Well tonight was the Shrine Circus Kick-off and it was an exciting evening with lots of good information. It is hard to believe that just 4 years ago we were trying to determine if continuing the circus as our fund raiser for Antioch was a viable solution. Our profits had dwindled down to the point were it seemed like everyone was making more money than us on the circus. So we decided to throw caution and "we've always done it that way" to the wind and try something new. A winter circus... it will never work. Moving from he last weekend of the month to the first weekend of the month will make no difference. We can't charge for things we've never charged for even if everyone else does. Three changes and what do you know a world of difference. This year our goal is 4 times what it was just four years ago. And as with all changes, some worked better than others, some where more painful on the membership than others, and some took more work than in the past; but overall they have been worth it. I once ask a brother who was really disappointed in his lodge and concerned they might not survive much longer when was the brotherhood and fellowship the best in his lodge. When he thought about it, the answer was surprising even to him. He answered the last time our lodge had some big financial problems, no officers and it looked like our building was going to fall down was one of the best times I can remember. We all banded together and worked hard to solve the problems to make sure we survived....it actually energized the lodge members. Often a tough time is just an opportunity waiting to be seized.
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