By Jeremy D. Wells
Carter County Times
The El Hasa Shriners have issued their year-end report for hospital fundraising in 2025, showing that the fraternal organization raised more than a quarter million dollars – a total of $268,240.06 – for the two Shriners Children’s Hospitals in our region. This included significant contributions from Shriner affiliated groups, like the Hillbilly Clan and Order of the Quetzalcoatl, and from Shriner sponsored events.
The Carter County Shrine Club contributed $15,000 to that total from their horse show and other events, with $10,000 going to Shriners Children’s Lexington, and $5,000 to Shriners Children’s Lexington. But that isn’t all the local club raised. Their paper sale raised an additional $5,700 for the hospitals, for a total contribution of $20,700 from Carter County, according to club treasurer Gary Justice.
Outgoing president of the Carter County Shrine Club, Harry Justice, noted how much these contributions meant to the families who benefit from the Shriners Hospitals, and how rewarding it is for the Shriners who work these fundraising events.
“I know to the kids that the Shrines help, it means a place they can go that they don’t need to be afraid, or worry about a burden to their family,” Justice explained. “They know that this is a place of people who want the best for them. And who love and care about them. The Shrines organization, it’s all about the children. And, from the parents’ side, I’ve talked to so many from where I work that come in here and mention their children have been helped by the Shriners. And it didn’t cost them a dime. They always mention how thankful they are.”
He said the community echoes that support when they contribute at fundraising events.
“I know when you collect money, like on paper sales, people say they love the Shriners. And they’re happy to donate to the Shriners, because of all the good work they do.”
Incoming 2026 President Donny Owens, Jr. noted that visiting the hospital, and seeing firsthand the work being done to help the children, is one of the more humbling things he’s experienced.
“It’s amazing, to see the things they do, and the difference they can make in these families’ lives,” Owens said.
Contact the writer at editor@cartercountytimes.com
