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and, therefore, face a new and dangerous threat from exposure to coronavirus. In their capacity as policemen, firefighters, EMTs, public health professionals and as members of other groups, including our military, these Shriners are doing astonishing work in extremely difficult circumstances. Many Shriners serve as health professionals and are literally on the front lines, exposing themselves and their families to very serious and foreseeable health risks, but continue to serve, nevertheless. All of these nobles are true representatives of the servant’s heart. Another example of this courageous servant’s heart is Dr. Romeo Gregorio Macasaet III, a Mabuhay Shriner. Dr. Macasaet and his wife, who is also a doctor, provided care and treatment to patients in Manila during the coronavirus wave that washed over the Philippines. Both of these physicians were fully aware of the serious risks they were taking in providing care to others. Both contracted the virus and became seriously ill. Dr. Macasaet ultimately passed away as a result of caring for others. Dr. Macasaet leaves Mabuhay Shriners, and Shriners all over the world, with an example of courageous service in the face of known dangers. He is one of a number of great Shriners who are quite correctly called “heroes” because of their selfless service. As men of character and compassion, Shriners welcome the opportunity to serve others. For generations, Shriners have provided transformational care to children and emergency assistance to communities. During this unprecedented period, Shriners have demonstrated the same character, compassion, and courage as they have on countless previous occasions. Providing selfless service to others

to others, and difficult for them to understand, a Shriner knows that a big part of the benefit of being a Shriner is not what you get, but rather, what you have the opportunity to selflessly provide to others. While we have lost irreplaceable nobles to this worldwide pandemic, we have not lost the fraternal bonds that tie us together in a spirit of unity, as we share the heart of a servant. There are men of character and compassion around the world who are not yet Shriners, but who wish to share in the blessings that Shriners receive by working selflessly on behalf of others. There are unique opportunities, during and after the course of this emergency, to share with prospective Shriners the amazing benefits that result from being a Shriner and developing a servant’s heart. As the world adjusts to a new normal, we anticipate having to overcome serious, but surmountable, financial challenges. Due to our unique and extraordinarily strong fraternal ties, we expect to thrive while many organizations simply will not survive. Undoubtedly, emerging from this difficult period will test us, but the resolve and determination of Shriners is unique and unequaled.

A Message from our Executive Vice President

Shriners Have a Servant’s Heart

As I write this in April, we are in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. It should come as a surprise to no one that Shriners are at the tip of the spear in the battle to provide desperately needed relief. The Boards of Directors of Shriners International and Shriners Hospitals for Children, the Board of Trustees of Shriners Hospitals for Children and the leaders of our local hospital boards have worked exceptionally hard during this period to provide critically needed resources to aid in the fight, and have been in close collaboration with governmental entities. At the direction of those Shrine leaders, the staffs at our hospitals and headquarters worked tirelessly on behalf of our patients and families, their communities and one another. We are proud of their ingenuity, professional judgment and spirit of compassion and cooperation. We are proud of their amazing effort, and all they were able to accomplish under extremely trying circumstances. Our temple leaders have not only reached out to nobles in need of care, but have found numerous ways to be of service to those in their communities. Additionally, a great number of Shriners serve professionally as first responders

We should look forward to overcoming the challenge. Yours in the faith, John C. Piland Executive Vice President Shriners International

is not merely what Shriners do, it is who Shriners are. Shriners

consider the hard work they do for others to be a blessing, not a burden. While it may be a strange concept

2019•2020 YEAR IN REVIEW | 7