The Knights Templar Eye Foundation is one of those important Masonic charities that serve society so well and provide an opportunity for Masons to practice "brotherly love and relief." This year, the funding program for the Foundation is the "Thirty-third Annual Voluntary Campaign." Since it is the 33rd campaign, Sir Knight William J. Jones, 33°, N.M.J., Grand Master of Knights Templar, and Sir Knight W. Bruce Pruitt, 32°, Campaign Chairman, have dedicated it in honor of those Scottish Rite Brethren who have attained the position of Inspectors General Honorary, 33rd Degree.

The plan for this campaign is to, first, encourage Knights Templar to give more than they might otherwise contribute to show respect and brotherly love to their special Scottish Rite Brethren. It is the hope and desire of Sir Knights Jones and Pruitt that a particularly successful campaign will demonstrate that Masonic unity toward which we all strive. In addition, a special club has been established for this campaign only, designated The Knights Templar Eye Foundation 33rd Degree Club. Membership in that club is available to 33rd Degree Scottish Rite Masons with a minimum contribution of $33.00. They may send the contribution personally, or it may be done by anyone else in their honor. (See the form at the end of this article.) It should be noted that Brethren who have been designated to receive the 33rd Degree during this year are also eligible.

Contributions made by Knights Templar, whether as a personal application to the club or in honor of a friend, will also be credited to their Commandery in the campaign records. Those gifts will assist their Commandery and Grand Commandery in the standings, which is one of the objectives of the Order each year.

The Knights Templar Eye Foundation has an outstanding record for the three programs it sponsors. First, it is a source of funds to pay for operations on the eyes of those individuals who cannot afford the cost. Approximately $5 million is expended annually in this endeavor. The second effort of the Foundation is to provide grants to support research on diseases of the eyes. Approximately $600,000 is given each year to research doctors and scientists in this worthy activity. To date, the Eye Foundation has supported research to the tune of about $5.5 million. The third program is known as the National Eye Care Project and is conducted in conjunction with the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. This project pays for eye examinations on senior citizens who have not had an examination in two years. The Scottish Rite is very proud to be honored by the Knights Templar Eye Foundation this year, and Brothers are encouraged to support it with their generous contributions. The form below can be used to join, or honor another, in the Thirty-Third Degree Club by sending it to: Knights Templar Eye Foundation; 5097 N. Elston Ave.; Chicago, IL 60630–2460.