Inittiatives & Programs
“Alone we can do so little;
together we can do so much.”
— Helen Keller
RGV Color Fun Run
Since 2018, Hidalgo Lodge has been hosting their Annual 5k Color Fun Run to help raise funds for their contributions to education and other community programs. With an amazing attendance of over 400-500 runners each year they have been able to award thousands of dollars in scholarships to worthy new college students upon graduating from Hidalgo County High Schools. They have also been able to contribute to the relief of needy families through their Backpacks for Kids Program and Holiday Toy Drives. They have also been able to host events to honor local Teachers and First Responders for their great work throughout the community. Due to the rise of Covid-19 in 2020-2021, the Fun Runs were put on hold, but Hidalgo Lodge is hoping to continue this great tradition in 2022.
Annual Scholarship Program
Hidalgo Lodge has been showing their dedication to education by giving scholarships to worthy new college students throughout the Rio Grande Valley along with the Mirabeau B. Lamar Award of Excellence which was established in 1988 in honor of “The Father of Texas Education” after which the award has been named. During these events, teachers are also awarded a certificate and this honorary medal of excellence for their great work.
Holiday Toy Drive
Every year Hidalgo Lodge members buy holiday toys for children throughout the Hidalgo County area. So far hundreds of toys have been delivered to happy children at our local schools, churches, the Boys and Girls Club and most recently the U.S. Marine’s Toys for Tots program and we plan to bring smiles to thousands of more faces.
Fantastic Teeth Fan Club Program
Along with many other lodges throughout the state of Texas, Hidalgo Lodge has delivered thousands of much needed dental kits throughout the Rio Grande Valley and continues to do so in collaboration with the Masonic Children & Family Services of Texas (MCFS) who’s mission is to help children and parents learn to prevent painful dental problems and avoid expensive treatment. They partner with Masonic Lodges across the state to provide free tooth decay prevention kits and dental education to first graders. If your school is interested in participating, feel free to contact us.
Backpacks for Kids Program
In 2015 one of our Hidalgo lodge members noticed a need for backpacks and school supplies throughout Hidalgo county where he honorably serves as a police officer and the backpacks for kids program was born. So far we are proud to have served over 200 kids at our local schools in collaboration with their teachers and administrative staff and will continue to do so as long as there is still a need.
Teachers of Excellence Award
Because Hidalgo Lodge and Masonry as a whole regards teachers as the ultimate pillars of our community it has been part of our mission to honor dedicated teachers at our local schools with the distinguished Mirabeau B. Lamar Award of Excellence at an annual dinner hosted for them and their families.