Okay, let’s be honest. When you think “Shriners,” you might picture a bunch of guys in funny hats driving tiny cars in a parade. And yeah, we do that! (It’s a blast, by the way!) But there’s so much more to Shriners International than meets the eye. We’re a fraternity with a serious mission: helping kids.
At the heart of Shriners International is our network of incredible hospitals. These aren’t your average hospitals, folks. Shriners Hospitals for Children specialize in providing life-changing care to kids with orthopedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate, regardless of their families’ ability to pay.
Think about that for a second. We’re talking about kids getting the chance to walk, to play, to live full and happy lives, thanks to the amazing work of Shriners Hospitals. It’s enough to bring a tear to your eye (and trust me, I’ve seen it happen!).
But It’s Not All Serious Business…
Now, don’t get me wrong, we Shriners know how to have a good time. Whether it’s those parades I mentioned (who doesn’t love a tiny car?), throwing Christmas parties for kids, or just getting together with the guys for a night out, we believe in balancing our serious mission with a healthy dose of fun. It’s all about brotherhood, camaraderie, and making a difference in the world, all while enjoying the journey.
Speaking of Shriners, let me tell you a bit about my own temple, India Shriners in Oklahoma City. We’ve been around since 1893, and we’ve been serving the Oklahoma community ever since. We’re proud of our history, our commitment to helping kids, and the bonds of brotherhood we’ve forged over the years.
One of the things that makes India Shriners so special is the wide variety of Units and Clubs that we have. These groups provide a way for Shriners to connect with others who share their interests, whether it’s riding motorcycles, playing music, or just enjoying a good cigar.
Some of the Units we have in Oklahoma City include: (I may miss some I apologize)
- Okie Dokies
- WAFA
- Big Wheels
- Old Wheels
- Cruisers
- Legion of Honor
- Provost Guard
- Broncos
- Dune Buggies
- Misfits
And that’s just to name a few! We also have a number of clubs, like the India Oasis Cigar Club, which I’m proud to be a part of.
These Units and Clubs do more than just provide a social outlet for Shriners. They also play a vital role in fundraising for the India Shrine Temple. Without the Temple, we wouldn’t be able to transport those needy children and their families to get the life-changing care they deserve at Shriners Hospitals.
This year, 2025, the India Shrine Circus is celebrating its 80th anniversary! This iconic event is a major fundraiser for the Shriners Hospitals for Children, and it’s a blast to attend. You can find more information and purchase tickets on their website: https://indiashrinecircus.org
The India Shriners also host a number of other events throughout the year to raise money for their charitable causes. Some of the most popular include:
- The Annual East West Shrine Bowl: This is a premier all-star college football game that benefits Shriners Hospitals for Children. It’s a chance to see some of the best college football players in the nation while supporting a worthy cause. You can learn more about the East West Shrine Bowl at their website: https://shrinebowl.com/
- The Frozen Tassel Motorcycle Poker Run: This is an annual event hosted by India Shriners. It’s a fun motorcycle ride that raises money to support the operations of the India Shriners, including their charitable work and community outreach programs. March 1st, 2025
- The Texas Hold’em Tournament for a Good Cause: A fun evening of cards and camaraderie in support of Shriners Hospitals. February 22nd, 2025
These events are a great way to have fun, support a worthy cause, and connect with other Shriners.
Becoming a Shriner is easier than you might think. First, you need to be a Master Mason. (That’s where those Blue Lodge lessons come in handy!) Then, it’s just a matter of reaching out to your local Shrine temple and expressing your interest. We’ll guide you through the process, answer your questions, and welcome you into the fraternity.
Being a Shriner is about more than just wearing a fez and driving a tiny car (though those are definitely perks!). It’s about being part of something bigger than yourself, about making a real difference in the lives of children. It’s about brotherhood, service, and having a whole lot of fun along the way. You can say YOU made a difference every day, by being a Shriner.
So, if you’re a Master Mason looking for a fun way to give back, to be part of something truly special, I encourage you to consider joining the Shriners. You won’t regret it.
Here is a Petiton if your interesting in joining India Shriners
