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History The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Scholarship and Economic Development Foundation Organized Our forefathers have paved a way for those of us that would follow by purchasing land for future development. As years have passed with the land sitting vacant and observing the growth in the area and the need for an investment in our youth the vision began. As a result several individuals began to place projects on the easel board to accomplish this task. Several projects were considered but none became a reality. In 1996 funds by nine individuals were placed in an account in good faith that something would be done and John Ruffin presented a proposal that was not acted upon. How ever the idea laid dormant until The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Scholarship and Economic Development Foundation was organized. The Foundation’s premier purpose is to provide scholarships that will enable young students to achieve great academic, career, and professional heights and contribute to the progress of their communities. While The Prince Hall Grand Lodge is the parent organization, The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Scholarship and Economic Development Foundation has its own Board of Directors and is financially supported with contributions from the private sector. The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Scholarship and Economic Development Foundation was chartered with the Secretary of State on December 31, 2003. The Foundation operated in name only for 6 months. On May 27, 2004 the Foundation officially set up office with a Board of Directors and on April 20, 2005 a part time Executive Director came aboard. The specific purposes of The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Scholarship and Economic Development Foundation are as follows: 1) To provide financial and technical resources and assistance that shall enhance and increase sustained opportunities for educational, economic, technological and cultural advancement of the community. 2)To provide funds for a training facility that will provide educational and training programs for youth and adults developing their full potential for a global market place and provide scholarships for continuing education. 3) To provide scholarships that will enable disadvantaged youth an opportunity to achieve great academic, career, and professional heights and contribute to the progress of their communities. MULTIPURPOSE BUILDING PROJECT In April 2004, after receiving the approval of The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge A. F. & A.M. of Florida to lease the 4 acres of land located at 3506 Columbia Street to The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Scholarship and Economic Development Foundation a ground breaking ceremony was held. The Foundation received the support of both the City of Orlando and Orange County commissioners with their attendance at this event. Ground breaking shovels were sold to commemorate this occasion. The primary purpose of the Multipurpose Building is to provide a learning environment where education, communication and employability skills can be taught to members of the community. This will become a place where members of the community, youth and seniors alike can gather to share common concerns, participate in group discussions, and participate in special seminars and events. It is the vision of the Foundation that the Multipurpose Building will become the focal point of the community for activities while providing an educational and professional growth environment for all that desire to move to a higher level. In addition, the Multipurpose building will be a place for participation in special events such as: local and community events; Leadership enrichment workshops; Education Workshops; computer enrichment; GED classes; Culinary art classes; conferences; banquets; class reunions; wedding receptions; Professional and Industry Board Meetings; Civic organization meetings; Church services and various other Masonic related groups. The Multipurpose building will be able to accommodate up to 400 individuals at a time when complete. Once the construction of the 15,000 square foot multipurpose educational complex is completed. The complex will contain six meeting rooms, a technology resource center, an auditorium/cafeteria multi use area with a raised stage and a commercial kitchen. The technology resource center will focus on the latest communication technology available to serve the community and our members throughout the state. When not being used by the Masonic Family, the Multipurpose building will be made available to other organizations and to responsible business and civic groups. THE NATURE OF OUR WORK The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Scholarship and Economic Development Foundation is classified with the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) organization. Our Foundation solicits contributions and/or donations from the private sector to fund operational costs, special projects, scholarships, capital projects and services for Sunbeam/Trailmaster members and their Circles/Fortresses. The Foundation is also involved with other revenue generating sources to fund certain programs and services. The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Scholarship and Economic Development Foundation is also in the process of building its own Multipurpose building which will be owned and operated by the Foundation to be located in Orlando, Florida. |
P. O. Box 617128 Orlando, Fl 32861-7128 Phone: 407-721-4759 Fax: 407-889-9082 Email Foundation |