstanding achievements.
Our partnership with Southwest Airlines further extends our reach, providing airfare for patients requiring specialized treatments for burns and cleft palate surgeries.
Thank you to the Warsaw R-IX school district, Cole Camp School District and Lincoln School District for putting the information on their social media profiles. Flyers were provided and distributed in backpacks to make sure the parents knew of the clinic.
Chuck Allcorn shared one particularly inspiring story from three years back. It's about a young woman who, just two weeks shy of her 18th birthday—the threshold for eligibility—found herself facing a future clouded by uncertainty. Against the odds, and thanks to the clinic's understanding of her extraordinary situation, she was granted an extension to receive care. Before this turning point, she had sought answers from five to six specialists, each one leaving her more disheartened than the last, with no promise of improvement. But then, Shriners stepped in, offering not just hope, but tangible help. She was welcomed into their program and underwent successful surgeries on both hips. Today, she's not just moving forward; she's thriving. Her story is a beacon of what this clinic achieves, illuminating the profound impact it has on individuals and the broader community alike.
To support our mission or for more information, please contact Chuck Allcorn or contact the Ararat Shriners office, located at 499 S. 7 Hwy, Blue Springs, MO 64014, or call (816) 923-1975.
