Submitted photo The Tygart Valley Scottish Rite Masons recently finished handing out donations from its 2025 fundraising campaign. Its most recent recipient was the Barbour County Heat and Hand Ministries and the Tucker County Family Resource Network. Each organization received $500 checks. Those taking part in the check distribution include, from left to right, Frank Hughes (32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason), Bob Arbogast (32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason, KCCH), Sandra Mason (Tucker County FRN), Beth Longo (Barbour County Heart and Hand Ministries), Jim Smith (33rd Degree Scottish Rite Mason), Tom Petrice (32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason) and Mark Phillips (32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason).

ELKINS — The Tygart Valley Scottish Rite Masons Club recently finished distributing its annual monetary donations that it hands out each year during the holiday season. The club works throughout the year to raise money to help support the speech and audiology departments for the Scottish Rite Care Foundation at the West Virginia University Children’s Hospital. 

   “This year the club was able to have another banner year thanks to the hard work of our members and the support of several local businesses that believe in our cause,” said TVSRM President Bob Arbogast. “The club is already in the process of finalizing our 2026 fundraiser event. So if you see the bright red canopies and the bright red shirts worn by the members, stop by and support this great organization and their continued efforts to support the kids.”

The organization also supports local charities in the area that help less fortunate children during the holidays. Each year the club raffles off prizes that are awarded during the Masons’ annual summer picnic.

The club’s annual donation to the Rite Care Foundation took place during the annual picnic over the summer. The early distribution was done because representatives from Rite Care Foundation took time out of their schedule to attend the picnic. The organization presented the visitors with a check for $2,000.

Back in September, the Tygart Valley Scottish Rite Masons enjoyed a pancake breakfast alongside members of the Fraternal Order of Police Seneca Trail Lodge No. 104. After the breakfast the Scottish Rite Masons presented a check for $1,500 to help with the FOP’s annual Christmas Party for children.

The final donations were made earlier this month when the Tygart Valley Scottish Rite Masons presented checks of $500 each to the Barbour County Heart and Hand Ministries and the Tucker County Family Resource Network to help with its backpack program for children.

Some of the prizes already lined up for next year’s fundraiser include a Milwaukee Tool Package, Blackstone Grill, and Custom Built Fire Pit. Masons will be set up selling tickets at various locations throughout the spring and summer. 

For more information about the Tygart Valley Scottish Rite Masons, call 304-642-3761 or visit the organization’s Facebook page.