With an annual budget of $625 million, much funding is needed for hospital operation. Costs are covered with gifts, bequests, endowment funds, fund-raisers and the annual assessment paid by every Shriner.
"One of the best ways to get involved is to become a Mason and then a Shriner and becoming a part of the greatest philanthropy in the world," said Smith. "Participating in the parades and all the events. The NEMO Shrine Club located in Hannibal is very active."
A fish fry will take place on Friday and Saturday, July 15 and 16, at the Y-men's pavilion in downtown Hannibal to raise funds for the hospital. There will also be a July 4 parade and other civic parades throughout the area during the year with Shriners driving their "funny" little cars and wearing the big red hats (fezzes).
A major motorcycle rally at the St. Louis Moolah Shrine Center on July 17, will bring together approximately 2,500 motorcyclists from all over the country including Hannibal.
The Moolah Shrine Circus is a "Circus with a Purpose." This year's circus will feature gravity defying trapeze artists, the crazy antics of the Shrine Circus clowns and three rings jam-packed with continuous acts including Siberian and Bengal tigers, Arabian Stallions and elephants. This year people can get up close and personal with the elephants and ponies where children and adults can ride them.
"We will kick off circus week with a downtown parade in St. Charles with the circus starting on the following weekend," said Smith. "There will be eight shows. The Royal Hanneford Circus will be performing, which is one of the largest in the country. We would love to see everybody come. It's great for the whole family."
The circus will be coming to the Family Arena in St. Charles on April 28 to May 1. This is the 63rd year in the St. Louis metropolitan area.
Purchasing a special Shrine license plate for $25 is another way to support the St. Louis Shriner hospital. Waiting is not required until license plate renewal date. Orders may be placed any time and are available for cars, trucks and motorcycles.
Additional information about the circus can be found online at www.familyarena.com or by calling the Moolah Shrine center at (314) 878-6301. Online information about the organization or hospital can be found at www.moolah.org or www.shrinershqs.org
