Since the inception of the Creating-A-Partnership (CAP) Program in 2003, Summit Lodge No. 263 has partnered with the Masonic Home of Missouri through CAP to make a difference in the lives of children in their community.
Over the years, one project has remained especially meaningful — a local school that the Lodge continues to return to year after year, proving that small acts of service, done consistently, can create lasting impact.
Seeing the Need
Lee’s Summit School District recognized a growing need among its students — access to eye exams and glasses. For some families, these services can be out of reach, and without proper vision care, students can struggle to read, focus in class, and keep up academically.
To help meet that need, the district partnered with Lee’s Summit Eyecare Associates. But when it came time to cover the cost of care, additional support was needed. That’s when the district turned to Summit Lodge.
In the early years, the school district worked with several community sponsors to fund the program. As those sponsors gradually stepped away, Summit Lodge remained — ensuring students would not lose access to the care they needed.
“We saw this as a wonderful way of doing Creating-A-Partnership,” WB Joe Alsman, Secretary and Masonic Home Rep of Summit Lodge, said.
Simple Process, Powerful Results
Through CAP, Summit Lodge contributes $43 whenever a student is identified as being in need. Each contribution is matched by the Masonic Home, bringing the total to $129 and fully covering the cost of an eye exam and a pair of glasses.
When a school nurse emails the Lodge about a student in need, the process is simple. Brother Joe fills out the CAP application, and before long, a student receives the eyecare they need to succeed in the classroom.
To make this ongoing effort possible, Summit Lodge encourages its members to contribute $11.35 as part of their dues to the Lodge’s charity fund. Many Brothers, including endowed members who are not required to pay dues, take part.
“Even if we reach that line item budget, I know I could say, ‘We need another $43,’ and everybody would,” Brother Joe said, reflecting the power of the Brotherhood in action.
Growing the Impact
What began as a single annual contribution has steadily grown over time. As the need increased, Summit Lodge expanded its support. Today, the Lodge often helps fund eye exams and glasses for multiple students each year, ensuring even more children receive the care they need.
“We’ve accomplished a lot just by getting to be part of this,” Brother Joe said. “We’re not doing charity for the recognition; we’re doing it for the child in need.”
Providing a student with proper vision care does more than improve eyesight – it opens doors.
“Knowing that a student is going to improve their eyesight and probably become a better student because of it – that means everything,” Joe said.
Being the Difference
Summit Lodge’s participation in CAP carries a powerful message for other Lodges and Chapters looking to get involved: start small and focus on real needs in your community.
“School districts are always a good place to start,” Brother Joe said. “Even a $43 donation can go a long way when it’s matched through CAP. You don’t need a big fundraiser to make a real difference.”
Over 20 years of consistent partnership with the Masonic Home through CAP, Summit Lodge has shown that lasting impact does not always begin with a large project – it begins with dedication, a willingness to serve, and the belief that small repeated efforts can transform lives.
